Walking Thru Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s Final Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 9:1 - 12:14

 

“Here is another bit of wisdom that has impressed me as I have watched the way our world works. There was a small town with only a few people, and a great king came with his army and besieged it. A poor, wise man knew how to save the town, and so it was rescued. But afterward no one thought to thank him.” - Ecclesiastes 9:13-15 ^{New Living Translation}

            While we are not to seek praise or accolades for something we have done to help others, it’s still a little startling to not even get a ‘thank you’ for saving the lives of the people of your town. Solomon’s illustration may have impressed him due to the fact that he experienced that situation himself. This is one of the minor injustices that takes place in a person’s life. Being ignored for doing that which no one else could or would do. Perhaps they are apprehensive, perhaps feel inadequate for the task, perhaps are simply flat out scared and go in hiding. When a man is of no notoriety yet has the wherewithal to conquer a seemingly insurmountable problem, it can be a tough pill for those rescued to swallow at times.

                  The man with the plan was poor financially, yet very wise.  His plan was able to keep his people safe as the mighty king’s efforts to come against them were thwarted. It was the people’s reaction that caught him a little off guard. They said nothing to him … essentially ignored or simply forgot him. Now we live in a very self-centered world full of vanity. I suppose it would be very humiliating for the people of that town to admit they had been saved by a nobody. 

                  This is similar to the 10 lepers who came to Jesus for healing ^{(Luke 17:11-19)}. Jesus honored their request for healing, but only 1 came back to thank him. We are to be grateful for everything the Lord does for us and thank him out of respect and reverence. To not exhibit a thankful heart speaks volumes as to where our true allegiance lies … is it to ourselves or to God? Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Old Testament