Ecclesiastes // Chasing MeaningSample

I like to think of Ecclesiastes as Solomon’s journal. He is reflecting on a long life and clearly communicating that without God, life doesn’t make sense. We live under the sun but need an over-the-sun perspective for things to fit together. Last time, we considered a passage where Solomon asked five questions that even the wisest person can’t answer. But that doesn’t mean we should disregard wisdom. In fact, wisdom is a great advantage, and wise parents leave a good inheritance for their children.

Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

As I was writing this devotional, a recent conversation I had with a middle school teacher came to mind. I asked him why COVID had such a negative impact on students. He said, “Because their parents didn’t handle it well.” He explained that kids look to parents for assurance, security, and stability. During COVID, many parents were going crazy, leaving their children in a disconcerting limbo.

Parents (and grandparents), our kids are watching. Another COVID-like something is going to come. Not necessarily a pandemic, but an illness, loss of job, or death. Remember, we live under the sun, and this fallen world is not how it should be. But when we are reading God’s Word daily(!), it is our shield of protection that allows us to lead our children with godly wisdom through the highs, the lows, and the landmines of life. It is, as Solomon says, a good inheritance!

Father, let us be more adamant about leaving our children an inheritance of wisdom rather than a pot full of money. Money will be spent. Wisdom will grow and be passed on to another generation. God, only you know what the next generations will face. Let us provide them with the armor of wisdom from your Word—the true shield of protection. In Jesus’ name. Amen.