Ecclesiastes Lesson Twelve

Ecclesiastes Lesson Twelve: Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 – Wise Sayings

A good name is better than fine perfume, 

and the day of one’s death than the day of one’s birth. 

² It is better to go to a house of mourning 

than to go to a house of feasting, 

since that is the end of all mankind, 

and the living should take it to heart. 

³ Grief is better than laughter, 

for when a face is sad, a heart may be glad. 

⁴ The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, 

but the heart of fools is in a house of pleasure. 

⁵ It is better to listen to rebuke from a wise person 

than to listen to the song of fools, 

⁶ for like the crackling of burning thorns under the pot, 

so is the laughter of the fool. 

This too is futile. 

⁷ Surely, the practice of extortion turns a wise person into a fool, 

and a bribe destroys the mind. 

⁸ The end of a matter is better than its beginning; 

a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit. 

⁹ Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, 

for anger abides in the heart of fools. 

¹⁰ Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” 

since it is not wise of you to ask this. 

¹¹ Wisdom is as good as an inheritance 

and an advantage to those who see the sun, 

¹² because wisdom is protection as money is protection, 

and the advantage of knowledge 

is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. 

¹³ Consider the work of God, 

for who can straighten out 

what He has made crooked? 

¹⁴ In the day of prosperity be joyful,  but in the day of adversity, consider: God has made the one as well as the other,  so that man cannot discover anything that will come after him. (HCSB)

The first part of chapter seven reads very much like it came from Proverbs. Although verses 1-14 could be read as one theme. It makes more sense to split it into two.

• Wisdom can make life better – verses 1-11.
• Wisdom helps us see life clearly – verses 12-14.

Wisdom Can Make Life Better

Verse 1

• On the surface, these verse appears quite confusing. What did the writer mean by these two contrasts?
• Both a good name and perfume were highly regarded in Jewish culture.
  • Proverbs 10:7 The remembrance of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.
  • Psalm 45:7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy more than your companions. 
• Here, the writer contrasts outer appearance and inward values to make his point.
• The writer also wasn’t saying death was better than birth because a person can’t die unless they were born. 
• There are two significant days when a person’s name is known: the day they are born/named and the day they die.
  • The life lived between those two events determines whether the name leaves behind a lovely fragrance or a foul stench.
  • If a person dies with a good name, their reputation is sealed.
  • In this case, death is better than birth, as the person’s reputation is settled.
• This same concept can be applied to a person with a bad reputation. Once they die, they can no longer do harm or cause hurt.

Verses 2-4

• These verses make a simple point: there is much to be gained by sober reflection on death.
• When we realize we’ll all meet the same end, a wise person will turn from foolishness.
  • Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts.
• We should learn from death but not be preoccupied with it. This could result in a person not taking life as seriously as they should.
• As the writer transitions from the house of mourning to grief and laughter in verse three, let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind the word “laughter.” The Hebrew word can take two directions.
  • One is happy laughter, taking the word at face value.
  • The second is more subtle. It can mean derision or scorn.
• The idea of grief and mourning being better than laughter and pleasure is simple yet deep.
  • The writer here is likely referring to circumstances that are temporal in nature.
  • Temporal happiness can divert our attention and focus away from God to things of the world.
  • When we experience temporal grief or trials, it brings us back to focusing on God and depending on Him for everything.
  • Temporal sadness is good when it causes us to turn our heart and mind back to God.
    • 2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. ¹⁰ For godly grief produces a repentance not to be regretted and leading to salvation, but worldly grief produces death.

Verses 5-6

• Hearing rebuke is better than hearing praise.
• I’m sure we’ve all been in situations where all we hear is praise, how good we are, or how well we’ve done something.
  • I’ve been in that situation several different times. Although we all like to hear we’ve done something well, it’s also helpful when we’re told how we’ve fallen short.
  • Although no one likes a rebuke, which is a strong word, we’ll never grow or learn if we aren’t told when we mess up.
  • This is especially true when the correction comes from someone who is wise or has experience in general or the specific situation where we may have made a mistake.
  • Praise often comes from those who lack wisdom or experience. Or, they may be trying to curry favor, especially if they are below the person they are praising.
• The writer is also using two similes in these verses.
  • A foolish person is worthless, like thorns.
  • A foolish person is always in danger of facing judgment, burning under a pot.

Verse 7

• The basis for the idea that extortion turns a person into a fool is found in many ancient Near East wisdom literature. 
• Those in positions of political power should avoid corrupt activities.
• However, as we look around the world today, it’s very common to see people in positions of power using their positions to accept bribes or conduct “under the table” deals to benefit themselves and their supporters.
• The widespread corruption in politics makes it difficult not to have a cynical view toward those in office, and it’s easy to believe everyone who holds office is tainted somehow.
• Bribery undercuts wisdom because it corrupts the heart.

Verses 8-9

• The theme in these two verses is to consider life as a long-distance event and not a sprint or trying to take shortcuts to make things easier.
• The shortcuts and bribes were talked about in the previous verse.
• Hard work and taking the narrow path is the correct way to live one’s life.
• Too often in today’s world, people look for the quickest solution, which, almost invariably, is not a solution but a trap that leads us astray.
• A follower of Christ needs to be patient.
  • Philippians 1:6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
  • Hebrews 12:1b-2 Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, ² keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
  • Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.
• There’s also a warning in verse nine.
  • We need to control how we respond to situations, especially those which upset us. This also includes situations where “righteous anger” is appropriate.
  • Often, we can jump to conclusions before we know the full story.
  • How often can that lead to damaged relationships because of a simple misunderstanding?
    • Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks too soon? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
    • Proverbs 19:3 A man’s own foolishness leads him astray, yet his heart rages against the Lord.
    • Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent certainly lead to profit, but anyone who is reckless certainly becomes poor.
    • Acts 19:36 Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash. 

Verse 10

• This verse also contains a warning.
• When things get difficult, we often lack the patience to get through the situation, and instead, we yearn for the “good old days” because we think they were better.
• A prime example is the Exodus from Egypt.
  • God was leading His people into the promised land.
  • However, every time things got tough, the people would cry out for the “good old days” of living in bondage.
• Looking back on past events is vital to gain a true perspective of things. The Bible even commands us to do that.
  • Isaiah 46:8-9 Remember this and be brave; take it to heart, you transgressors! ⁹ Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like Me.
  • Psalm 42:4 I remember this as I pour out my heart: how I walked with many, leading the festive procession to the house of God, with joyful and thankful shouts.
• We are not to dwell on the past or cause it to skew our decision-making in the present.
• The only time to dwell on past blessings is when we give thanks to God or as a reminder of how He has been faithful to us.
• However, if we spend too much time reflecting on past blessings, we can miss out on what God is doing around us and trying to do through us in the present.

Verses 11-12

• What is better, wisdom or wealth?
• A sign of maturity is the ability to put life into perspective and not get out of balance.
• Godly wisdom is more valuable than wealth.
  • Money can lose its value, be stolen, or be spent foolishly.
  • Wisdom keeps its value and can’t be lost unless we become foolish and throw our wisdom away or ignore it.
• A person who has wealth but lacks wisdom will often waste their wealth.
• A person who has wisdom will know how to acquire and use wealth.
• Wisdom can help us navigate the difficult time, regardless of our financial situation.

Verses 13-14

• The point here is that God is in control of all things; His will can’t be resisted or changed.
• God brings both prosperity and times of testing.
• When we are experiencing good times, we should enjoy the prosperity.
• When we are being tested, we should understand and accept that this is also from God.
• We don’t know what tomorrow will bring; it could be wealth or a season of testing.
• Regardless, we can accept that God is in control.
  • Lamentations 3:38 Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?
  • Philippians 4:12-13 I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.
• We would do well to remember Paul’s words above. Paul was content regardless of his circumstances. And we also must correctly understand verse thirteen. It doesn’t mean we can do anything we want. It does mean we can endure whatever circumstances we find ourselves in when we are walking in obedience to God.

Applications.

• As we consider applications to this passage, I want us to consider the world today in contrast to this passage. We live in a very materialistic and self-centered world, and this passage screams disagreement with what the world says we should pursue. Often, the world’s pressures leave us looking for a way out, a way to escape what the world says is right. Against this backdrop, I want us to consider the following applications.
• Don’t live for temporal worldly recognition. Focus on obedience to God and what His Word says. If that results in adulation and recognition, it’s okay. Just remember to give glory to God and not think too highly of yourself.
• Remember, our life is like a puff of smoke on the timeline of eternity. Francis Chan has a wonderful illustration of this. Think of the longest rope or string you can imagine (it will never be long enough), and put one drop of red ink at the beginning. The red ink is our life, and the rest of the string is eternity after we leave this world. Why do we focus so much on the red ink and not eternity? Don’t chase after the temporal; chase after the eternal.
• If you are blessed with monetary success, use it to bless others and help those in need. It doesn’t mean we need to sacrifice it all and live in poverty (although it’s possible God may direct you on that path), but if we’re stingy while living in opulence, our lives are not shining the light of Christ.
• Persevere through whatever trials you’re going through. If it’s because of disobedience, confess and return to God. If it’s because you’re being tested and refined, rejoice in the process and prepare yourself for further Kingdom work.
• When we die, we won’t be able to take anything with us. As we stand before Jesus, will we hear, “well done, good and faithful servant,” or will we hear, “depart from me, for I never knew you”?