A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad a heart may be happy.
4 The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, while the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of fools.
6 For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; and this too is futility.
7 For oppression makes a wise man mad, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning; patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.
9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
11 Wisdom along with an inheritance is good and an advantage to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.
13 Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent?
14 In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider—
God has made the one as well as the other
So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, because that is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for when a face is sad a heart may be happy.
4 The mind of the wise is in the house of mourning, while the mind of fools is in the house of pleasure.
5 It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of fools.
6 For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; and this too is futility.
7 For oppression makes a wise man mad, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning; patience of spirit is better than haughtiness of spirit.
9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger resides in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
11 Wisdom along with an inheritance is good and an advantage to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is protection just as money is protection, but the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.
13 Consider the work of God, for who is able to straighten what He has bent?
14 In the day of prosperity be happy, but in the day of adversity consider—
God has made the one as well as the other
So that man will not discover anything that will be after him.
15 I have seen everything during my lifetime of futility; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. 16 Do not be excessively righteous and do not be overly wise. Why should you ruin yourself? 17 Do not be excessively wicked and do not be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you grasp one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them.
19 Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city. 20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins. 21 Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. 22 For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others.
Reminder: "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will. When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!
It is God's will:
- that we do not have a heart for anger (7:8-9)
- that we are not self-righteous or show off how much we know (7:16)
- that we realize we are not perfect, but that we do not set out to be wicked or foolish (7:17)
- that we practice GRACE... we do not have to hear everything that is spoken about us, because it is just not necessary... there will be people who do not like us or they are just angry people and that is their issue. In the same way, because we are not perfect, we have said things about others which would be unnecessary for them to hear (7:21-22)
- that we do not long for the "good ol' days", but instead live in the here and now (7:10)
- that we realize we all must face death and deal with it by focusing on the death and resurrection of Jesus which leads to eternal life (7:4)
- that we prefer the rebukes of the wise, rather than the songs of fools (7:5)
- that we consider and respect the work of God that He has done (7:13)
Today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and grace!!! As soon as we come into this world, we are spiritually dead - so we need You to save us from death. And because we are not perfect and continue to sin - we need Your grace, and Your continual wisdom and guidance.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your love and grace!!! As soon as we come into this world, we are spiritually dead - so we need You to save us from death. And because we are not perfect and continue to sin - we need Your grace, and Your continual wisdom and guidance.
Help us extend Your grace to others, realizing that we are not better than anyone else. May our hearts not be filled with anger, but be filled with Your love and patience. Help us avoid arguments, and when they do occur, help us to quickly reconcile.
And when You allow us go through struggles as a test, may we stay focused on You, realizing that You intend this for good. May we continue to do Your will and mature spiritually, no matter what circumstances we find ourselves, and not long for the good 'ol days - which were no better than today! Help us strive onward in Your strength. Amen.
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