Welcome to Day 2378 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 7:15-22 Daily Wisdom Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2378 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2378 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’ll continue our journey through the profound and thought-provoking book of Ecclesiastes. We’re diving into Ecclesiastes 7:15-22 from the New Living Translation. These verses provide deep insights into the complexities of life, the importance of balanced living, and the value of humility and wisdom. Ecclesiastes 7:15-22 (NLT): 15 I have seen everything in this meaningless life, including the death of good young people and the long life of wicked people. 16 So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? 17 On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time? 18 Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes. 19 One wise person is stronger than ten leading citizens of a town! 20 Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins. 21 Don’t eavesdrop on others—you may hear your servant curse you. The Paradoxes of Life: Solomon begins by reflecting on the paradoxes he has observed in life. He has seen good people die young and wicked people live long lives. This observation highlights the apparent randomness and unpredictability of life. It challenges our assumptions about justice and fairness in this world. Solomon uses these paradoxes to introduce a crucial point: life often defies our expectations, and trying to make sense of it through human wisdom alone can be frustrating. In verses 16 and 17, Solomon advises against extremes. He warns, “Don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself?” and conversely, “Don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time?” This might sound strange at first. Is Solomon suggesting we shouldn’t strive for goodness or wisdom? Not at all. He’s cautioning against self-righteousness and pretentious wisdom, which can lead to pride and self-destruction. On the flip side, he’s warning against wickedness and foolishness, which can lead to an early demise. The key here is balance. Solomon is advocating for a balanced life where one avoids the extremes of self-righteousness and wickedness. It’s about living wisely within the boundaries set by God, recognizing our human limitations and the complexities of life. In verse 18, Solomon provides the solution: “Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.” The fear of God is the foundation for balanced living. Reverence for God keeps us from veering too far into self-righteousness or wickedness. It grounds us in humility, reminding us of our place before an almighty, sovereign Creator. It’s about recognizing that while we strive to live rightly, we must do so with a humble heart, aware...
