We are to “pay more attention to
calm words from wise people” (Ecclesiastes 9:17). This combination of
calmness and wisdom is highlighted also in James - “the wisdom that
comes from above is first of all pure. Then it is peaceful, gentle,
obedient, filled with mercy and good deeds, impartial and sincere.” This
description of wisdom is followed by these words of comment: “A harvest
that has God’s approval comes from the peace planted by peacemakers”
(James 3:17-18). In Ecclesiastes 10:2, the wise person and the fool are
contrasted - “A wise person’s heart leads the right way. The heart of a
fool leads the wrong way.” At the heart of the call to wisdom, there is
the call to remember our Creator (Ecclesiastes 12:1-6). How are we to
remember our Creator? - “Fear God and keep His commandments”
(Ecclesiastes 12:13).
We read about Elijah in his high-points of strength - the triumph over the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36-39) - and his low-points of weakness - he is ready to give up: “I’ve had enough now, Lord” (1 Kings 19:4). How did Elijah get into such a mess? He forgot this: “The Lord’s power was on Elijah” (1 Kings 18:46). In all life’s ups and downs, we must hold on to this: The Lord has sent His Spirit of power to live in us (2 Timothy 1:7). How are we to live in the power of the Spirit? We need to feed on the Word of God and drink in the Word of God (1 Kings 17:4). We need to pray that the Lord will send His showers of blessing (1 Kings 17:14). We are to live our life “according to the Word of the Lord” (1 Kings 17:16). For our life of faith to be strong in the Lord, we need to listen attentively to the preaching of God’s Word (1 Kings 17:24).
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