Welcome to another Bible study on the book of Ecclesiastes, Chapter 7.

Verses 1-2:
“A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.”

This verse encourages us to consider the value of our reputation and the importance of reflecting on the reality of our mortality. It reminds us that a good reputation and the lessons learned from mourning can be more valuable than the pleasures of life.

Verses 3-4:
“Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.”

This verse emphasizes the importance of taking time to contemplate and reflect on the difficult aspects of life. It teaches us that there can be wisdom and growth found in sorrow and mourning, and that the pursuit of pleasure without considering the deeper aspects of life is foolish.

Verses 5-6:
“It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools. Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.”

This verse highlights the value of seeking wisdom and correction, even when it is difficult to receive. It cautions against being swayed by the empty and fleeting pleasures of foolishness.

Verses 7-8:
“Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart. The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.”

These verses remind us of the importance of integrity and patience. They encourage us to consider the lasting impact and ultimate outcome of our actions, rather than being motivated by immediate gain or pride.

Verses 9-10:
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.”

These verses caution against giving in to anger and nostalgia. They encourage us to approach challenging situations with patience and wisdom, rather than being driven by impulsive emotions or a longing for the past.

Verses 11-12:
“Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun. Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.”

These verses extol the value of wisdom and knowledge. They emphasize that practical wisdom is a valuable asset that can bring protection and preservation to our lives, even more so than material wealth.

Verses 13-14:
“Consider what GOD has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: GOD has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.”

These verses remind us of the sovereignty of GOD and the unpredictability of life. They encourage us to embrace the seasons of life with thankfulness and trust in GOD’S ultimate control over our future.

Verses 15-18:
“In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their wickedness. Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise why destroy yourself? Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool why die before your time? It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears GOD will avoid all extremes.”

These verses caution against being overly self righteous or excessive in any extreme. They encourage us to find a balanced and wise approach to life, with a healthy fear of GOD and a recognition of our limitations as human beings.

Verses 19-22:
“Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city. Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins. Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.”

These verses highlight the power of wisdom and the reality of human fallibility. They warn against being overly sensitive to the words of others, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and is in need of grace.

Verses 23-26:
“All this I tested by wisdom and I said, ‘I am determined to be wise’ but this was beyond me. Whatever exists is far off and most profound who can discover it? So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.”

These verses reflect the author’s pursuit of wisdom and understanding, recognizing the limitations of his own intellect and the complexity of the world. It encourages us to seek wisdom and insight into the realities of life, even when they are difficult to comprehend.

Verses 27-29:
“This only have I found: GOD created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”

These verses conclude the chapter by acknowledging the human tendency to pursue various schemes and ambitions, despite originally being created in righteousness by GOD. It serves as a reminder of our fallen nature and the need for GOD’S guidance and wisdom in our lives.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You with humble hearts, seeking wisdom and guidance as we reflect on the words of Ecclesiastes 7:1-29. Help us to understand and apply the teachings found in these verses to our daily lives.
We ask for the strength to embrace the difficult times in our lives, to learn from our mistakes, and to grow in our faith through the challenges we face. Teach us to see the value in patience, humility, and righteousness, and guide us to live a life that is pleasing in your sight. Grant us the wisdom to discern between good and evil, to seek understanding rather than judgment, and to embrace the joy and wisdom that comes from a life lived in harmony with Your will.
May we find comfort in your mighty presence and trust in Your divine plans, knowing with a trustworthy, peacefully understanding, that You are always with us and that Your everlasting love and grace will see us through every season of life. Thank You dear LORD almighty HEAVENLY FATHER. We pray this throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling, name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!