Daily Devotions
Ecclesiastes
"Wisdom strengthens the wise"
Text: Ecclesiastes 7:19
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WISDOM
Wisdom has many virtues. One of them was highlighted in this verse.
“Wisdom strengthens the wise
More than ten rulers of the city.”
Ecclesiastes 7:19
1. Understanding “wisdom”
a) The wisdom Solomon writes about has many features.
b) The following have already been noted:
i) It is gained through knowledge and experience. Ecclesiastes 1:16-18
ii) This wisdom is given by God. Ecclesiastes 2:26
iii) Wisdom is having the right perception. Ecclesiastes 3:22
iv) Wisdom may be compared to a defence. Ecclesiastes 7:12a
v) Wisdom gives life. Ecclesiastes 7:12b
2. “Wisdom strengthens the wise”
a) A new nuance is added.
b) The wise obviously possessed wisdom.
c) Wisdom in turn strengthens the wise.
d) This is probably not a discussion of physical strength.
e) Strength has many aspects.
i) It helps one to be discerning.
ii) It enables one to make the right decision.
iii) It gives the wise man much-needed strength mentally and emotionally.
3. “More than ten rulers of the city”
a) A city may be better run when there are ten rulers.
b) Each ruler has his own strengths and weaknesses.
c) But the rulers may not be able to get along well with each other.
d) While there is potential strength, there are obvious weaknesses.
e) But a wise man is better than “ten rulers of a city”.
i) He does not need to be in conflict with others.
ii) He knows how to go about doing things effectively without being in conflict.
Let us be deeply challenged to seek after wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-9).