The wisdom of life is something that many people aspire to. But sometimes we realise that wisdom is not something that is easily attained and settled in a person. We often see people who are considered wise getting caught up in the problems that result from their decisions. Even people we see as wise and able to give advice are unable to provide solutions to the problems we face. How complex is our search for wisdom and discernment in life.
Surprisingly, the preacher also faced this anxiety. The more he plunged into seeking wisdom, the more contradictions he encountered. On the one hand he examines everything with wisdom, on the other hand the search for wisdom does not produce wisdom, or results in the conclusion that wisdom is far away. This shows his limitations in assessing and interpreting the reality at hand.
But at least the search for wisdom, though confusing, still allows him to discern between good and evil. In the language of the preacher, he describes it as something else, stronger than death and shackling man, even drawing him to destruction (v. 26). Yet there is a way out because those who please God are spared from it, but the sinner is captured by it. In the book of Ecclesiastes those who please God are always closely associated with those who live by God's wisdom. So even though the search for wisdom is laborious and endless, it still brings a good impact in life.
Let us strive to live in His wisdom and will. Though it may be difficult and fraught with pitfalls, at least through this quest we are enabled to discern what is right and wrong. Isn't that the most important thing in life. If becoming a wise and prudent person is something that is so far away, but on the way we can have the sensitivity to always see the signs of His presence.
