Solomon’s practical counsel
Spotlight on Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
"Extortion turns wise people into fools, and bribes corrupt the heart." - Ecclesiastes 7:7
This verse reveals to us in part how NOT to live your life, for this type of behavior is unacceptable to the Lord. All men are susceptible to corruption, even those who are considered wise. You’ve no doubt heard the phrase, “Everyone has their price”, well, a righteous man of God should never buy what they are selling because it only takes one wrong decision to destroy one’s reputation. We are to be the opposite of the world, not just like them.
A person’s reputation is tied closely to his or her personal integrity, which is tied to trust. When a person’s integrity becomes compromised in some way, it is very difficult to re-establish trust with others. One should never use their power or influence for their own personal advantage or gain. That is a sin and unacceptable to our Lord. A righteous man stands his ground. He upholds the laws of God. He turns his back on all evil and all compromising situations. A person’s good, healthy spiritual condition can become destabilized by crimes such as those mentioned in verse 7.
Once a person’s trust is broken, their life becomes far more difficult than it was before. Mistakes are made and sins are committed by the most ardent believers, however, because of God’s grace we are never defined by our past mistakes. Consequences will still come into play, but if sought we will find ourselves forgiven. God can still use us after we fall. Repentance is critical and accepting God’s forgiveness without any doubt of its realness and sincerity is equally critical. They are the first steps toward healing.
Avoid sinful behavior at all costs, but if you stumble, stand up, dust yourself off, seek forgiveness and move forward. Bathe yourself in the word of God and determine to not fall for the devil’s tricks again. Remember, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:7-8). Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Old Testament (Copyright 2004); Reformation Study Bible (by Ligonier Ministries); and NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible (Copyright 2019 by Zondervan).
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