Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
Ah my Friends, words of wisdom about wisdom. One thing usually begets itself; in this case wisdom begets wisdom. What a profound statement! (smile) But before we get into that, I have a quote to share with you from Helen Keller again, and in it’s own way, it projects wisdom. ‘Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.’ Words of absolute truth mih wise Friends! The best remedy for our emotional pain or simple unhappiness is helping to relieve someone else’s distress. By so doing, we forget ours, relegating it to the background, paying attention to the other person’s problems, doing a good job for Jesus while racking up heavenly rewards. I urge us people, when we’re feeling down and grumpy, ready for a pity party, the best antidote is to seek out someone we can help. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your own pain will vanish, because you’re not thinking about yourself. And when you’ve helped that person(s), you’ll also feel much better about yourself and your situation. It’s a win/win choice. Sol’s referring in part, to all the little sayings and clichés like, ‘to help yourself, go help somebody else.’ Most of them are true and help us lead a wiser life, that’s why they are so worn and well used. ‘For wisdom is a defense and money is a defense…’ Yes my people, both wisdom and money are defences; shadows, protective shades, and therefore useful in our lives. Sol even claims that, ‘Wisdom is better than weapons of war.’ (Eccl.9:18) And many a wise general has outsmarted one with more weapons and /or men. Hn, hn! As my uncle Foster use to preach to me long ago, ‘Eric, remember, is talk that win the war yuh know!’ So it’s usually better to be wise than only well armed, for superiority in numbers or armaments is no guarantee of victory, although being both will surely help. Then Sol goes on further to say; ‘but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.’ Let’s all say Amen to that my brethren! In other words, wisdom is power! Wisdom surpasses money, has an advantage over it because it allows those who possess it to lead better lives than those with just money alone. Money doesn’t necessarily bring wisdom; you can still be a rich fool, but wisdom has the ability to show us how to get money, and keep it too, cause a fool and his money are soon parted. As Sol expounds earlier on; ‘Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.’ (Eccl.3:13) Then he goes on to sing her praises: Wisdom is better for profit and gain than silver and gold; more precious than rubies; nothing your heart desires is comparable. ‘Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her.’ (Eccl.3:14-18) There you have it my people; the case for seeking wisdom, consisting of education, book learning, general knowledge, life and people skills. Oh Friends, it’s a ‘dynomite’ combination! Why? Because it allows us to make good, sensible decisions in all areas of life. Sol goes on to relate wisdom to the Lord’s handiwork in the Garden of Eden; ‘the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.’ (Gen.2:9) And the wonderful thing about comparing wisdom to trees is that trees grow when carefully nourished, and so does wisdom mih breddren. And what did the Lord use to create His oh so magnificent creation? Wisdom of course! ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth: by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.’ (Eccl.3:19-20) So my people, if the Lord God created the earth, the heavens, the seas, and all therein through wisdom and understanding, who are we to seek anything else besides those most wonderful attributes eh? ‘Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?’ (Eccl.7:13) No one can do that my Friends! Now, bearing all of that in mind, here’s the best advice we can ever get, and we should definitely share it with our children. ‘My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion. So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace (favour) to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, (terror) neither of the desolation (trouble) of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.’ (Eccl.3:21-26) Yes my people, that’s the true source of happiness; wisdom from the Lord! With it, we can create a world overview and know how to live successfully. I’m therefore imploring us to take this message to heart; let’s actively and consciously seek it. But above all people; please, I beg of us, please, let’s TEACH IT TO OUR CHILDREN! So that they will grow up with a better understanding of the world, have a better life, and thereby make the world a better place to sojourn. Much LOVE!…the wise shall inherit glory…but shame shall be the promotion of fools… (Eccl.3:35)
Ah my Friends, words of wisdom about wisdom. One thing usually begets itself; in this case wisdom begets wisdom. What a profound statement! (smile) But before we get into that, I have a quote to share with you from Helen Keller again, and in it’s own way, it projects wisdom. ‘Believe, when you are most unhappy, that there is something for you to do in the world. So long as you can sweeten another’s pain, life is not in vain.’ Words of absolute truth mih wise Friends! The best remedy for our emotional pain or simple unhappiness is helping to relieve someone else’s distress. By so doing, we forget ours, relegating it to the background, paying attention to the other person’s problems, doing a good job for Jesus while racking up heavenly rewards. I urge us people, when we’re feeling down and grumpy, ready for a pity party, the best antidote is to seek out someone we can help. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your own pain will vanish, because you’re not thinking about yourself. And when you’ve helped that person(s), you’ll also feel much better about yourself and your situation. It’s a win/win choice. Sol’s referring in part, to all the little sayings and clichés like, ‘to help yourself, go help somebody else.’ Most of them are true and help us lead a wiser life, that’s why they are so worn and well used. ‘For wisdom is a defense and money is a defense…’ Yes my people, both wisdom and money are defences; shadows, protective shades, and therefore useful in our lives. Sol even claims that, ‘Wisdom is better than weapons of war.’ (Eccl.9:18) And many a wise general has outsmarted one with more weapons and /or men. Hn, hn! As my uncle Foster use to preach to me long ago, ‘Eric, remember, is talk that win the war yuh know!’ So it’s usually better to be wise than only well armed, for superiority in numbers or armaments is no guarantee of victory, although being both will surely help. Then Sol goes on further to say; ‘but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.’ Let’s all say Amen to that my brethren! In other words, wisdom is power! Wisdom surpasses money, has an advantage over it because it allows those who possess it to lead better lives than those with just money alone. Money doesn’t necessarily bring wisdom; you can still be a rich fool, but wisdom has the ability to show us how to get money, and keep it too, cause a fool and his money are soon parted. As Sol expounds earlier on; ‘Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.’ (Eccl.3:13) Then he goes on to sing her praises: Wisdom is better for profit and gain than silver and gold; more precious than rubies; nothing your heart desires is comparable. ‘Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retaineth her.’ (Eccl.3:14-18) There you have it my people; the case for seeking wisdom, consisting of education, book learning, general knowledge, life and people skills. Oh Friends, it’s a ‘dynomite’ combination! Why? Because it allows us to make good, sensible decisions in all areas of life. Sol goes on to relate wisdom to the Lord’s handiwork in the Garden of Eden; ‘the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.’ (Gen.2:9) And the wonderful thing about comparing wisdom to trees is that trees grow when carefully nourished, and so does wisdom mih breddren. And what did the Lord use to create His oh so magnificent creation? Wisdom of course! ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth: by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.’ (Eccl.3:19-20) So my people, if the Lord God created the earth, the heavens, the seas, and all therein through wisdom and understanding, who are we to seek anything else besides those most wonderful attributes eh? ‘Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?’ (Eccl.7:13) No one can do that my Friends! Now, bearing all of that in mind, here’s the best advice we can ever get, and we should definitely share it with our children. ‘My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion. So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace (favour) to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, (terror) neither of the desolation (trouble) of the wicked, when it cometh. For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.’ (Eccl.3:21-26) Yes my people, that’s the true source of happiness; wisdom from the Lord! With it, we can create a world overview and know how to live successfully. I’m therefore imploring us to take this message to heart; let’s actively and consciously seek it. But above all people; please, I beg of us, please, let’s TEACH IT TO OUR CHILDREN! So that they will grow up with a better understanding of the world, have a better life, and thereby make the world a better place to sojourn. Much LOVE!…the wise shall inherit glory…but shame shall be the promotion of fools… (Eccl.3:35)
SCRIP-BITS 