Walking Thru Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s practical counsel

Spotlight on Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

 

“Wisdom with a gift passed down from father to son is good and a help to those who see the sun.”- Ecclesiastes 7:11 ^{New Life Version}

 

            There is not a standard meaning or understanding of this verse. Many translations use the word inheritance which led me to pick this translation, because it speaks of passing down something from father to son. Wisdom can be passed down as an inheritance to a man’s children. Are they paying attention? Sadly, too many young people have been trained via the entertainment industry and the mainstream media to ignore and / or rebel against what their parents tell them thru the years. They rely on the advice … wisdom? … of their peers or friends. How are they qualified to advise anyone? It is because the child knows their friend, more times than not, will agree with them? That’s not a friend.

People in general do not like opposition. They gravitate to those who agree with them. You don’t learn anything that way. A diversity of thought is healthy, even if you don’t agree them. It is good to listen to your father, for sons do not know as much as they think they know, and the father has been through many things firsthand. Tapping into his wisdom can help you avoid some of the same pitfalls they experienced.

The statement “a help to those who see the sun” could mean the following:  Who sees the sun? … those above ground … those alive and breathing. The dead do not see the sun. Not sure if this is alluding to the fact that the sun is light and those who see the light benefit from wisdom. But anyone who hears wisdom speaking or reads it written can benefit from it if they are paying attention. You can see the light metaphorically due to the use of the word ‘sun’. Not sure about all that. Just some random thoughts. This was a tough one, but I think the simple fact that acquiring wisdom is mentioned tells us it is of paramount importance to all men, especially believers. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries