Solomon’s Practical Counsel
Ecclessiastes 7:15-29
”‘Behold, I have discovered this,’says the Preacher, ‘while adding one thing to another to find an explanation, which I am still seeking but have not found. I have found one man among a thousand [who pleases God], but I have not found [such] a woman among all these [a thousand in my harem]. Behold, I have found only this [as a reason]: God made man upright and uncorrupted, but they [both men and women] have sought out many devices [for evil].’”- Ecclesiastes 7:27-29 The Amplified Bible
According to my sources, Solomon is pointing out that Adam was created morally good (Genesis 1:31). Yet because Eve fell into temptation by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, both Adam and Eve died as God said they would. Since they didn’t die physically, God was obviously speaking of their spiritual death. It is interesting to me that when God asked them who had told them they were naked, Adam pointed at Eve and blamed the sin on her. Then Eve pointed at the evil serpent and blamed him for tempting her. This is a good object lesson. You cannot blame anyone else for your own actions. Eve was to blame for her actions and Adam was to blame for his actions, no one else. Because God created Eve from Adam’s rib, they were then of one flesh so they were equally to blame. Romans 3:23 states that “all have continuously sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.”
Once evil comes upon you you’re liable to do anything. Your godly inclination is gone. Eve did what God specifically commanded both she and Adam NOT to do. Temptation comes in the form of something beautiful. Let’s face it, you wouldn’t be attracted to it if it weren’t. They had everything a person could want, but wanted more. That is the free will God allows in us. Satan knew the difference between physical death and spiritual death, but Adam and Eve did not.
The Lord tests us, but doesn’t tempt us, to test our faith as a means of allowing it to grow.
Adam and Eve’s failure opened the door for sin to rule over mankind, but even then there were still godly men. It is a lifelong struggle to live by God’s standard, but in the end it is more than worthwhile. We must become discerning and make our lifelong goal one of obedience to the Lord. We are to be different...not like anyone else we know. We are to stand for righteousness, even as we are righteous and seek to avoid evil at all costs. Be a man / woman who pleases God with their life. It should be our mission in life as believers in Christ. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name and for His glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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