Walking Thru Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s Practical Counsel

Ecclesiastes 7:15-29

 

“Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who always does good and who never sins. Also, do not take seriously everything that is said, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you, for you know that you too have cursed others many times.”- Ecclesiastes 7:20-22 ^{Amplified Bible}

 

At some point in our lives we must deal with the truth that in God’s eyes we are all multiple offenders. Even King David, “the apple of God’s eye” ^[1] & “a man after God’s own heart” ^[2], sinned against God more than a few times. It is never alright to sin, but 1 John has the remedy: “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” 

God knows we’re nowhere near perfect; quite the opposite. “From dust we have come and to dust we shall return.” ^{(Genesis 3:19)} We must realize that our failings come from the original sin committed by Adam & Eve in the Garden of Eden. We inherited a whole lot of baggage because of that first sin. Sin, if not dealt with quickly and properly, will grind you under its heel. That is why Solomon can say no righteous man always does good. We are not perfect and shall never be this side of heaven. Yet because of the gift of salvation purchased for us by Christ on the cross, we have become sinless and righteous in the eyes of God. And so he shall always see us as such. Live to please God and not yourself or others, for if you please God with your life and its associated decisions you will live a fulfilled life; not a perfect life ... not a life void of trials and troubles, but a fulfilled life.

Solomon points out that we shouldn’t eavesdrop on other peoples conversation, for we may hear something we ought not hear. It may be someone speaking out against you. That shouldn’t shock any one of us because there were times when you spoke out regarding someone else behind their back. Scripture is clear that if we have a problem with someone we are to be the ones to go to them and make things right. If you are rebuffed, shake the dust off your sandals and go on your way. ^{(Matthew 18:15-17)} Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

[1] Psalm 17:8 - David prays to God that he will protect him even as he would protect a favored son.

[2] 1 Samuel 13:14 & Acts 13:22 - David, in spite of his sin, remained true to God’s laws and statutes.

Resources: The Reformation Study Bible; Quest Study Bible Notes.