Text: Ecclesiastes 9:11-18
By: Uto, Joel
Download Lesson
INTRODUCTION:
WE learnt about the inequalities of life of the righteous and the Wicked. No one could question God on that matter because His wisdom is greater. Earlier on in verses 1-3: we understood that all men fare alike in this world. Secondly we learnt, too, that death is an appointment to all men (verses 4-10). This fact was re-echoed by the apostle Paul in Heb 9:27. Today’s theme takes a departure completely from the above and shall be examined from two broad perspectives:
- Verses (11 – 12) Disappointment is common to all men
- Verse (14-18) Benefits of wisdom – Prov. 2:5-7, 3:13
A- Verse (11-12) These tell us that no matter what we do, we cannot prevent time and chance. The preacher want us to know that our personal skills (speed- Swiftness, Strength, wisdom, discernment, brilliance and learning) can’t help us figure out what is out of our control.
Time and Chance came to be as creation of God. Otherwise, (Eccl. 7:1) would have seemed contradicted. Time and Chance can have positive or negative effect on Man’s progress and development. However we must keep trust in God no matter what it is.
Time is defined as a perishable commodity, once broken cannot be amended. If time passes you by before you key in, you would miss out at that point. Taking appropriate time in any undertakings is an important calculation and opportunity to grab. There is time for everything. 3:1.There are evil times which must be redeemed Eph 5:15-16, therefore we should make hay when the sun shines. In other words, take advantage of time opportunities.
According to Kidnar,” Time and Chance are paired, no doubt, because they both have a way of taking matters. Suddenly out of our hands” Christians must trust time with God. Prov. 3:5-6.
Man can be snared in evil time like fishes in the water or birds in the air. Man does not know when he shall die. It is also Time and Chance that brings it about when death comes.
Verses 14-15, Solomon tells a story about a poor wise man whose wisdom saved a city against the siege of a great king. This seemed great to Solomon, it was wonderful and significant display of wisdom. Prov.4:5 Says wisdom is the principal thing get it, get understanding. Wisdom is application of knowledge as it should be applied. Prov. 2:6-7; Is any seeking for wisdom let him ask from God. James 1:5
Verses 16-18: Although wisdom is still vain, not appreciated, it was still better than strength (Weapon of war); because wisdom is superior, it should be heard above the shouts of the foolish even though it will often be unappreciated. Wisdom in-spite of its good can quickly be taken away by the sinful one. Solomon is giving us the sense of direction to the fact that wisdom in establishing things is much more difficult than destroying them by the work of even one sinner. To destroy is easier quicker than to build is a reality of life.
Adam’s sin infected the whole race of man. A world God created in six days in His wisdom! Prov. 3:19.
Achan brought defeat to Israel at war because of his sin – Josh 7:11-12.
CONCLUSION:
We all need wisdom of God to weather the current economic challenges in our society in Jesus name.
Download Lesson
