It was my observation while reading Ecclesiastes, Solomon delivers an amazing compendium of wisdom in chapter 8, the nature of true humility is defined, a humility enabled by all manner of awareness and discernment. Solomon intimates that the wise man exhibits meekness, walks with God, and this man attributes all success in their life to the grace of God. This wise man knows himself and carries himself in an upright manner, is content with the things of God, is content in his place; is gentle in spirit, and able to communicate this wisdom to others in need.
Solomon wrote In Ecclesiastes 8:1-5 — Who is like the wise? Who knows the explanation of things? A person’s wisdom brightens their face and changes their hard appearance. Obey the king’s command, I say, because you took an oath before God. Do not be in a hurry to leave the king’s presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. Since a king’s word is supreme, who can say to him, “What are you doing?” Whoever obeys his command will come to no harm, and the wise heart will know the proper time and procedure [NIV].
Solomon suggests in this passage that wisdom will give a person an edge when dealing with the people that surround him. It will help him understand things, respond properly to things, and know when to stand firm and when to let things go. This type of wisdom sets us apart from others. Not in a haughty or elevated manner, rather in a quite assurance, grace driven, confident but not arrogant, competent but not prideful, comfortable with himself and others in his circle. This person becomes rich, not in wealth but in contentment, content with the place his has been given by God. Content that he walks with God, content he serves God, and lives at peace with his surroundings.
This type of personality will cause people to find us, Why? We are helpful on the job or at home with our family. This type of personality is somebody you can rely upon. This type of person understands the larger set of events that drive our life, understands the times and events, can identify the critical junctures and discern how to move through the mine field of life events (see 1 Chronicles 12:32).
This wisdom can make his face shine with the shekinah glory that comes from God, similar to what happened to Moses when he walked from the mount. This kind of wisdom brings a quiet confidence that draws people to his words and guidance (see Job 29:7) and the strength of his resolve when confronted with the troubles of the day, bring peace to the situation. This man is never very far from God’s word. He walks with God. There is something obliging and calming with God’s presence.
Even for people who have a natural temperament of roughness, they are altered by the grace of God, they become easier to be around, mild and gentle – God intervenes into their firmness and build a new work in them. Their roughness is transformed by God into courage, their strength is transformed by God into helpmates for the downtrodden. They see beyond themselves to the larger need. Where wisdom goes, grace follows. The enemy has no tools, no power, no influence. God prevails.
In this wisdom a wise man learns to respect the things of God. When dealing with human affairs we are to render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to hand all things that belong to God, to God. We know to always hold back and not quarrel with God in any fashion or manner. We may not always know why God has moved the way he did, we may not understand why evil appears to be prevailing at the moment, we may not always understand why we feel alone. But the wise man knows – above all else, to respect the decisions of God, in all things, in all places, no matter what the outcome.
I choose Jesus.