Eccl 9:13-18
SS Lesson for 10/09/2011
Devotional Scripture: Ps 33:13-22
The outline of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. It reviews the Value of True Wisdom. The study's aim is to emphasize the pursuit of wisdom above physical strength and values. The study's application is to show that in matters of daily life, it is always better to have wisdom than all the physical resources on can attain.
Full, Yet Empty
Shel Silverstein (1930-1999) was a popular author of stories and poems geared toward children. But much of Silverstein’s writing also conveyed meaningful messages to adults. In his poem entitled “Never,” Silverstein pictures someone recounting all the various heroic acts that he has never accomplished in life. In the last two lines of the poem, the would-be hero laments his depression about all the things he hasn’t done. The book of Ecclesiastes pictures an individual (most likely Solomon) who was able to do and have virtually anything he wanted. Yet, unlike Silverstein’s imaginary character, Solomon became depressed and frustrated over what he could do and have. All of his many achievements and possessions left him empty and miserable. No matter what new direction he took in his efforts to find meaning in his life, he returned to the same tired refrain of “This too is meaningless.”
Lesson Background
Like the book of Proverbs, from which the previous five lessons in this quarter are drawn, the book of Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. It is the fourth in the group of what is often called the Old Testament’s Books of Poetry (that is, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs). While the author of Ecclesiastes is not specifically named, traditionally it is believed to be Solomon. This is because of the phrases “son of David” and “king in Jerusalem” that are found in Ecclesiastes 1:1. In addition, the person’s intense interest in wisdom (1:13-18; 2:12-16; 7:1-8:1; 8:16, 17; 9:13-18) along with his ability to obtain most anything he wanted (2:1-11) fit well with both Solomon’s renowned wisdom and his abundant wealth. The title Ecclesiastes comes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament known as the Septuagint. The Hebrew title is rendered in English letters as Koheleth (sometimes spelled Qoheleth), which comes from a verb meaning “to call.” The Greek title includes the word ekklesia, which is the primary word translated as “church” in the New Testament. That word means “called out ones.” Thus the terms Koheleth and Ecclesiastes describe “one who calls out”; this results in the common English translation of “the Teacher” in Ecclesiastes 1:1. As you read Ecclesiastes, try not to think of Solomon as the wise and dignified king whose wisdom drew audiences and acclaim from throughout the world of his time (1 Kings 10:23-25). Rather, think of Solomon as divesting himself of all the trappings of royalty and addressing us simply as a fellow human being trying to make sense of a puzzle called life. Think of Ecclesiastes as this man’s spiritual journal, recording his quest for clarity and meaning. And think of his quest as being answered, ultimately and decisively, in the one who declared himself to be “greater than Solomon” (Matthew 12:42)—the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wisdom often goes unrewarded. History abounds with examples of unheeded advice resulting in disaster. Because the Israelites listened to the defeatist report of ten spies sent into Canaan and spurned the godly counsel of Caleb and Joshua, they died in the wilderness (Num. 13-14). Because Rehoboam rejected the advice of older men and heeded that of his peers, he lost most of his kingdom (I Kings 12). Because Ahab rejected the Lord's word through Micaiah, he died in battle (I Kings 22). Later, the kings of Judah also on occasion were guilty of this folly. For example, Jehoiada the priest, who led the revolt against Athaliah in Judah and guided Joash in his reign, eventually died. After his death, Joash not only departed from his wise counsel but also murdered Jehoiada's son Zechariah when he dared to rebuke him (II Chron. 24). Examples of forgotten wisdom and heroism in secular history are almost endless. Wisdom is usually not popular, even when it is proposed against superficial solutions that do not work. Though its utility is recognized in extraordinary times, it soon falls out of favor, and people again resort to shallow panaceas to solve their problems. If you were given the opportunity to choose between physical strength and great wisdom, which would you choose? Those who love the ways of the world might well choose physical strength. One only has to look at the beauty industry to realize how much value the world places on externals. Solomon had everything in this world at his disposal, but he had to make a choice. As we study this lesson, we will have to make a choice as well. Scripture teaches us that wisdom is the superior choice and will lead us aright. Now at the very end of his life, Solomon was qualified to see things clearly. After he had tried everything, he looked back and saw the surpassing value of wisdom. He learned that life is meaningless without God, but that when you have God, you have wisdom.
(Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV)
13 This wisdom I have also seen under the sun, and it seemed great to me:
14 There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it.
15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man.
14 Sheba passed through all the tribes of Israel to Abel Beth Maacah and through the entire region of the Berites, who gathered together and followed him. 15 All the troops with Joab came and besieged Sheba in Abel Beth Maacah. They built a siege ramp up to the city, and it stood against the outer fortifications. While they were battering the wall to bring it down, 16 a wise woman called from the city, "Listen! Listen! Tell Joab to come here so I can speak to him." 17 He went toward her, and she asked, "Are you Joab?" "I am," he answered. She said, "Listen to what your servant has to say." "I'm listening," he said. 18 She continued, "Long ago they used to say, 'Get your answer at Abel,' and that settled it. 19 We are the peaceful and faithful in Israel. You are trying to destroy a city that is a mother in Israel. Why do you want to swallow up the Lord's inheritance?" 20 "Far be it from me!" Joab replied, "Far be it from me to swallow up or destroy! 21 That is not the case. A man named Sheba son of Bicri, from the hill country of Ephraim, has lifted up his hand against the king, against David. Hand over this one man, and I'll withdraw from the city." The woman said to Joab, "His head will be thrown to you from the wall." 22 Then the woman went to all the people with her wise advice, and they cut off the head of Sheba son of Bicri and threw it to Joab. So he sounded the trumpet, and his men dispersed from the city, each returning to his home. And Joab went back to the king in Jerusalem.
20 In famine he will ransom you from death, and in battle from the stroke of the sword. 21 You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes. 22 You will laugh at destruction and famine, and need not fear the beasts of the earth.
2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
46 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
6 "Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. 7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
17 "Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you. Do not be terrified by them, or I will terrify you before them. 18 Today I have made you a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall to stand against the whole land — against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests and the people of the land. 19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord.
7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge's seat, his wife sent him this message: "Don't have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him."
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
16 Then I said: "Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, And his words are not heard.
17 Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good."
6 The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a false hope for victory; Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
5 A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength;
19 Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power.
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles! 3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.
21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
26 Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things — and the things that are not — to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.
16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.
23 A wise man's heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.
12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.
9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.
14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
4 You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
31 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
The title of today’s study is “Valuing True Wisdom.” How do we measure wisdom? What criteria should we use to determine its value or worth? It is interesting to consider how wise Solomon was (assuming he is the author of Ecclesiastes) as a result of God’s gracious gift to him (1 Kings 3:5-14), yet wrestling with the real value of this gift. In today’s text we have seen Solomon regret the fact that wisdom, in spite of its positive contributions (even saving a city from destruction), is in some cases forgotten and “despised.” And yet, Solomon is not ready to cast aside wisdom totally. It is “better than strength” (Ecclesiastes 9:16). It is “better than weapons of war” (9:18), in spite of the fact that its fruits can be negated so easily by a small amount of folly. Wisdom—God’s wisdom—is the right way, the true way. The rightness and the truth of that way are not affected in the least by how others respond to it or by whether its impact is forgotten the next day by the general public. Because wisdom’s ultimate source is God, it is his response that ultimately matters; and it is abundantly clear from Scripture that he does not and will not forget the person who has made wisdom the pattern for life. This is the ultimate conclusion reached by Solomon (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14). That is why it is so important to read Ecclesiastes all the way through to the very end, where Solomon states the conclusion of his search for life’s meaning.
In the text, the preacher advises us to seek wisdom but warns that we may suffer as a result. The preacher's reflections here were based on his observations in the surrounding verses. He observed a king besieging a small, helpless city. Although are not given exact details, the city was somehow saved by a destitute but man. However, after the city was saved, the people forgot about the great service of the poor man. From this the preacher concluded that while you should choose wisdom, people may in fact ignore your wisdom if you are poor. It is worth noting that some scholars believe the Hebrew should be read slightly differently. According to this interpretation, Ecclesiastes 9:15 says at the poor man would have saved the city, but the people did not seek out counsel. If this reading is correct, the king destroyed the city. Either way, whether the poor man's wisdom was forgotten after he saved the city or the city was captured because his advise was ignored—the message is the same. The wisdom of the poor man does not receive respect as it should. The preacher's observations here correspond to his conclusions throughout the book. As a whole, the book of Ecclesiastes is a reflection on the teaching of traditional wisdom, particularly the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. Proverbs teaches that, generally, the wise and the righteous will live prosperous lives while the wicked will suffer. The author of Ecclesiastes ultimately concluded that while this is generally true, are also many important exceptions and qualifications. He opposed an interpretation of the teaching of wisdom that fails to recognize these exceptions. One way Ecclesiastes expresses this is through a literary pattern seen in several parts of the book. The author gives a proverb in which the first line expresses a truth that is common to traditional wisdom, while the second line expresses an important qualification of that truth. For example, Ecclesiastes 7:1 reminds us in its first line that a good name is something to be prized more than material possessions. This echoes the teaching of Proverbs (cf. 22:1). But the second line reminds us that a good reputation is truly secure only after one's death, when one is no longer around to experience the benefits. Verse 16 follows the same pattern. The first line reminds us that "wisdom is better than strength." This is a truth that we find expressed throughout the book of Proverbs. There we are told that wisdom is better than jewels or precious metals (8:11; 16:16). But the second line of the text qualifies this observation. While wisdom has many benefits in life, we should not be surprised if we do not find honor and respect as a result of our wisdom. In fact, Jesus was the ultimate exception to general principles of wisdom. Jesus, like the poor man in this proverb, was not received because of His wisdom but rejected and killed. In the New Testament it is clearly emphasized that we suffer for seeking wisdom. Yet we press on, knowing that the sufferings of the present cannot be compared with the glory to come (cf. Rom. 8:18).
1. Wisdom is not a product of wealth or authority (Eccles. 9:13-15)
2. Even if it were pitted against the full might of the world, wisdom should not be underestimated
3. Many people will reject treasure because they do not respect its source (vs. 16)
4. It is the responsibility of each person to prize unassuming wisdom over grandiose foolishness (vs. 17)
5. The case remains the same today: No gun or missile is to be prized above wisdom (vs. 18)
6. An ounce of sin can undermine a pound of good
The book of Ecclesiastes, which means "the preacher," or "the teacher," was written by King Solomon. Most scholars believe it was written near the end of his life. Solomon had succeeded David as king of Israel and had begun his reign as a follower of the Lord and a wise leader of his people. However, he turned from the Lord and even adopted the idols of his many wives. As a result, Solomon had experienced the futility of a life lived apart from God. When the king repented, he wrote Ecclesiastes as a reflection upon a futile life apart from God. While the book is often seen as very pessimistic, it accurately depicts the meaninglessness of life without God. Everything a person pursues in life will leave him empty and dissatisfied if he does not know his Creator.
Solomon was a wise man and a keen observer. From his observations, he drew many conclusions and lessons. One of the things that greatly impressed Solomon was something he observed with regard to wisdom. Solomon's observation is relayed through a story, or parable. He described a small city besieged by a great king and his army. There seemed little hope for the city's survival, for the few men within the city were no match for the mighty army that was about to breach the city's walls. Inside the city, however, was a "poor wise man" (Eccles. 9:15), who "by his wisdom delivered the city." What wise plan the man offered that saved the city is not explained, and it is not important. The point Solomon made is that while the city was saved because of the poor wise man, in the end nobody remembered him. Either someone else took credit for the deliverance, or in their elation the people neglected to thank or honor the one who delivered them.
From this example, Solomon drew several thoughts. First, "wisdom is better than strength." However, wisdom is not treated as better than strength. Indeed, wisdom is despised. People still revere strength and even after deliverance through wisdom are not inclined to seek the advice of the wise man. The quiet words of the wise person should be heard and followed more than the loud shouts of a ruler of fools, but this is not what happens. Fools do not learn from their experience. They still elevate themselves over God and the wisdom He has given to humble people. Solomon reiterated the superiority of wisdom, saying, "Wisdom is better than weapons of war" (Eccles. 9:18). Yet he also noted that one sinful, foolish person can destroy much good. A city can be saved by the humble wisdom of a lovely person, but one foolish, proud sinner can undo all the good the wise person's counsel has brought. What is Solomon's point? He is simply relating his sad observation that in this world, wisdom is not often rewarded. In fact, it is usually despised, to the shame and detriment of those who despise it. Only those who know God appreciate the wisdom He gives to live in a way that pleases Him. Let us not grow weary of following His wisdom, even though it is rejected by the world.