Ecclesiastes 7 and Ecclesiastes 7 and “Wisdom”“Wisdom”

By Tim BenchBy Tim Bench

1-23-20151-23-2015

““False Doctrines False Doctrines of Man”of Man”

Relevance of EcclesiastesRelevance of Ecclesiastes ““The book of Ecclesiastes, though deeply The book of Ecclesiastes, though deeply

embedded in the Old Testament scriptures and embedded in the Old Testament scriptures and an exceedingly ancient and curious document is, an exceedingly ancient and curious document is, in many important and striking respects, fresher in many important and striking respects, fresher and more up-to-date than tomorrow’s newspaper. and more up-to-date than tomorrow’s newspaper. Because its themes are age-lasting, its principles Because its themes are age-lasting, its principles unchanging and unchangeable, and its message unchanging and unchangeable, and its message to men as applicable and as true as when to men as applicable and as true as when originally penned, it speaks to our day with an originally penned, it speaks to our day with an urgency and directness entitling it the most urgency and directness entitling it the most serious consideration.”serious consideration.”

EcclesiastesEcclesiastes by Guy N. Woods, by Guy N. Woods, The Old Testament The Old Testament BooksBooks and their Messages in the Christian Ageand their Messages in the Christian Age, , Fort Worth Christian Lectureships, 1961, page Fort Worth Christian Lectureships, 1961, page 265.265.

The Power of EcclesiastesThe Power of Ecclesiastes

The message of Ecclesiastes is The message of Ecclesiastes is timeless, eternal, and unchanging. timeless, eternal, and unchanging.

It is one of the rare Old Testament It is one of the rare Old Testament books that appears in modern books that appears in modern literature as an object lesson in literature as an object lesson in secular literature. secular literature.

Specifically, Ecclesiastes Chapter Specifically, Ecclesiastes Chapter 4:9-12 is used in John Steinbeck’s 4:9-12 is used in John Steinbeck’s Grapes ofGrapes of WrathWrath….….

Grapes of WrathGrapes of Wrath, 1939, conversation , 1939, conversation between Ma Joad and son Tom, page between Ma Joad and son Tom, page

570.570. …”…”He spouted out some scripture once, an’ it didn’t sound like no He spouted out some scripture once, an’ it didn’t sound like no

hell-fire scripture. He tol’ it twicet, an’ I remember it. Says it’s hell-fire scripture. He tol’ it twicet, an’ I remember it. Says it’s from the Preacher.”from the Preacher.”

“ “How’s it go, Tom?”How’s it go, Tom?” “ “Goes, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good Goes, ‘Two are better than one, because they have a good

reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lif’ up his reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lif’ up his fellow, but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, for he hath fellow, but woe to him that is alone when he falleth, for he hath not another to help him up.’ That’s part of her.”not another to help him up.’ That’s part of her.”

“ “Go on,” Ma said. “Go on, Tom.”Go on,” Ma said. “Go on, Tom.” “ “Jus’ a little bit more. ‘Again, if two lie together, then they have Jus’ a little bit more. ‘Again, if two lie together, then they have

heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him, and a three-fold cord is not quickly him, two shall withstand him, and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken.’”broken.’”

“ “An’ that’s Scripture?”An’ that’s Scripture?” “ “Casy said it was. Called it the Preacher…”Casy said it was. Called it the Preacher…”

Why is Ecclesiastes so difficult Why is Ecclesiastes so difficult for modern-day Christians?for modern-day Christians?

““Qoheleth’s sayings are goads and more than Qoheleth’s sayings are goads and more than goads. They torment the spirit, harass the mind, goads. They torment the spirit, harass the mind, disturb the heart. They unsettle the complacent, disturb the heart. They unsettle the complacent, shock the orthodox, and trouble even the wise…shock the orthodox, and trouble even the wise…

Qoheleth has been labeled among other things: a Qoheleth has been labeled among other things: a skeptic, a pessimist, a hedonist, a materialist, skeptic, a pessimist, a hedonist, a materialist, and, in recent times, the earliest existentialist.and, in recent times, the earliest existentialist.

He is not any of these for the simple reason that He is not any of these for the simple reason that he is a man of faith. He believes in the reality of he is a man of faith. He believes in the reality of divine providence (3:11, 3:14-15, 8:17, 11:5), divine providence (3:11, 3:14-15, 8:17, 11:5), praises divine wisdom (7:12, 7:20, 9:13-18), and praises divine wisdom (7:12, 7:20, 9:13-18), and expects divine judgment (3:17, 11:9, 12:13-14).”expects divine judgment (3:17, 11:9, 12:13-14).”

EcclesiastesEcclesiastes edited by Peter Steese, “Critical edited by Peter Steese, “Critical Essays” by Peter F. Ellis, page 190. Essays” by Peter F. Ellis, page 190.

Leading up to Chapter 7Leading up to Chapter 7 The speaker in Ecclesiastes (“Koheleth”, or “Qoholeth”, The speaker in Ecclesiastes (“Koheleth”, or “Qoholeth”,

translated as “The Preacher”)translated as “The Preacher”)11 spends much of the first 6 spends much of the first 6 chapters of the book expressing man’s failures, faults, and chapters of the book expressing man’s failures, faults, and vanity (the term “all is vanity” appears 25 times within the vanity (the term “all is vanity” appears 25 times within the book). Qoholeth occurs nowhere else in the Bible except in book). Qoholeth occurs nowhere else in the Bible except in Ecclesiastes.Ecclesiastes.

““The title of the book in Hebrew, Qoholeth, is the word The title of the book in Hebrew, Qoholeth, is the word translated “Preacher” in chapter one, verse one….The translated “Preacher” in chapter one, verse one….The Greek word Ekklesiastes, which means “speaker of a called Greek word Ekklesiastes, which means “speaker of a called out assembly” is derived from the word ekklesia, which is out assembly” is derived from the word ekklesia, which is the New Testament word for “church.”the New Testament word for “church.”

Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study BibleHebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible, AMG , AMG International, 1984, page 833. International, 1984, page 833.

Chapter 7 begins a new section which focuses on true Chapter 7 begins a new section which focuses on true wisdom (7:12), more important than anything man typically wisdom (7:12), more important than anything man typically strives to acquire.strives to acquire.

1-The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, James Orr, General Editor, 1-The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, James Orr, General Editor, 1939, page 896. 1939, page 896.

Chapter 7Chapter 7

Now, Ecclesiastes focuses on what is Now, Ecclesiastes focuses on what is and should be truly important to a and should be truly important to a Christian…Christian…

Wisdom. Wisdom. Knowledge and application of that Knowledge and application of that

knowledge to help us discern good knowledge to help us discern good from evil, what is important and what from evil, what is important and what is not, what is Godly and what is of is not, what is Godly and what is of this world, what draws us to God v. this world, what draws us to God v. what fulfills our own carnal desires, what fulfills our own carnal desires, etc. etc.

Chapter 7 overviewChapter 7 overview 1..The value of a good name1..The value of a good name 2-5…The advantages of sorrows and correction.2-5…The advantages of sorrows and correction. 6…The emptiness of a fool’s joy.6…The emptiness of a fool’s joy. 7…Oppression.7…Oppression. 8…The ending better than the beginning.8…The ending better than the beginning. 9…Against hastiness of spirit.9…Against hastiness of spirit. 10…Comparison of former and present times.10…Comparison of former and present times. 11-12…Excellence of wisdom.11-12…Excellence of wisdom. 13-15…Dispensations of Providence.13-15…Dispensations of Providence. 16-18…Against extremes.16-18…Against extremes. 19…The strength of wisdom.19…The strength of wisdom. 20….Mankind is forever liable to sin.20….Mankind is forever liable to sin. 21-22…We should always carefully guard words that 21-22…We should always carefully guard words that

we use.we use. 23-25…Difficulty of obtaining wisdom.23-25…Difficulty of obtaining wisdom. 26…The dangers of a bad woman.26…The dangers of a bad woman. 27-29….The scarcity of those who are truly upright. 27-29….The scarcity of those who are truly upright.

Verse 1….the importance of a Verse 1….the importance of a good name. good name.

Riches and other material wants may come and Riches and other material wants may come and go, but the importance of a good name cannot be go, but the importance of a good name cannot be overstated (i.e. “better than precious ointment”). overstated (i.e. “better than precious ointment”). See also Proverbs 22:1.See also Proverbs 22:1.

A celebrated name, a good reputation, A celebrated name, a good reputation, respect/esteem of one’s acquaintances. respect/esteem of one’s acquaintances.

““That good name is compared to fragrant oil That good name is compared to fragrant oil which was very precious in the ancient world. which was very precious in the ancient world. Perfumed oil was profusely employed to Perfumed oil was profusely employed to overcome the odor of perspiration. It was overcome the odor of perspiration. It was considered a great luxury. Such oil was considered a great luxury. Such oil was abundantly dispensed at joyous occasions (see abundantly dispensed at joyous occasions (see Amos 6:6). A man’s most cherished ambition was Amos 6:6). A man’s most cherished ambition was to leave a good reputation, and hand down to to leave a good reputation, and hand down to future generations an honorable remembrance.”future generations an honorable remembrance.”

The Wisdom Literature and PsalmsThe Wisdom Literature and Psalms, James E. , James E. Smith, 1996, page 758. Smith, 1996, page 758.

A good name v. wealth?A good name v. wealth?

Wealth and riches may be left to Wealth and riches may be left to someone who is foolish someone who is foolish (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19). (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19).

Riches typically draw people Riches typically draw people away from God and towards their away from God and towards their own desires.own desires.

A good reputation/name finds A good reputation/name finds honor before both God and man, honor before both God and man, and benefits us even after death and benefits us even after death (such as with the “elders” of the (such as with the “elders” of the OT; see also Hebrews 11:2). OT; see also Hebrews 11:2).

““Better than…”Better than…” In verses 1-10, the term “better” (or In verses 1-10, the term “better” (or

“better than…”) appears 8 times.“better than…”) appears 8 times. The writer here uses the often-overlooked The writer here uses the often-overlooked

(or even neglected) aspects of life to (or even neglected) aspects of life to illustrate the temporal nature of that which illustrate the temporal nature of that which man often desires.man often desires.

For example, a good name is For example, a good name is betterbetter than than precious ointment (verse 1). The day of precious ointment (verse 1). The day of death is death is betterbetter than the day of one’s birth than the day of one’s birth (see also Revelation 2:10). A “house of (see also Revelation 2:10). A “house of mourning” is mourning” is betterbetter than a “house of than a “house of feasting” (verse 2). Sorrow is feasting” (verse 2). Sorrow is betterbetter than than laughter (Verse 3). The “rebuke of the laughter (Verse 3). The “rebuke of the wise” is wise” is betterbetter than the “song of fools”. The than the “song of fools”. The end is end is betterbetter than the beginning (verse 8). than the beginning (verse 8). The patient in spirit is The patient in spirit is betterbetter than the proud than the proud in spirit (verse 8). The “good old days” were in spirit (verse 8). The “good old days” were not not betterbetter than the here and now (verse than the here and now (verse 10). 10).

How is the day of one’s death How is the day of one’s death better than the day of one’s better than the day of one’s

birth?birth? The day of one’s birth is the The day of one’s birth is the

beginning of many sorrows to be beginning of many sorrows to be endured. Job even observed this and endured. Job even observed this and cursed the day of his own birth (see cursed the day of his own birth (see Job 14:1, Job 3:1-3). Jeremiah did Job 14:1, Job 3:1-3). Jeremiah did likewise (see Jeremiah 20:14-18).likewise (see Jeremiah 20:14-18).

For the righteous, the day of one’s For the righteous, the day of one’s death is the beginning of eternal bliss death is the beginning of eternal bliss and reward (see Isaiah 57:1-2, and reward (see Isaiah 57:1-2, Philippians 1:21-22, Revelation Philippians 1:21-22, Revelation 14:13).14:13).

How is attending a “house of How is attending a “house of mourning” (i.e. a funeral) better than a mourning” (i.e. a funeral) better than a

party?party? All of us will ultimately face death All of us will ultimately face death

and judgment day. We cannot escape and judgment day. We cannot escape (or even delay) this inevitability. We (or even delay) this inevitability. We will all die and face the afterlife, will all die and face the afterlife, prepared or not (see Hebrews 9:27).prepared or not (see Hebrews 9:27).

A party typically focuses on fun, A party typically focuses on fun, frivolity, and satisfying one's physical frivolity, and satisfying one's physical wants. A funeral reminds us of the wants. A funeral reminds us of the brevity of life and the importance of brevity of life and the importance of preparing for that day. preparing for that day.

How is sorrow better than How is sorrow better than laughter?laughter?

Laughter has its place…it Laughter has its place…it provides a temporal reprieve provides a temporal reprieve from the burdens of life. Sorrow, from the burdens of life. Sorrow, however, is superior in making however, is superior in making the heart of man better in the the heart of man better in the eyes of God (see Hebrews eyes of God (see Hebrews 12:11).12:11).

Sorrow at a funeral can force us Sorrow at a funeral can force us to analyze our own hearts, to analyze our own hearts, actions, and commitment to God actions, and commitment to God and make appropriate changes. and make appropriate changes.

How is the “rebuke of the How is the “rebuke of the wise” better than the “song of wise” better than the “song of

fools”?fools”? ““A wise man loves those A wise man loves those

occasions from which he can occasions from which he can derive spiritual advantage…But derive spiritual advantage…But the fool-the gay, thoughtless, the fool-the gay, thoughtless, and giddy-prefers places and and giddy-prefers places and times of diversion and times of diversion and amusement. Here he is amusement. Here he is prevented from seriously prevented from seriously considering either himself or his considering either himself or his latter end.”latter end.”

Clarke’s CommentaryClarke’s Commentary, Volume 3 by , Volume 3 by Adam Clarke, page 824. Adam Clarke, page 824.

How is patience better than How is patience better than pride?pride?

Pride is an evil of man and is not of this Pride is an evil of man and is not of this world (see Mark 7:21-23, 1 John 2:16).world (see Mark 7:21-23, 1 John 2:16).

Patience, on the other hand, is a virtue to Patience, on the other hand, is a virtue to be pursued by the followers of God (see 1 be pursued by the followers of God (see 1 Timothy 6:11, Titus 2:2).Timothy 6:11, Titus 2:2).

Pride leads to contention and destruction Pride leads to contention and destruction (Proverbs 13:10, 16:18).(Proverbs 13:10, 16:18).

Pride often leads to anger which resides in Pride often leads to anger which resides in the hearts of the foolish.the hearts of the foolish.

Patience is indicative of wisdom and is Patience is indicative of wisdom and is necessary to salvation (see Proverbs necessary to salvation (see Proverbs 14:29, Romans 2:7, Hebrews 10:36). 14:29, Romans 2:7, Hebrews 10:36).

Were bygone days better than Were bygone days better than the current day?the current day?

People often reminisce in this way, People often reminisce in this way, forgetting g the times of suffering and forgetting g the times of suffering and loss, while focusing on the good.loss, while focusing on the good.

Even while experiencing trials in the Even while experiencing trials in the present, we need to constantly remind present, we need to constantly remind ourselves that correction by God is proof ourselves that correction by God is proof of God’s love for us. It is unavoidable and of God’s love for us. It is unavoidable and makes us stronger Christians.makes us stronger Christians.

Dwelling on the past might cause us to Dwelling on the past might cause us to miss opportunities to do good in the miss opportunities to do good in the present. present.

How can wisdom possibly be How can wisdom possibly be more important than wealth?more important than wealth?

Money can serve as a defense in life Money can serve as a defense in life (Ecclesiastes 7:12 and Proverbs 10:15) and (Ecclesiastes 7:12 and Proverbs 10:15) and will also attract many friends (see Proverbs will also attract many friends (see Proverbs 14:20).14:20).

However, riches and wealth do not profit a However, riches and wealth do not profit a man one iota on the day of wrath (Proverbs man one iota on the day of wrath (Proverbs 11:4). 11:4).

Wisdom helps a man/woman to use their Wisdom helps a man/woman to use their wealth appropriately, not for their own wealth appropriately, not for their own enjoyment. enjoyment.

““Knowledge without wisdom is life without Knowledge without wisdom is life without meaning. There is no advantage without meaning. There is no advantage without wisdom.”wisdom.”

EcclesiastesEcclesiastes, by Dayton Keesee, Sunset School of , by Dayton Keesee, Sunset School of Preaching, 1968, page 14. Preaching, 1968, page 14.

How can wisdom possibly be How can wisdom possibly be more important than wealth?more important than wealth?

““In exploring the values of life In exploring the values of life Koheleth seeks after wisdom-but this Koheleth seeks after wisdom-but this seems to increase sorrow (1:12-18). seems to increase sorrow (1:12-18). Looking for satisfaction in a varied Looking for satisfaction in a varied and balanced life he continues his and balanced life he continues his quest. As a cultured man he seeks to quest. As a cultured man he seeks to blend pleasure, laughter, the blend pleasure, laughter, the enjoyment of gardens, mansions, enjoyment of gardens, mansions, wine, and music into one harmonious wine, and music into one harmonious pattern of living, but this also is futile pattern of living, but this also is futile (2:1-11)”(2:1-11)”

The Old Testament SpeaksThe Old Testament Speaks by Samuel Schultz, 1960, page by Samuel Schultz, 1960, page 293.293.

Solomon’s misguided pursuit of Solomon’s misguided pursuit of wisdomwisdom

““He vainly expected to find He vainly expected to find happiness in knowledge itself apart happiness in knowledge itself apart from its use as a means to conduct from its use as a means to conduct one to the source of all knowledge one to the source of all knowledge and wisdom. He imbibed deeply of and wisdom. He imbibed deeply of the fountains of science without the fountains of science without following their course to their head. following their course to their head.

He knew much about the works of He knew much about the works of God, but forgot God himself…”God, but forgot God himself…”22

2-Ecclesiastes2-Ecclesiastes by Guy N. Woods, Fort Worth Christian Lectureship, 1961, by Guy N. Woods, Fort Worth Christian Lectureship, 1961,

page 269.page 269.

Resignation v. indignationResignation v. indignation

God has his purposes, which God has his purposes, which we cannot change or we cannot change or understand (see Isaiah 43:13, understand (see Isaiah 43:13, Daniel 4:35, Ecclesiastes Daniel 4:35, Ecclesiastes 7:13).7:13).

God’s ultimate purposes will God’s ultimate purposes will provide for each of us days of provide for each of us days of prosperity, as well as days of prosperity, as well as days of adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:14). adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:14).

Ecclesiastes 7:26 and his Ecclesiastes 7:26 and his warning about the “woman”warning about the “woman”

This verse expresses the writer’s woes This verse expresses the writer’s woes regarding the “woman” who is “more bitter regarding the “woman” who is “more bitter than death”. than death”.

The Preacher states that her heart is The Preacher states that her heart is “snares and nets” and that “the sinner shall “snares and nets” and that “the sinner shall be taken by her”. be taken by her”.

Verses 26-28 seem to strongly suggest that Verses 26-28 seem to strongly suggest that the Preacher himself has fallen victim to the Preacher himself has fallen victim to this temptation, and he thus issues this this temptation, and he thus issues this warning based on experience. warning based on experience.

Similar warnings about “evil women” can be Similar warnings about “evil women” can be found in Proverbs 5:3-5, Proverbs 7:26-27, found in Proverbs 5:3-5, Proverbs 7:26-27, Proverbs 22:14, etc. Proverbs 22:14, etc.

Ecclesiastes 7:26 and his Ecclesiastes 7:26 and his warning about the “woman”warning about the “woman”

This is NOT a generalized statement This is NOT a generalized statement regarding ALL women….regarding ALL women….

““The reference here is not to women The reference here is not to women in general nor is it to a particular in general nor is it to a particular woman, but to “the woman”. The woman, but to “the woman”. The verse echoes the language of the verse echoes the language of the temptress described in detail in temptress described in detail in Proverbs 1-9…Throughout the rest of Proverbs 1-9…Throughout the rest of Ecclesiastes, there is no attack on an Ecclesiastes, there is no attack on an individual woman.”individual woman.”

The College Press NIV Commentary: The College Press NIV Commentary: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of SongsProverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs by Dave L. Bland, 2002, page 360. by Dave L. Bland, 2002, page 360.

Ecclesiastes 7:26 and his Ecclesiastes 7:26 and his warning about the “woman”warning about the “woman”

Searching for a good man, The Preacher Searching for a good man, The Preacher was able to find only one in a thousand (as was able to find only one in a thousand (as per 7:27-28).per 7:27-28).

A good woman was even more rare…he A good woman was even more rare…he was able to find was able to find nonenone in a sample of a in a sample of a thousand (7:28). King Lemuel likewise thousand (7:28). King Lemuel likewise believed that a good woman was hard to believed that a good woman was hard to find (see Proverbs 31:10).find (see Proverbs 31:10).

Some suggest that this may have been Some suggest that this may have been indicative of poor experiences with his 700 indicative of poor experiences with his 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:1-wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:1-3).3).33

3-www.executableoutlines.com/ec/ec_07.htm3-www.executableoutlines.com/ec/ec_07.htm

What did “The Preacher” try to What did “The Preacher” try to fill the void inside himself with?fill the void inside himself with? Science (Ecclesiastes 1:4-11).Science (Ecclesiastes 1:4-11). Philosophy (1:12-18).Philosophy (1:12-18). Pleasure (2:1-11), specifically mirth (verse 1), Pleasure (2:1-11), specifically mirth (verse 1),

drinking (verse 3), building (verse 4), wealth drinking (verse 3), building (verse 4), wealth (verses 5-7), music (verse 8).(verses 5-7), music (verse 8).

Fatalism (3:1-15).Fatalism (3:1-15). Wealth (5:9-6:12).Wealth (5:9-6:12). ““All proved empty and fruitless. All proved empty and fruitless. Solomon’s conclusion was that we must know and Solomon’s conclusion was that we must know and

serve God. “Fear God and keep his serve God. “Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of commandments for this is the whole duty of man.””man.””

DeHoff’s Bible HandbookDeHoff’s Bible Handbook by George DeHoff, 1964, page by George DeHoff, 1964, page 127.127.

Conclusions from Chapter 7Conclusions from Chapter 7

Honor is preferable to luxury.Honor is preferable to luxury. Your day of death is better than your Your day of death is better than your

birthday.birthday. A funeral is better than a party.A funeral is better than a party. The end is better than the beginning.The end is better than the beginning. Patience is better than pride.Patience is better than pride. The present is better than the past.The present is better than the past. Wisdom is better than wealth.Wisdom is better than wealth. Resignation is better than indignation.Resignation is better than indignation.

The PreacherThe Preacher

We need to keep in mind that the We need to keep in mind that the advice offered throughout Chapter 7 advice offered throughout Chapter 7 is from a man who has experienced is from a man who has experienced everythingeverything that life has to offer…. that life has to offer….and and has still found it to be hollow and has still found it to be hollow and meaninglessmeaningless. In short, “life under the . In short, “life under the sun” (which appears 28 times in sun” (which appears 28 times in book)book)44 was lacking. was lacking.

Wisdom and inspiration allow us to Wisdom and inspiration allow us to focus on the one and only meaning to focus on the one and only meaning to our lives, our reason for our very our lives, our reason for our very existence…..and that is to serve God existence…..and that is to serve God completely.completely.

4-DeHoff commentary.4-DeHoff commentary.