(considering) 8:28

Texts Reflecting: Proverbs 5, Ecclesiastes 5

The simplest lesson implied in everything so far is that not all work or striving is valuable, some of it is striving after the wind (as Ecclesiastes says), but it’s also a facet of the teaching in proverbs. The recommendation of avoiding an adulteress is one example. Lest you lose your strength and give it to another, avoid the evil of unfaithfulness. Why, because as 5:21-23 puts it, evil destroys itself, and if you embrace evil, your evil will eventually destroy you.

That said, even as we produce good things, the people who consume those good things will also increase. This isn’t a bad thing per se, just a thing, but one should always remember that increasing value will also increase the people who value things.

All sorts of strivings exist, and all kinds of work for transient benefits. The question is going to be what is wise to do. The problem is that it is not always clear what is wise, which is why the preacher of Ecclesiastes and the writer of proverbs both intend to pass on wisdom to the reader.

This means that the most important facet for a reader to build up is humility, especially humility before God, something that has been again repeated in the readings for today. The most famous part being:

Do not be quick with your mouth or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.  (Ecclesiastes 5:2, NASB 2020)

It’s important to note that this means to be careful to be humble before God even when you ask for things, since it is God that knows better.