In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon explains that all people should desire and practice wisdom. Solomon was the wisest man ever to live, having been uniquely blessed by God (1 Kings 3:9-13). But even with God’s wisdom, Solomon still chose to act foolishly, determined to experience and know both wisdom and folly (Ecclesiastes 1:17).
Solomon explains that wisdom is far better. Throughout his life, he experienced both wisdom and foolishness to great extremes. He then concluded that “wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors” (Ecclesiastes 7:12), “wisdom is better than strength” (Ecclesiastes 9:16), and “wisdom is better than weapons of war” (Ecclesiastes 9:18). He understood the great value of choosing wisdom.
Solomon also explains that wisdom is necessary to please God. At the conclusion of the book, after all he had experienced, seen, and come to know, we read, “Fear God and keep His commandments…for God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
While foolishness comes easily and wisdom will often come only through trials, there is an eternal benefit for all of us in turning away from foolishness, desiring, and practicing wisdom in our lives.
Matt Langfield