Chasing the Wind: The Search for Virtue
Ecclesiastes 7:15-29
A Warning Against Religion (v. 15-18)
· Solomon reflects on the trappings of religion
o Religion: A system of beliefs and actions that are thought to make oneself more pleasing to God
· His use of the term ‘righteous’ here refers to a self-righteousness based in our actions
o Rather than in a right-standing granted by God by grace
o Thus its pursuit should be avoided
· Likewise, some wickedness is inevitable in life
o But it should never be pursued
· Instead, one should learn to fear God
o Hold Him in awe and respect
o Which leads to true righteousness
Coping with Evil (v. 19-22)
· Since evil cannot be completely avoided in the world
o One must learn to cope with it
o Which we do through wisdom (v. 19)
· Wisdom allows us to be honest about the state of humanity
o We are all sinful (v. 20)
· It also allows us to be honest about our own failings & fragile egos (v. 21-22)
o We need to learn to deal with people as they are
o Not as we wish they would be
The Search for Virtue (v. 23-29)
· Again Solomon reflects on the Fall of humanity into sin (see Ecc. 1:17-18)
o His examination produces the result that humans are scheming and deceptive
· Recalling the Fall, he points out the curse of Eve (v. 26; see Gen. 3:16 & parallel in Gen. 4:7c)
· Which is a pattern that has continued in strife in marriage
o Solomon is not solely faulting women for this conflict*
o He is blaming human sinfulness
· We were created righteous
o But we find ways to sin and hurt each other (v. 29)
§ A succinct description of the ‘total depravity’ of humans
So What?
· Are we seeking to be righteous on our own; or relying on God’s grace in Jesus for our right-standing with Him?
· Are we scheming and deceiving those we are called to love the most; or are we seeking better ways to love them as Christ loves us?
Meditation Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:20
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