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).
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be
Comments
Post a Comment