![]() One should conclude that the issue in Psalm 73, was not merely a passing trial, because it calls into question God's sense of justice, is there ever a time that God judges unfairly? But that is what is happening there, and that is the issue here in Ecclesiastes 7:15. Psalm 73 is helpful, because it presents an event in the life of a godly man, that is almost a perfect fit for expanding our understanding, it defines the seriousness of the challenge of discontent in a converted person, combined with envy, both of these reactions are dangerous if they are left unresolved, or are not dealt with. He cautions us in verse 16-17, but another question arises, what is the danger, or dangers? My purpose especially at the beginning of this sermon, is that we do not misjudge the seriousness of what verse 15, is talking about. Part of the problem arises because Solomon gives no specific answers in the context, to the dangers that are posed. It presents us with a paradox, I believe the paradox itself is clear, it simply states a why are these things happening to me? In which people he would think would be getting bad times are having good times, while he, the converted person, the righteous one, is having bad times. The paradox in verse 15, is one of those head scratching statements, he does not even mention the word paradox, but that is what it is. I mentioned to you in the second sermon in this series, that Ecclesiastes 7 may be the most controversial chapter in the entire writing, this is because Solomon says so many confounding things within it, thus people have such varied opinions regarding, what is it that he really meant? I do not regret it, because of seemingly simple observations there in verse 15, covers a potentially very serious challenge to the converted. I do not believe that I have ever spent so much time attempting to get a clear understanding of so few verses as I have the paradox that is mentioned there in verse 15. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others. ![]() Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin. Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers of the city. Do not be overly righteous, nor be overly wise why should you destroy yourself? Do not be overly wicked, nor be foolish: why should you die before your time? It is good that you grasp this, and also not remove your hand from the other for he who fears God will escape them all. We will begin in verse 15 I will read those verses once again.Įcclesiastes 7:15-22 I have seen all things in my days of vanity there is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. We can laugh at that, but I will tell you ,I have really found Ecclesiastes 7 especially interesting. I am beginning to wonder if there is another book in the Bible besides Ecclesiastes. We will begin in the book of Ecclesiastes once again. The solution is to fear God, know God, an Super-righteousness divides people because the narcissism that motivates it can never be satisfied. Super-righteousness arrogantly puffs us up, making us odious to God, but humility and the willingness to serve makes us desirable to God. Veering to either the left or to the right is not a viable solution because both extremes militate against God's grace and any chances of a relationship with God. We have the responsibility to stir up the gift of God's Holy Spirit, giving us some sound-minded perspective of judging our life circumstances. ![]() But the opposite extreme is just as deadly because it arrogantly accuses God of having a deficiency in His regimen for mankind, and attempts to make 'improvements' in God's plan by establishing stringent regulations and strict asceticism, trying to impress God with 'super-righteousness.' When we are vexed with the apparent ease of the unrighteous, we should (1) resolve to continue in faith despite our suffering, (2) pray fervently for God's solution to take effect, (3) firmly reject the idea to solve the problem by self-administered shortcuts, (4) quit misjudging the circumstance any further, and (5) realize that God will guide us through the valley of the shadow of death. One may be tempted to give up on God's laws totally, living according to the lusts of the flesh. People react to this 'disappointing' paradox in opposite ways, both leading to eternal death. ![]() ![]() There is grave, ever-growing danger when one combines envy and discontent, calling God into question for allowing evil circumstances to occur. The solution to this conundrum is found in Psalm 73. The paradox of Ecclesiastes 7 shows an unrighteous man flourishing and a righteous man suffering. ![]()
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