The Vanity of Wisdom

 

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

The Vanity of Wisdom

I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem.   And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with.  I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.   What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.

 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.”   And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.   For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

 

Solomon is not stating that he is no longer the king but as king, he set his heart on seeking wisdom, and we know God blessed him with more wisdom and understanding than any other man born of an earthly dad and mom.   With all that searching he still searched for the answer to life; why am I here, where am I going.

 

Solomon, let us in on some important insights, gaining knowledge is not an easy task, and with all learning and knowledge, he never got the whole picture.  Solomon tells us that in his vast search for knowledge and wisdom, it was like chasing after the wind.  Many problems had no solution because he was working with insufficient information.  Also, many of the challenges of our human existence are beyond explaining.

 

Solomon by far was the smartest guy in the room, but each of us has known that person, and without being under the authority of God, that person becomes proud and arrogant.  True wisdom it would seem to this writer, is humbling yourself under the authority of a Holy God, who has shared the knowledge and wisdom with you.  It would also require seeking God’s approval before going after what your heart is desiring.  The Prophet Jeremiah shares a great insight in chapter 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?”  No telling how different Solomon's life would have been if he had done that.  For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.  Vexation, not a word used that often, it means anger or irritation.

From the Back Porch, 

Bob Rice