Wisdom shows

As we forge on ahead deeper into Ecclesiastes we will note a slight change in mood from Solomon. In today's reading he seems (well to me at least) to shift from being very depressed, to becoming more reflective and offering some 'fatherly' advice to his listeners. Listen to his heart as he writes:

"How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things.
Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.

Obey the king since you vowed to God that you would. Don’t try to avoid doing your duty, and don’t stand with those who plot evil, for the king can do whatever he wants. His command is backed by great power. No one can resist or question it. Those who obey him will not be punished. Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything, even when a person is in trouble." - Ecclesiastes 8:1-6

I have underlined the last verse because this was the one that stood out for me today. Do you note the connection with his comments in chapter 3 (A Time for Everything)? 

Is there something from these verses that resonates with you today? One of the other thoughts to strike me was how Solomon mentions that wisdom 'lights up a person's face.' Have you ever noticed that before?

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me." - John 14:1

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Full in the face

Looking at someone 'full in the face' is a sign of love and appreciation. It tells the other person that we value them and that they are worthy of our attention. The way you look at someone can tell them a lot about what you think of them. So, with this in mind, have a read of Numbers 6:24-26 from Eugene Peterson's 'The Message':

"God bless you and keep you,

25 God smile on you and gift you,

26 God look you full in the face
    and make you prosper."

May God look at you 'FULL in the face' today and may you feel God's pleasure.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Sound advice

We seldom get sound advice nowadays. It is hard for people to be objective when they hear of our situations and many people are quick to sprout forth some opinion. But is it always good advice? Sadly, not always.

In a difficult time in Israel's history, David wrote these words:

"Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always." - 1 Chronicles 16:11

I think this is solid advice. We must 'look' to the Lord in our times of difficulty and as we seek his face, He will give us the strength we need.

Look, Seek, Find his strength.

Be blessed today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3