Lori and I have certain expectations for our boys Byson and Aarron. They are to graduate high school and move on to educate themselves even more. We understand that in today’s society, there is a “need” for knowing more than what you learn before high school graduation.
“16I said in my heart, ‘I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.’” – Ecclesiastes 1:16 (ESV)
Even the Preacher (Solomon as is commonly understood to be) spent time gaining great knowledge and wisdom in the world. He was known as one of the wisest of all time, so we must be doing something right in regard to seeking to know more.
“17And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly, I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. 18For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” – Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 (ESV)
Have you ever tried to catch the wind? We may think we can, however once we have gathered the air moved by the wind, that wind is gone and now only air. So we really did not capture the wind at all.
The Hebrew word for vanity is vapor (as identified in the footnote of my ESV) and it, like wind, is fleeting, yet we continue to chase it. Our human knowledge when it is all said and done has no real value. We are chasing the wind and even though we may catch it, we are disappointed in the value once we have it.
Please do not mistake my words above to mean that you should not be seeking a further education and knowledge, for that is far from the truth. I am referring to seeking as the, be all end all. We should seek to understand, however if we are going to seek for true wisdom as Solomon, we should be seeking the Word of God.
True wisdom is knowing and living the Word of God. The Word gives us life and we are then able to proceed with happiness and fulfillment that this world and the knowledge it has cannot offer. Seek the knowledge and wisdom that God provides and we are able to know all that we need to be fruitful.
When you seek knowledge and wisdom, where are you looking? Are you seeking to know all you can on this earth? Where has that ultimately gotten you? Are you willing to seek the wisdom from the Word of God? Will you know God and true wisdom?
Trevor's Thoughts 