Bible Pathway - July 29, 2012

Highlights:

Caution against hasty vows; the vanity of riches; wisdom and goodness upheld; respect for rulers.

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool . . . Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools (Eccl. 7:5-6,9).

Even as Solomon considered life under the sun (Eccl. 1:3,9,14; 2:11,17-20,22) he gave wise counsel for any of us who consider life and its struggles. We need to reflect on what our goals will be and we need someone to give godly advice. In the multitude of counsellers there is safety (Prov. 11:14; 2:6). Many, as they look back over their lives, wish they had listened to the counsel of someone who had foresight. This is especially true in choosing goals that have lasting value.

Solomon did many frivolous things but he described them as vanity of vanities (1:2). Times of recreation in moderation are not condemned in the Scripture, but wasting our time is. We are instructed: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15-16).

Why do we get angry? Solomon wisely says be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry but he didn't stop there. He says anger is the way of the fool. That is, someone who exercises no self-control, but allows any kind of irritation to provoke him. The Spirit of the Lord directed Solomon to write the benefits of being slow to anger (Prov. 16:32).

Is it ever right to become angry? Often anger is stirred up when someone wrongs us, or when one feels another person disagrees for a wrong reason. When our anger or our pride is stirred up for personal reasons, we are sinning. We all need to use self-control. We should be angry at sin but not angry at the sinner. God says: Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath (Eph. 4:26).

The Preacher, Solomon, shared many lessons with us that he learned from his experience. As we consider that this Book looks at life under the sun, we realize that God wants us to understand that only searching for meaning in life from a human perspective will always end in futility. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition (I Cor. 10:11).

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5).

Thought for Today:

A search for wisdom without God ends in deception.

Christ Revealed:

As One who expects us to keep our vows made to Him (Eccl. 5:4). So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12).

Word Studies:

5:12 suffer, permit; 5:13 sore evil, great adversity or affliction; 5:14 evil travail, misfortunes; 6:3 an untimely birth, stillbirth or miscarriage; 7:2 lay, take; 7:12 excellency, advantage; 7:26 bands, chains.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Letha Hash • Government Official: Rep. Jeff Denham (CA) and Rep. Diana L. DeGette (CO) • Country: Netherlands (15.8 million) in northwestern Europe • Major language: Dutch • Religious freedom • 35% Catholic; 28% Protestant; 3% Muslim; 1% Hindu; .9% Buddhist; .1% Jewish; 2% Other; 30% Unaffiliated • Prayer Suggestion: Call to the Lord for help; He will save you out of your troubles (Ps. 34:17).

Optional Reading: Genesis 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:10