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.
This chapter of Ecclesiastes would not be out of place in Proverbs, another example of 'Wisdom' literature. It is full of wise, rather wry advice based on a keen observation of human nature. One of its themes is the need for wise government by people who are fitted by nature and training for the task. The Preacher is scathing about about rulers who give 'stupid people' positions of authority, and contrasts the 'slaves on horseback' with the noblemen who 'go about on foot like slaves' (verses 6–7). He returns to this subject in verses 17–18.
In our democratic age we choose our own rulers, so we have less reason to complain when they turn out not to be up to the job. These words are being written as the full scale of the coronavirus crisis has begun to unfold, with the encouragement of home working, self-isolation and restrictions on socialising. The personal and economic costs of what is happening are beyond calculation. It's vital that those who govern us are wise, strong and compassionate. And if they are not people for whom we'd normally vote or who we would want to see in power, that's all the more reason for us to pray for them and ask God to bless and equip them to do what they've been called to do.
God, thank you for people who are willing to bear the burdens of leadership in hard times. Bless and equip them for the tasks they have been given, and let them act with wisdom and grace.
This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor
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