Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.
Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.
Ecclesiastes is one of the books of the Bible known as ‘Wisdom' books – Proverbs is another. Just as Proverbs 4.5 implores us to ‘get wisdom’, Ecclesiastes 7 talks about the value of wisdom. Wisdom is held up to be as ‘good as receiving an inheritance’ and it is that which ‘benefits those under the sun’ (verse 11). The author talks about the long-term benefits of wisdom – it can shield us when we are faced with problems and it empowers us. However, in life there are many things that are valuable in the long term that we have to sacrifice short-term pleasures to gain. The author compares pleasurable experiences with difficult experiences that perhaps can teach us more and grow our wisdom. For example, he says that it is ‘better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools’. Although it is more difficult to listen to a rebuke, it will ultimately make us wiser. Similarly, although it is difficult to have patience, the author associates it with wisdom, and anger with foolishness.
Although in other parts of Ecclesiastes the author says that wisdom brings sorrow, here he asserts that it is better to be sorrowful and wise than foolish and laughing, because the wise person will know what brings long-term fulfilment and gain even if he is miserable in the present.
Dear Lord, please help me to grow in wisdom and accept the ways through which you teach me to become wiser.
This reflection was written by Hannah Stevens, who is part of Bible Society's Publishing team
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