What do you say to an empty Life?

 Read Ecclesiastes 1.

How do you measure a life and its value?  What determines true success?

In 1904, there was a national contest to determine and award the finest definition of success.  After scrutinizing all the entries, the judges selected this one: "He is successful who has lived well, loved much and laughed often."  King Solomon declared in essence at the outset of this book, "I lived well.  I love much.  I laughed often and achieved all my goals.  I had it all; all this life could offer me.  But when I backed off to see the results, I felt empty inside."

The key word he used some thirty-seven times (in one form or another) in these twelve chapters is "vanity."  The word means "vapor" or emptiness.  He goes on to say that his endless desire for more proved to be a "vexation" to his spirit.  All of his efforts seemed like "striving after the wind."  Catch a handful and there is really nothing there.  Read: no satisfaction.

However, Solomon knew that life did have great meaning.  It simply was not to be found in earthly pursuits.  Throughout the book the "A" part of his message speaks of emptiness.  Fortunately, he does not leave us there.  Each time he presents a "B" part that brings the reader to a point of hope.  Apart from God, we are destined to measure life only by achievements that produce culturally accepted results.  But true success in life is much more than being famous, how many sales were closed, or how much profit was made.

Five passages in the book of Ecclesiastes explains that God gives us temporal, material possessions to enjoy as a reward for our labors, to please our spouses, to provide for our families, and to use for the glory of God.  Just remember that they are only temporal.  One day we will leave them all behind. 

In light of the fact that we will all stand before the Owner of life for accountability, the most important question is how will the LORD measure my life?  How did I respond to His love and offer of forgiveness in Christ?  Did I use the financial resources, abilities, and time He allowed me to have as a good and faithful steward?  Am I only living for "now" instead of what I can enjoy forever?

 

What to look for in a Wife

 Read Proverbs 31.

Solomon wrote, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD." (Proverbs 18:22)  But there is more.  "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (v.30)

Verses 10-31 is an acrostic poem with each stanza beginning in sequence with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet.  Such a godly woman is praised and has high personal value (v.10) for who she is and what she does.  In summary, here are 7 qualities that this excellent wife demonstrates.

1. Trustworthy. (v.11)
A marriage is dependent upon mutual trust.  The focus on in this verse is that she is trusted by her husband to take care of her responsibilities in such a way that the household prospers.

2. Hardworking at home. (vv.13-15, 20-21, 27)
She tirelessly insures that her household is clothed and fed.

3. Hardworking outside the home. (vv.16-19, 24)
She buys and sells, has merchandise, and makes a profit.

4. Generous. (v.20)
She not only has a heart for the poor and needy but she actually helps them.

5. A valuable partner. (v.23)
She is an asset to her husband.  He has influence in the community, not only because of what he may do, but also because of her good work and reputation.

6. Strength and dignity. (v.25)
Regardless of the situation, she shows herself to be a woman of stability.  Her behavior is honorable and appropriate.

7. Wise and kind. (v.26)
Her speech is characterized by words of good counsel.  She helps others understand life and living in a kindly manner.

It is a rare woman who has such a heart for God, husband, and family who is also gifted in all the areas above.  How thankful and blessed I am and our family continues to hold Diane in high esteem for being such a woman.  As a gift from the LORD, we give her praise from “A to Z”.

 

5 foundational questions for all Mankind

 Read Proverbs 30.

It is by design that humans have inquiring minds to want to know that which is beyond them; to discover how things work; to realize spiritual truth.  How did we get here?  Why are we here?  Where are we going?

Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, these are the words of Agur.  At the outset he wrote of how humbled he felt.  How could anyone be able to follow the wisdom of Solomon?  Yet, God used him here, in verse 4, to ask five of the most foundational questions for all mankind. 

1. Who has gone to heaven and back?
Note that in the context this is not a reference to mere space travel.  It is beyond the sky and space to the dwelling place of God Himself.  Unless one has done this, they cannot truly tell us about it.  The answer to the question is Christ Jesus.  He came, He ascended, and He is coming back again.

2. Who controls the wind?
There are scientific explanations of wind current movements and weather but only to a point.  Those are done by observation and not by control.  Earth has been supplied with oxygen in order to sustain life.  We are dependent on the movements of air in so many ways.  There is only One who takes such credit for providing and controlling the wind.

3. Who controls the water?
Without fresh water, human life is not sustainable.  Without appropriate amounts of rain in season crops cannot produce.  Earth is totally dependent on it.  Inexplicable and foolish thinking is required to believe that such a vital element of life is available to us by accident.  There is only One who takes full credit for life on earth.

4. Who established the earth?
The question is not "what" caused the earth to come into being, as is the attempt of all natural explanations.  The question is "who."  God Himself challenged Job (38:4) by asking, "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?  Tell me if you have understanding."  There is only One who claims to be the Creator and Sustainer of the universe.  "For by him (Jesus) all things were created, in heaven and on earth..." (Colossians 1:16)

5. What is his name, and what is his son's name?
Since there is only One who fits the answer to all these questions, humans are not given a choice to decide this on their own.  By asking "his son's name", this God of heaven is relational.  There is One who is the Son of God.  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)  Through faith in Jesus, we can be welcomed into the very family of God and enjoy a home in heaven with Him.

 

 

"Where there is no vision..."

 Read Proverbs 29.

"Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law." (v.18)

Due to the King James Version, all too often this verse has been used to promote the necessity of organizational vision development and the warning that without it the organization will die.  That is a leadership truism but has nothing to do with this verse.  Fortunately, newer translations help us understand the accurate meaning.

The vision here is the revelation of God's message delivered to His prophet.  In other words, it is the Word of God that people need to hear.  In the absence of knowing what God has said, people will be left to themselves to determine right from wrong and how to behave.  The Hebrew word translated in the KJV as "perish" correctly means "to loosen" or, as in the ESV, "cast off restraint."

An illustration of Proverbs 29:18 may be found in Exodus 32.  Moses was still on Mt. Sinai receiving commandments of the law from the LORD.  With no word from God and concerned about what may have happened to Moses, the people became impatient demanding they take spiritual matters into their own hands.  They wanted to make idols of gold, like the pagan nations around them.  They gave credit to these made-up gods for delivering them from Egypt!  Without restraint, they presented offerings in worship to their idols, feasted, and then they "rose up to play."

All false teaching stems from a lack of studying and understanding the Scriptures.  A major part of our mission is to teach all that God has commanded (Matthew 28:20) so people know how to live for the Lord.

 

4 character qualities of a godly Leader

 Read Proverbs 28.

Many great books on the subject of leadership have been written over the past couple of decades.  "Leadership as an Identity" by Dr. Crawford Loritts is one of the best.  Instead of taking an organizational approach, he targets a leader's character.  Such is what Solomon did in several verses in this chapter.

The world has seen too many leaders who use their position only for personal gain and abuse their power in a tyrannical manner.  In great contrast, here are four characteristics of a godly leader.

1. Stability. (v.2)
Wicked rulers do not last and neither will their governments, businesses, or organizations.  The reason is due to their egotistical agendas.  It is all about them.  A godly leader's chief concern is for the welfare and prosperity of the people.  One ends in disgrace and demise.  The other leaves a long standing legacy of good works.

2. Glory. (vv.12, 28)
With good and godly leadership, the people carry a sense of pride in their work and/or their government.  When bad and evil persons get into power, good people look for ways to protect themselves.  They will either do what they can in order to get out from under that leader's control or do what they must as they pray and wait for a leadership change.

3. Humility. (v.15)
There is no greater abuse than when a person of power oppresses, coerces, and threatens the helpless.  Not so with those who recognize their position and opportunities as God-given.  Accountability engenders humility and a service mindset.

 4. Honesty. (v.16)
A dishonest leader is invariably on the take.  Kick-backs and pay-offs are the methods of operation.  Then, that leader must lie and cover up his dealings.  An honest leader understands the truth always becomes known, sooner or later.  An honest leader works in an atmosphere of transparency.

 

4 indicators of a good Friend

Read Proverbs 27.

"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow." – William Shakespeare

There are four references in this chapter as to what friends do.  They give us good indicators of evaluating whether a person is truly a friend or just an acquaintance.

1. A friend will rebuke us when we are wrong. (v.6)
It is a faithful friend who will step in at the right time and provide needed correction because they love us.  One who does not care will ignore our wrongs.  One who cares only about themselves will rebuke in an unloving way.
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you." – Elbert Hubbard

2. A friend will refresh us with good advice. (v.9)
Such conversation is helpful and kind.  It makes us glad for the opportunity to talk things through with them.

"My best friend is the one who brings out the best in me." – Henry Ford 

3. A friend will remain with us. (v.10)

Through thick and thin they are there.  Loyalty, especially in times of adversity, is a true test of friendship.

"Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over." – Octavia Butler 

4. A friend will reignite our personal growth. (v.17)

We are responsible for our own spiritual, occupational and personal development.  At times we can become lax or stuck.  It is a true friend who comes alongside, providing some encouragement and urging us forward.

"No person is your friend who demands your silence, or denies your right to grow." – Alice Walker 

"Friends are the family you choose" – Jess C. Scott 

So, choose your friends wisely.

 

10 things you should know about a Fool

 Read Proverbs 26.

How should we respond to a fool?  The comparisons and contrasts of wisdom versus foolishness dominate the opening verses of this chapter.  Instruction is given here in regards to the understanding and treatment of fools.

1. Honoring them. (v.1 and v.8)
Do not do it.  It will prove harmful.  Snow or heavy rain at the time of harvest would ruin the crops and destroy profits.  Someone is going to get hurt.

2. Correcting them. (v.3)
Restricting them or inflicting some pain appears to be the only means of controlling them due to the fact you cannot reason with them.

3. Answering them not. (v.4)
Sometimes the best course of action to a foolish rant is to ignore it.  Often, it is only a taunt with the intent to bring you into a fight.

4. Answering them. (v.5)
Sometimes responding to them in kind may help them realize they are not as smart as they thought.  Wisdom is required to know when and when not to respond.

5. Relying on them. (v.6)
Expecting a fool to faithfully carry out his duties will prove harmful to the one who sent him.

6. Teaching them. (v.7)
Wise words are useless to a fool because his heart is not right with God.  Being wise is an inside job.

7. Understanding them. (v.9)
A fool lacks sense.  His feelings are numb to certain things in life.  He does not feel the impact of wise words.

8. Hiring them. (v.10)
A fool in the work place can jeopardize the morale and production of all the other employees.

9. Enduring them. (v.11)
He will keep on making the same bad decisions over and over until there is some strong correction or a change of heart.

10. Comparing them. (v.12)
There is someone worse than a fool and that is the egoist.  A person who is full of themselves thinks they know better than everyone else.  Like the fool, they do not listen to wisdom.