Read:
- Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
- Ecclesiastes 10
What does it actually look like to live wisely day to day?
Solomon said there is “nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NLT) and that “there is a season for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, NLT). How can both be true? Life looks so different from person to person. One experiences poverty, another wealth. One experiences a long, healthy life, another dies young.
What we all have in common is choice. We all choose how to respond to what we’re given. Will we respond with honesty and integrity? With anger and bitterness? Will we choose to love others the way God has loved us? Will we choose to live wisely?
Where do we find wisdom? “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17-18, NLT)
True wisdom comes from God, and we find it in our relationship with God. We grow our relationship with him by reading his truth in the Bible. Even though Scripture doesn’t speak to our modern technology, culture, or political systems, it does provide us with the principles that help us live a life full of wisdom and love. When we choose to follow these principles, we’re fully following Jesus.
We also grow our relationship with God by talking to him through prayer. If you’re facing a tough decision and need wisdom, ask him for help. James also wrote, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5, NLT)
Pray: Dear God, I want to live a life guided by your wisdom and love. Give me your wisdom today, and help me choose it every day. Amen.