Series: Ecclesiastes
Sermon #20: The Worthy Way of Wisdom,
Ecclesiastes 7:11-22
Ecclesiastes 7:11-22
Part I: Ecclesiastes 7:11-17
[Audio file from Internet Archive at https://archive.org/details/Ecclesiastes711-22.]
Sermon #21: The Worthy Way of Wisdom,
Ecclesiastes 7:11-22
Ecclesiastes 7:11-22
Part II: Ecclesiastes
7:18-22
[Audio file from Internet Archive at https://archive.org/details/Ecclesiastes711-22_870.]
11 Wisdom is good with an
inheritance: and by it there is
profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of
knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life
to them that have it. 13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made
crooked? 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of
adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the
end that man should find nothing after him. 15 All things have I seen in the days of my
vanity: there is a just man that
perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life
in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make
thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not
over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy
time? 18 It is good that
thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand:
for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. 19 Wisdom
strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty
men which are in the city. 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth
not. 21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou
hear thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart
knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Outline:
I. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Acknowledges the Limitations
in All Except God (7:11-14)
II. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Avoids Extremes When Life Doesn’t
Make Sense (7:15-17)
III. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Looks Beyond Fallen Humanity for
Wisdom and Righteousness (7:18-20)
IV. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Maintains a Humble Perspective Towards
Others (7:21-22)
I. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Acknowledges the
Limitations in All Except God (7:11-14)
11 Wisdom is good with an
inheritance: and by it there is
profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of
knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life
to them that have it. 13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made
crooked? 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of
adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the
end that man should find nothing after him.
There are Limitations, and Then There is God!
1. The Excellency of Knowledge
Affirmed (7:11-12)
2. The Work of God Questioned (7:13-14)
1. The Excellency of Knowledge Affirmed (7:11-12)
11 Wisdom is good with an
inheritance: and by it there is
profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of
knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life
to them that have it.
1) The Comparison of Wisdom and Wealth (7:11-12b)
2) The Contrast of Wisdom and Wealth (7:12c-d)
1) The Comparison of Wisdom and Wealth (7:11-12b)
11 Wisdom is good with an
inheritance: and by it there is
profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence:
Pr. 8:10-11 — Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge
rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things
that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Eccl. 7:19 — Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty
men which are in the city.
Eccl. 9:18 — Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner
destroyeth much good.
Eccl. 10:19 — A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry:
but money answereth all things.
Pr. 3:18 — She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
and happy is every one that retaineth her.
Pr. 8:35 — For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain
favour of the LORD.
2) The Contrast of Wisdom and Wealth (7:12c-d)
but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them
that have it.
This is no small difference.
To those who value life this
difference makes all the difference.
“When you’ve got
your health, you’ve got just about everything”?
““When you’ve got your health, you’ve got just about everything” ran
the tag-line in a famous Geritol commercial from the 1970s…”
— Jeff Lipkes, “Thank a
White Male” (27 NOV 2014), on American
Thinker at http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2014/11/thank_a_white_male.html [accessed 12 MAR 2016]. See also: Edge Studio at https://www.edgestudio.com/node/2663 [accessed 12 MAR 2016]; and “Geritol” (27 APR 2010), on suchavoice at http://www.suchavoice.com/members/blog/2010/04/27/geritol/ [accessed 12 MAR 2016].
When you have your wealth you have
just about everything?
Does this speak to the modern false
teaching commonly referred to as the “Health and Wealth Gospel”?
What will a man give for his soul?
When you have your wisdom you have
everything?
Therefore choose life! (Dt. 30:19)
2. The Work of God Questioned (7:13-14)
13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? 14 In the
day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also
hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find
nothing after him.
1) The Rhetorical Question — The Reasonable Basis for Heeding the
Command (7:13)
2) The Day of Prosperity — The Natural Response to Prosperity
(7:14a)
3) The Day of Adversity — The Needful Consideration in Adversity
(7:14b-d)
1)
The Rhetorical Question — The Reasonable Basis for Heeding the Command (7:13)
Consider the work of God: for who
can make that straight, which he hath
made crooked?
Eccl. 3:11 — He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also
he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that
God maketh from the beginning to the end.
Eccl. 8:17 — Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot
find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to
seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to
know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
Eccl. 1:15 — That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and
that which is wanting cannot be numbered.
Job 12:14 — Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built
again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.
Is. 14:27 — For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall
disannul it? and his hand is stretched
out, and who shall turn it back?
2)
The Day of Prosperity — The Natural Response to Prosperity (7:14a)
In the day of prosperity be joyful
Eccl. 3:22 — Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better,
than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is his portion: for
who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Eccl. 9:7 — Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine
with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Eccl. 11:9 — Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart
cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and
in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will
bring thee into judgment.
Dt. 26:11 — And thou shalt rejoice in every good thing which the
LORD thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite,
and the stranger that is among you.
Dt. 28:47 — Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with
joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;
3)
The Day of Adversity — The Needful Consideration in Adversity (7:14b-d)
but in the day of adversity
consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man
should find nothing after him.
(1) The differences in mankind’s responses to prosperity and
adversity
(2) What God has done regarding prosperity and adversity
(3) The Reason for what God has done regarding prosperity and
adversity
Eccl. 3:4 — A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn,
and a time to dance;
(1) The differences in mankind’s responses to prosperity and
adversity
but in the day of adversity consider
(2) What God has done regarding prosperity and adversity
God also hath set the one over
against the other
(3) The Reason for what God has done regarding prosperity and
adversity
to the end that man should find
nothing after him.
Dt. 8:5 — Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man
chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
Eccl. 6:12 — For who knoweth what is good for man in this life,
all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after
him under the sun?
Heidelberg
Catechism
Q.1: What is
your only comfort in life and in death?
A.1: That I,
with body and soul, both in life and in death, [1]
am not my own, [2]
but belong to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ, [3]
who with His precious blood [4] has fully satisfied for all my sins, [5]
and redeemed me from all the power of the devil; [6]
and so preserves me [7]
that without the will of my Father in heaven not a hair can fall from my
head; [8]
indeed, that all things must work together for my
salvation. [9]
Wherefore, by His Holy Spirit, He also assures me of
eternal life, [10]
and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to
live unto Him. [11]
|
1. Rom. 14:7‑8
2. I Cor. 6:19
3. I Cor. 3:23
4. I Peter 1:18‑19
5. I John 1:7; 2:2
6. I John 3:8
7. John 6:39
8. Matt. 10:29‑30; Luke 21:18
9. Rom. 8:28
10. II Cor. 1:21‑22;
Eph. 1:13‑14; Rom. 8:16
11. Rom. 8:1
|
Q27: What do you
understand by the providence of God?
A27: The
almighty, everywhere‑present power of God, [1]
whereby, as it were by His hand, He still upholds
heaven and earth with all creatures, [2]
and so governs them that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and
barren years, meat and drink, [3]
health and sickness, [4] riches and
poverty, [5] indeed, all things come
not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.
|
1. Acts 17:25‑26
2. Heb. 1:3
3. Jer. 5:24; Acts 14:17
4. John 9:3
5. Prov. 22:2; Psa. 103:19; Rom. 5:3‑5a
|
Q28: What does
it profit us to know that God created and by His providence upholds all
things?
A28: That we may
be patient in adversity, [1]
thankful in prosperity, [2]
and for what is future have good confidence in our
faithful God and Father, that no creature shall separate us from His love, [3]
since all creatures are so in His hand,
that without His will they cannot so much as move. [4]
|
1. Rom. 5:3; James 1:3; Job 1:21
2. Deut. 8:10; I Thess. 5:18
3. Rom. 8:35, 38‑39
4. Job 1:12; Acts 17:25‑28; Prov. 21:1; Psa.
71:7; II Cor. 1:10
|
II. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Avoids Extremes When Life Doesn’t
Make Sense (7:15-17)
15 All things have I seen
in the days of my vanity: there is a just
man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over
much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17
Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die
before thy time?
1. The Apparent Contradictions
Confronting Theodicy (7:15)
2. The Two Extremes to be Avoided
(7:16-17)
1. The Apparent Contradictions Confronting Theodicy (7:15)
All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his
righteousness, and there is a wicked man
that prolongeth his life in his
wickedness.
1) The Good Die Young
2) The Wicked Live Long Lives
Pr. 10:27 — The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of
the wicked shall be shortened.
How are we to make sense of such
apparent inconsistencies in God’s good, righteous and sovereign reign over His
creation? Does this seem good? Do tragedies and injustices like these seem
righteous! Sometimes do you get the impression that God is not paying
attention, or is elsewhere occupied, and if not, that He must be capricious, or
even malicious to mess with our minds, and mess things up this badly?
The questions of Theodicy — having
to do with the vindication of God in the face of the existence of evil and the
suffering of the good (nowhere laid out better than in the case of Job (until
Christ came!) — are expressed as:
1) How can an omnipotent and good
God allow evil to exist, and indeed to triumph?
2) How can an omnipotent and
righteous God allow the wicked to prosper even for a time?
3) How can an omnipotent and
sovereign God not intervene when the good are suffering at the hands of the
wicked?
Psalm 73!!! An understandable
reaction to seeing the wicked prosper.
Eccl. 8:12-14 — Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his
days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear
God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither
shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before
God. There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men,
unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be
wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said
that this also is vanity.
2. The Two Extremes to be Avoided (7:16-17)
16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why
shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither
be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
1) 2 Negative Commands Followed By
A Rhetorical Question (7:16)
Be not righteous over much; neither
make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
NC#1 — Be not righteous over much
NC#2 — neither make thyself over
wise
RQ — why shouldest thou destroy
thyself?
What is going on here?
Can we really be “too” righteous?
Can we really be “too” wise?
How can that be a self-destructive
reality?
2) 2 More Negative Commands
Followed By Another Rhetorical Question (7:17)
Be not over much wicked, neither be
thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
NC#1 — Be
not over much wicked
NC#2 — neither
be thou foolish
RQ — why shouldest thou die before thy
time?
What is going on here?
Is a little bit of wickedness permissible so long as we don’t get
carried away with it?
Why isn’t the “over much” (excess) mentioned in relation to
foolishness?
What is that element dropped?
Is that significant or not?
How can this lead to an untimely death?
Is this not just Biblical realism?
Can it be that what we are faced with here is the proper
perspective when dealing with the issues of life, and human relationships in a
fallen world?
Rom. 12:3 — For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every
man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to
think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the
measure of faith.
III. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Looks Beyond Fallen Humanity for
Wisdom and Righteousness (7:18-20)
18 It is good that
thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand:
for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. 19 Wisdom
strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty
men which are in the city. 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth
not.
Ecclesiastes as “Gospel Prep”!
1. The Fear of God in Invincible
(7:18)
2. The Strength of Wisdom is
Incomparable (7:19)
3. The Condemnation of All is Irreproachable
(7:20)
1. The Fear of God is Invincible (7:18)
It is good that
thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand:
for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
Get a hold of this! Don’t let go of
it! “Grip Fast!”
Clan Leslie Society International at http://www.clanlesliesociety.org/ [accessed 12 MAR 2016].
There is an interesting take on the end of this verse in the NIV
translation:
“Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.”
Eccl. 7:16-17 — Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself
over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? Be not over much wicked, neither
be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?
Eccl. 3:14 — I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for
ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it,
that men should fear before him.
Eccl. 5:7 — For in the multitude of dreams and many words there
are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.
Eccl. 8:12-13 — Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his
days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear
God, which fear before him: But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither
shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before
God.
Eccl. 12:13 — Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear
God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Eccl. 11:6 — In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening
withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either
this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.
2. The Strength of Wisdom is Incomparable (7:19)
Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
Wisdom strengthens
Wisdom strengthens the wise
Ten men
Ten might men
Ten might men which are in the city
Eccl. 7:12 — For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but
the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Eccl. 9:13-18 — This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it
seemed great unto me:
There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a
great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it: Now
there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city;
yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than
strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not
heard. The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him that
ruleth among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner
destroyeth much good.
Pr. 21:22 — Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the
LORD pondereth the hearts.
Pr. 24:5 — A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge
increaseth strength.
3. The Condemnation of All is Irreproachable (7:20)
For there is not a just
man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
1 Ki. 8:46 — If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that
sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so
that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near; [Cp. 2 Chr. 6:36 — If they sin against thee, (for there is no man
which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before
their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;]
Ps. 143:2 — And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in
thy sight shall no man living be justified.
Pr. 20:9 — Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from
my sin?
Rom. 3:23 — For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of
God;
1 Jn. 1:8 — If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves,
and the truth is not in us.
IV. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Maintains a Humble Perspective
Towards Others (7:21-22)
21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear
thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart
knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
Sometimes ignorance really is
bliss!
There are some things that you are better
off not knowing, or at least hearing!
Give people their space since you
are so much alike!
How would you like it if everyone
heard everything that you said?
Don’t be like “Big Brother”!
Gal. 6:1 — Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which
are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
[Sermon preached 13 MAR 2016 by Pastor John T. “Jack”
Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]
[Sermon preached 20 MAR 2016 by Pastor John T. “Jack”
Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown, PA.]
Complete Outline:
I. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Acknowledges the Limitations
in All Except God (7:11-14)
1.
The Excellency of Knowledge Affirmed (7:11-12)
1)
The Comparison of Wisdom and Wealth (7:11-12b)
2)
The Contrast of Wisdom and Wealth (7:12c-d)
2.
The Work of God Questioned (7:13-14)
1)
The Rhetorical Question — The Reasonable Basis for Heeding the Command (7:13)
2)
The Day of Prosperity — The Natural Response to Prosperity (7:14a)
3)
The Day of Adversity — The Needful Consideration in Adversity (7:14b-d)
(1)
The Differences In Mankind’s Responses To Prosperity And Adversity
(2)
What God Has Done Regarding Prosperity And Adversity
(3)
The Reason For What God Has Done Regarding Prosperity And Adversity
II. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Avoids Extremes When Life Doesn’t
Make Sense (7:15-17)
1.
The Apparent Contradictions Confronting Theodicy (7:15)
1)
The Good Die Young
2)
The Wicked Live Long Lives
2.
The Two Extremes to be Avoided (7:16-17)
1)
2 Negative Commands Followed By A Rhetorical Question (7:16)
2)
2 More Negative Commands Followed By Another Rhetorical Question (7:17)
III. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Looks Beyond Fallen Humanity for
Wisdom and Righteousness
(7:18-20)
1.
The Fear of God is Invincible (7:18)
2.
The Strength of Wisdom is Incomparable (7:19)
3.
The Condemnation of All is Irreproachable (7:20)
IV. The Worthy Way of Wisdom Maintains a Humble Perspective
Towards Others (7:21-22)
Select Sources on Ecclesiastes:
J. Sidlow Baxter,
Explore The Book: A Basic and Broadly
Interpretive Course of Bible Study from Genesis to Revelation, 6 vols. in 1
ed. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, n.d., 1960 printing).
William D.
Barrick, Ecclesiastes: The Philippians of
the Old Testament, Focus on the Bible series (Fearn, Ross-Shire, Scotland:
Christian Focus, 2012).
C. Hassell
Bullock, An Introduction to the Old
Testament Poetic Books: The Wisdom and Songs of Israel (Chicago: Moody
Press, 1979)/
Michael A. Eaton,
Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and
Commentary, Vol. 16, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL:
Inter-Varsity, 1983).
F. Delitzsch,
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon,
trans. M. G. Easton, Vol. VI in C. F. Kiel and F. Delitzsch, Commentary on the Old Testament in Ten
Volumes, trans. James Martin (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, n.d., 1975 reprint).
Duane A. Garrett,
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs,
Vol. 14, New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman, 1993).
Donald R. Glenn,
“Ecclesiastes,” in The Bible Knowledge
Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, eds. J. F. Walvoord, and R. B.
Zuck (Wheaton, IL: Victor, 1985).
William Henry
Green, “Scope and Plan of the Book of Ecclesiastes,” Biblical Reparatory and Princeton Review 29 (1857), pp. 419-40; on Gordon Faculty Online at http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted_Hildebrandt/OTeSources/21-Ecclesiastes/Text/Articles/Green-ScopeofEccl-1857.pdf [accessed 7 NOV 2015].
Walter C. Kaiser,
Jr., Ecclesiastes: Total Life, in
Everyman’s Bible Commentary (Chicago: Moody Press, 1979).
Walter C. Kaiser,
Jr., Coping With Change: Ecclesiastes
(Fearn, Roth-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus, 2013).
H. C. Leupold, Exposition of Ecclesiastes (Grand
Rapids: Baker, 1952).
Tremper Longman
III, The Book of Ecclesiastes, New
International Commentary on the Old Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).
John MacArthur, MacArthur Study Bible, rev. ed.
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997).
Roland Edmund
Murphy, Ecclesiastes, Vol. 23A, Word
Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, 1992).
Philip Graham
Ryken, Ecclesiastes: Why Everything
Matters, in Preaching the Word, gen. ed. R. Kent Hughes (Wheaton: Crossway,
2010).
Philip G. Ryken, Why Everything Matters: The Gospel in
Ecclesiastes (Fearn, Ross-shire, Scotland: Christian Focus Publications,
Ltd., 2015).
J. Stafford Wright, “Ecclesiastes,” in Psalms-Song of Songs, Vol. 5,
Expositor's Bible Commentary, ed. Frank E. Gaebelein (Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Publishing House, 1991).
