Good morning, all!
Father, we know all that You do and declare is better than anything we can imagine on our own. We trust You to show us what is better and more importantly how to become better in Your eyes, better in Your kingdom and give better than we have ever dreamed, Amen. Boy if this isn’t a controversial question this morning, what’s better? Guess it depends on who you ask and when you ask, well then, we BETTER ask God this morning.
Ecclesiastes 9
13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it [seemed] great unto me:
Solomon found greater wisdom than he had known growing up and he now sees how great it is…FAITH!
16 Then said I, Wisdom [is] better than strength: nevertheless, the poor man’s wisdom [is] despised, and his words are not heard.
And this wisdom is BETTER than all pride has to offer, but this poor man’s wisdom is insignificant in the world’s eyes, so nobody listens.
17 The words of wise [men are] heard in quiet more than the cry of him that ruleth among fools.The words of the wise are heard in silence and they are more valuable than the one that shouts the loudest.
18 Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroyeth much good.
This wisdom is BETTER than weapons used for war: and yet there is a sinner that can destroy all that is good.
Bottom line
Let’s set some context, is making more money really better? Luke 12:20 NLT] 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for? This is God’s response to the rich man that decided to build bigger barns to store more money, not sure you can say that’s BETTER when the Creator of the universe calls you a fool-Ha! Of course, our Creator has to know what’s better for us, right? After all He knows every square inch of our being, He told King David that He knit him in his mother’s womb. So, what is this greater wisdom that makes us better?
[Jas 3:17 NLT] 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. Wisdom from above is living a life of faith, which is to say, it’s usually doing the opposite of what the world might tell us. Lord knows we have shown we can live without yielding to others and God has certainly seen me show favoritism, that’s wisdom from below. The question is can we live with BETTER wisdom, the one from above that will choose to love and help the stranger just as much as his own children? Solomon calls out two things specifically that are really NOT wise at all, strength and the weapons that cause war…PRIDE and being OFFENDED. As soon an uncle Pride shows up, we don’t hear a thing but our own pride, that’s why that poor man is despised…those are the people in our life we believe are of NO value to us…so much for as you’ve done to the least of these you’ve done unto Me. And once uncle Pride gets offended…well…he will usually sin and destroy what is good. What exactly is good? RELATIONSHIPS!!!
[Rom 5:18 NLT] 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. What was Adam’s one sin? Pride, it will always find condemnation in others because they see the sin instead of the heart of Christ. Remember after Adam ate from the tree that God told him not to, it says his eyes were opened…I see fault in others and of course that creates the broken relationship. What should wisdom from above see?
[Col 1:28 KJV] 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Every man is the same as ALL, wisdom says we present each other PERFECT in Christ. Now do you suppose if we actually lived like that, we would keep our relationship intact with God? With each other? You don’t actually think God
expects us to be a tattle tale, do you? [Pro 11:13 ASV] 13 He that goeth about as a tale-bearer revealeth secrets; But he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth a matter. Looks like the BETTER thing to do is keep our mouth shut and be found faithful before God, makes sense I think I remember growing up my mom telling me nobody likes a tattle tale…sounds the one sinner destroying much good. Whatever your better is today it can only be found in God, as though there would be anything better than Him?
Point to Ponder
What is better than the wisdom of God? [Pro 8:11 NLT] 11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. NOTHING !!!
Let’s all find the better in each other, In Him Phil
Faith – Family – Friends
