Solomon talks a lot about wisdom. This doesn’t surprise us because that was his thing. When we read Proverbs it’s easy to be overwhelmed by his supreme understanding. But as we’ve seen, wisdom is not everything. Wisdom is good and we need it, but we can’t trust our own wisdom to save us or to give us joy. Wisdom is kind of like steak. Steak is delicious and a wonderful gift of God. However, if I only eat steak and nothing else, then I’ll get sick of it (eventually) and my body would lack other necessary nutrients for proper functioning. Likewise, wisdom is good, but it’s insufficient to provide the meaning of life.
In Ecclesiastes 8, Solomon turns again to the value of wisdom because he wants us to understand that although wisdom can’t save us, it is good for us. We can’t trust our own wisdom for meaning and purpose, but God still desires us to be wise because we live in a wicked word. Our world is full of sin and chaos, and this is nothing new. Solomon observed the wickedness of his day and said in Ecclesiastes 7:20 – “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” We could echo those words today. So, how can we be wise in a wicked world? In this chapter, Solomon explains how to be wise with three attributes of wisdom:
The first attribute of wisdom is that a wise person obeys God’s appointed authorities (Eccl. 8:1-9). Solomon starts this chapter with a reminder of the value of wisdom. He says that the wise will stand out and have a good reputation. They’ll be known for their upright character and godliness. This character is demonstrated by their obedience to the king. The wise person will obey the king or ruling authority because God has appointed them to that position. God determines who rules and exercises authority. Lest we think that we’re exempt from this command I implore you to read Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-25 and consider the context in which those passages were written. God appoints all rulers, and we display our trust in God by obeying those authorities.
Then Solomon goes a step further and explains why we should honor our authorities. We should serve and pray for our leaders and do what is right. Solomon gives three reasons why this is wise: 1) Honor your rulers because they’re superior (v. 4), 2) Honor your rulers because it keeps you out of trouble (v. 5), and 3) Honor your rulers because the wicked will be judged by God (vv. 6-9). God will punish those that disobey His commands. So, we should honor God by honoring the authorities He put in place.
The second attribute of wisdom is that a wise person fears God (Eccl. 8:10-13). Once again Solomon reminds us of the reality of death, in particular the death of the wicked. The wicked may prosper in this life and deceive themselves by thinking they can escape God, but death is proof that everyone is accountable to God. Sadly, our sinful world tends to praise the wicked and persecute the righteous. But Solomon reminds us that no sinner can escape death by his wickedness. In verse 12, we have a glimpse of hope because Solomon says that the one who fears God will escape His wrath. Although the wicked seem to prosper in this life, their judgment will come. So, we should fear the Final Judge. Those that fear God will escape His wrath. This is good news! We’re all sinners and we all deserve God’s wrath. However, we can be spared if we fear God. But those who do not fear God, who persist in wickedness and never repent, will face God’s eternal wrath.
The third attribute of wisdom is that a wise person enjoys the life that God has given (Eccl. 8:14-17). As Solomon examined life on this earth, he noticed this frustrating fact- good and bad come to the wicked and to the righteous. The wicked and righteous don’t always get what they deserve. Sometimes the wicked are rewarded and the righteous are punished. This world is full of frustrating realities just like this one. Solomon is communicating that man cannot grasp God’s plan so he should humbly submit to God and trust His wisdom. Only then can we find true joy in this life. Life can be enjoyed with God. Although life seems unfair, when we trust God with the outcome, we find joy in this life. God’s ways are incomprehensible. Even the wisest man to ever live said that God’s wisdom is beyond our comprehension. We can’t even scratch the surface of God’s knowledge and understanding. True wisdom is submitting to God’s wisdom and trusting His plan. Trusting that He’s in control and will always do what’s best.
To be wise we must obey authority, fear God, and enjoy the life that He has given us. We need to be wise in this wicked world. Wisdom starts by trusting God’s wisdom and power. Many things in life don’t make sense to us, but that’s okay because God’s in control. We can rest in God’s goodness even though life may seem unfair. Trust God and find joy in His grace. True joy in life can only be found in a relationship with God.