Many people assume because I write this blog, I have my life together. That is absolutely not the case. It may seem like my vulnerability is keeping me on the right track, however, the truth is I stray away from the right track over and over. It's honestly such a blessing the Lord doesn't get tired of me.
If I had my life together, so many aspects would be so much better. I always ponder this. Sadly, choosing to get my life together doesn't just happen. It's a process. It's one I will never fully grasp or understand, but I always hope to. I think a good way to see if I made progress or not, is through this blog (crazy right).
The other night I was reading in Ecclesiastes seven and found so many good gems for me to retain for helping me get my life together. They were so good, I felt the need to share and explain some of these because WOW Solomon hit me hard. I decided to break up the verses to go with ones that fit that same category, so pay attention to where the verse is found if you want to look them up for yourself! Anyways let's jump right into it:
v1 "A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume.
And the day you die is better than the day you are born."
v2 "Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.
After all, everyone dies—
so the living should take this to heart."
v4 "A wise person thinks a lot about death,
while a fool thinks only about having a good time."
The three verses above address a very fun topic: death. The following verses could easily be misinterpreted in my opinion. As someone who struggles with my mental health, death is constantly on the brain. Now hopefully it is understood that there is a healthy way to think about death, and an unhealthy way. These verses are describing the healthy way. Verse four talks about how a fool only is concerned with how much fun he is going to have. It is so true that we need to focus on the bigger picture, rather than just the little things we want to do for fun. Someone who is thinking about death is thinking ahead. They are preparing themself with the fact they are not promised another day. Verse 14 says,
v14 "Enjoy prosperity while you can,
but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God.
Remember that nothing is certain in this life."
Our time on earth is not guaranteed. We are not promised to be here until we are old, or for a certain amount of time. One day we will look back on our life and be held accountable for our actions and how we lived our life. By knowing this, we need to enjoy and make the most of the time we have. Verse 14 also mentions both the hard and easy times come from the Lord. God allows circumstances to happen because He knows what is best. By letting us make the decision to follow Him for ourselves, we are choosing the road that is not always the easiest at times. Verse 13 speaks on this,
v13 "Accept the way God does things,
for who can straighten what he has made crooked?"
At a first glance, the word "crooked" throws me off. Crooked sounds evil and sinister, unlike what God should be described as. However, upon further research, the work "crooked" is being used to define something that is not straight. The Message translation uses the adjectives "curves and angles" to describe God's works. Who are we to try to bend God's work? How are we supposed to change something already set in place by someone mighty? He is ruler of all, not us.
v5 "Better to be criticized by a wise person
than to be praised by a fool."
v6 "A fool’s laughter is quickly gone,
like thorns crackling in a fire.
This also is meaningless."
v7 "Extortion turns wise people into fools,
and bribes corrupt the heart."
v9 "Control your temper,
for anger labels you a fool."
A fool is someone stupid and unwise. Solomon uses this word to describe someone not following God's path. It is easy to fall into foolish ideals when we place society on a pedestal. After reading so many of Solomon's writings, I realized how many people in my life I surround myself with that would easily be considered fools. Verse five really makes you think- it's better to be criticized by someone mature then honored by someone lacking experience and knowledge? It is. The more I read that concept, the more true I realize it to be. Verse seven talks about pride; it is easy to become foolish by caring only for our own personal gain. The bigger our pride, the more we lose ourselves. Verse nine talks about self control; loosing it causes you to appear a fool to those around you.
v3 "Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us."
This verse is as real as they come. Sadness lingers, laughter ends abruptly. Before those who like to wallow in self pity take this verse out of context, I think there is another way to view "sorrow". When you are sad or frustrated, you feel a sense of remorse or regret for something or someone. Laughter on the other hand, can make someone be seen as cold hearted and non caring. Sadness teachers you something. When you are sad for a valid reason, you are able to grow in your inward emotions. In certain situations, I would say it's a lot better to be sad than to laugh. However, this verse is not saying to be sad all the time. When a situation approaches where we need to be remorseful or need to be sad, be sad. Sadness shapes us and plays into our ability to grow. There are plenty of examples of Jesus being sad when he was on earth. He even wept for Lazuras (John 11:35). Like Solomon clearly states in chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything. "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.' And later, 'A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:1,4).
v11 "Wisdom is even better when you have money. Both are a benefit as you go through life."
v12 "Wisdom and money can get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life"
Wisdom is valuable. Money is too, but at a cost. Money is temporary. Wisdom stays with you.
v10 "Don’t long for “the good old days.” This is not wise."
The past is in the past. Someone who reflects constantly on what's behind them, has a hard time moving forward. It's okay to remember the past, however, don't dwell in it. When you aren't making the most of the present place you're in, you aren't letting God use you at your full capacity.
v8 "Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride."
The competition of a race is better than the start of the training period. The same goes for a project, and even life. While we wish we could relive some experiences, but there is truly nothing greater than finishing our time on earth having lived to our fullest ability.
The second part of the verse may seem odd the first time reading it. You may ask what patience and pride have in common or even in contrast. The way I interpret this is when your prideful, you aren't going to wait around for results. You don't want others to see your vulnerability, you take pride in your works and actions. Patience is humble. You wait for results. Even if it means asking for help; from God, or someone else you trust. A patient person, is a humble person.
And that's all. Some of these I hope hit home. I know they did for me. Live your Best!!!
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