For Reading and Meditation:      Ecclesiastes 7:11-14Solomon now invites us to look at the benefits and advantages of wisdom. 'Wisdom is a shelter,' he says (v. 12). It protects us from pitfalls or from entering into foolish schemes and ideas. Wisdom protects us from being overtaken by an unexpected financial crisis, for example, by showing us the importance of "saving for a rainy day." Wisdom tells us that we should make sure our liabilities never exceed our assets; that it is better, whenever possible, to avoid temptation than to confront it; that to harbor resentment is like harboring a snake in your bosom, and so on. If you possess wisdom, then you won't fall apart under pressure. Wisdom won't stop you from experiencing problems, but it will protect you from unnecessary ones. The second thing Solomon says about wisdom is that it gives us a clearer perspective on life. He asks: "Who can straighten what he has made crooked?" (v. 13). How we wish we could, but sometimes such a thing is beyond us. Wisdom will help us to focus only on the things that can be changed, and not to spend useless time and energy in trying to change the unchangeable. A divine thread of sovereignty runs through our lives, points out Solomon, so whether times are good or bad - be happy. Wisdom enables us to see that everything is under God's control - the up times and the down times, the "in" times and the "out" times. We are not the victims of blind fate or random chance. God is over all things and in control of all things. Thus we are people of destiny.O Father, help me trace Your hand in the whole of my life, not just the "good" bits. May I see that the setbacks as well as the successes are part of Your purpose for me, and thus praise You in everything."Through good or ill You are with me still." Thank You, dear Father. Amen.

Let a little light into your soul every day with this wonderful devotional from English pastor Selwyn Hughes.

Every Day Light with Selwyn Hughes

"... the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor." (v. 12)

CIRCUMSTANCES sometimes regulate duties. The Lord's people have to pass through many changes; they are strangers and pilgrims here. Sometimes prosperity calls for rejoicing, and sometimes adversity calls for consideration. If prayer appears to be shut out, our petitions seem to be denied, and we cannot enjoy the life and power of religion; it is the day of adversity. If providence frowns, and the heart contracts and becomes hard, it is a day of adversity; now we should consider, Is there not a cause? What is it? Has sin been indulged? or mercy slighted? or duty neglected? or self deified? What is the intention? Is it to correct, reprove, and restore us? How should we now act? Let us take shame to ourselves, justify our God, confess sin, lament over our folly, crave pardon, and plead for restoration. It is our comfort to know that the Lord calls us to return, declares He is ready to forgive, promises a gracious reception, and assures us He will heal our backslidings and love us freely. Let us, believing, look for His blessing.Of my extreme distresses The author is the Lord; Whate'er His wisdom pleases, His name be still adored. If still He prove my patience And to the utmost prove, Yet all His dispensations Are faithfulness and love.

Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.

The Believer's Daily Remembrancer

"In the day of adversity, consider." Ecclesiastes 7:14

14 <poetry>When times are good, be happy; <indent>but when times are bad, consider this:</indent> God has made the one <indent>as well as the other. </indent> Therefore, no one can discover <indent>anything about their future.</indent></poetry>

When times are good, be happy; <indent>but when times are bad, consider this:</indent> God has made the one <indent>as well as the other.<cr>1</cr> </indent> Therefore, no one can discover <indent>anything about their future.</indent>

Ecclesiastes 7:14

 14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.   Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

From Wikipedia: 

The New International Version (NIV) is an English translation of the Bible first published in 1978 by Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society). The NIV was published to meet the need for a modern translation done by Bible scholars using the earliest, highest quality manuscripts available. Of equal importance was that the Bible be expressed in broadly understood modern English.

The NIV is published by Zondervan in the United States and Hodder & Stoughton in the UK. The NIV was updated in 1984 and 2011 and has become one of the most popular and best-selling modern translations.

OT: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia; additional sources;
NT: UBS Greek New Testament; Novum Testamentum Graece; additional sources;

New International Version

 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

<poetry>When times are good, be happy; <indent>but when times are bad, consider this:</indent> God has made the one <indent>as well as the other. </indent> Therefore, no one can discover <indent>anything about their future.</indent></poetry>

 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other.   Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future.

Bible Verse of the Day

October 19, 2023

Ecclesiastes 7:14 NIV

Verse by Verse Bible Study

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