September 21
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ECCLESIASTES 7
15 In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. 16 Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.
19 Wisdom gives strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.
20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.
– Ecclesiastes 7:15-20
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ECCLESIASTES 7 WISE ARE THOSE WHO ADMIT THEIR SINFULNESS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
This life isn’t always fair; the righteous perishes and the wicked continues
Some become so consumed with being righteous not knowing it can destroy
The world says moderation is good, yet true love knows no bounds
Can we love someone and continue to be careful to show our love?
Should we have moderation when we give glory and praise to our Lord?
Didn’t he want us to love him with all our hearts, our minds and our souls?
When we consider ourselves good in our own eyes, isn’t that “sinfulness?”
Isn’t craving for others to view us as “nice and good” an exercise of vanity?
When all we think about is pleasuring our “selves”, will we have time to praise God?
It is wise for humans to admit their sinfulness; this way will lead to righteousness
But those who deny their selfish nature will be on the path to wickedness
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, without it, we will dishonor him
When we love God, we will also hate what he hates which is “sin.”
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REFLECTION
• Is moderation always good? Why or why not?
• What did Solomon mean in verse 20 when he says that there isn’t a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins?
• Why is it folly to forget our sinful nature as we live a life for Jesus? What happens when we think that we are good and righteous?