What's you work ethic?

He who digs a pit will fall into it, 
and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. 
*9* He who quarries stones is hurt by them, 
and he who splits logs is endangered by them. 
*10* If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, 
he must use more strength, 
but wisdom helps one to succeed. 
*11* If the serpent bites before it is charmed, 
there is no advantage to the charmer. 

Ecclesiastes 10:8–11.

This Chapter of Ecclesiastes reads like a set of proverbs, so I think it’s important not to whizz through them but to stop and consider what is each verse really saying. It’s easy to skim over and get the gist of the message, but when we slow down and consider we understand and appreciate more. So, lets look at each verse individually;

V8; ‘He who digs a pit will fall into it, 
and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.’
Why would you dig a pit? Usually because you’re laying a trap, trying to ensnare someone or something.
Why would you break through a wall? It could be because you're feeling destructive, annoyed or even as an act of vengeance, these are times when we usually like to break things!
So, what can we learn from this verse is that acting out of anger, plotting vengeance or revenge is only going to hurt ourselves in the end. Don’t try to trick people, trap them or hurt them because it will turn about that you will be exposed and punished. Trying to tear down others’ will lead to some kind of downfall for yourself.

V9; ‘He who quarries stones is hurt by them, 
and he who splits logs is endangered by them.‘
Basically, no matter what job you do, there’s danger! The reality is that there are risks all around us, living life can be a bit dangerous, but do you think the miner worries everyday if he’s cut by a stone? Or the lumberjack worries about the dangers of an axe? A policeman or fireman doesn’t go into work every shift consumed by their own mortality and fragility - they get on with it. Whatever job you do, whether it carries physical or relational risk, or even financial and temporal risk, life and work can be risky, but don’t spend your life worried about the ‘what ifs’. Keep on going, the more you practice the scary stuff, the less it’ll scare you.

V10; ‘If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, 
he must use more strength, 
but wisdom helps one to succeed.‘
I think this leads nicely on from the previous verse, considering splitting logs with an axe - if the blade is blunt, it is not going to be easy to use. A good lumberjack doesn't turn up to work with a blunt axe - he knows the work will be harder and it's just not sensible.
Therefore, when getting ready to work ensure the tools of your trade are ready for the work they need to do. Prepare, get ready, if you don't it’s going to take a lot more out of you than it needs to. The idle or foolish person is not ready, their equipment is inefficient so they can’t work properly. The wise prepare. There may be physical tools we need to look after, or it could be preparing the body and mind. If we purposefully do not look after our bodies, rest well, hydrate, then are you even ready? Is your mind sharpened or blunt? It takes a lot more effort to use a blunt tool than a sharpened one. So, whatever your hand finds to do, whatever your workload looks like, get prepared, be ready, be sharp!

V11; ‘If the serpent bites before it is charmed, 
there is no advantage to the charmer.’
Why would a snake do that? It seems to me that a snake would do that if it is not handled right. A charmers job is to ensure that the snake is restful and of no harm to anyone, the charmer has confidence in their capability but if they are not quick enough off the mark, they’ll get hurt.  It’s the same for us in whatever job we do. We shouldn’t be over-confident in our ability, we should take each day seriously, be alert, consistent and careful. Maybe the charmer turned up for late that day, maybe they were hungover or just could not be bothered to do what is necessary. Maybe they were lazy, despondent, annoyed or even a bit cocky about their abilities. This lax attitude clearly does not work out well, if you not working to your full potential it effects you and you could get bitten, don't be lazy or over-confident - you could get harmed.

It seems that these verses are really speaking about our work ethic. so, whatever job you do, take it seriously. Whether you think you get paid enough or not should not effect the effort you put into each day. There are no excuses to be lazy, unprepared, slow, inefficient or vengeful. In the end, the main person this will effect is yourself - you can get hurt. If you have slipped into bad habits, if your focus has not been on the job, if you’re frequently late, trying to trick others out, whose reputation is on the line? Who is responsible for the way they handle their workload, colleagues and clients? That’s right - you are! So, don’t let yourself down, don’t be caught out by unsharpened tools, or by the power of anger and resentment in your life.

Be wise
Be sharp
Be ready..

Forgotten Wisdom

'13*I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. *14*There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. *15*But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. *16*But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard. 
*17*The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. *18*Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.' 
Ecclesiastes 9:13–18.

The verses above show that times have not changed.
Those who are strong and virile are upheld, honoured and celebrated, yet the poor and wise are overlooked, forgotten and ignored. This was true in Solomon’s time, Jesus’ time and is still true in our time. The world and humanity have not changed; we still celebrate strength, might, power, renown and wealth - we even have competitions and wars to prove who are the strongest. The poor, intelligent, weak, unknown and wise are all too easily forgotten. The strongest and fastest are commemorated and given great honour, yet the minds involved in incredible ground-breaking discoveries are often forgotten.

We can all probably name the fastest or strongest men of our time, yet how about the name of the person who has made a significant scientific breakthrough or incredible discovery? Who is the world’s most inspiring engineer? The wisest man or woman on Earth? I’m not sure many of us could name any - No-one remembers the poor wise man.

Don’t get me wrong, we do acknowledge some levels of wisdom - we can all name some of the most famous scientists of all time; how about Einstein or Newton? But they are only really remembered because we still use their formulas and theories. We can now recognise the great value of the wisdom they had. At the time they lived, the impact of what they knew was limited. Einstein, even though he was a Nobel prize winner, an acclaimed scientist, had an audience with government officials - we could consider that he was not forgotten, after all most people have heard of him, we can believe that he is remembered and revered - but did you know he warned US government of the danger of developing nuclear weapons? Yet did the countries listen to this wise man’s advice? Even though the wisdom of Einstein was acclaimed, valued and respected, like in the story Solomon relays, the words of the wise man fall on deaf ears, ‘the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.’ No-one seems  to of listened to Einstein. For we all know the terror of the use of nuclear weapons - the effects are still felt, yet one wise  man’s advice could of saved a city, even a nation from the havoc, chaos and horror of nuclear weapons. However, the advice of the wise is not heeded.

Consider the difference listening to Einstein would have made to the lives of many. This one poor wise man had stood up and made a recommendation to the rulers of the time to warn and stay away from the fatal effects of this power, yet no one listened. It is sad, isn’t it?
We can look back and see the folly of nations, and of humanity because they have failed to heed the small voice of wisdom that with great foresight and bravery has been spoken, yet time and again people have failed to listen.

Don’t be someone who fails to listen.

Don’t be like the fools. Don’t detest wisdom. If someone speaks the small voice of wisdom into your life do not despise it, do not turn away from it, even if it is something you do not want to hear, but weigh the words of the poor wise man (or woman). Let the wise speak and be valued in your life, you never know what nuclear disasters you will avoid by taking the road of wisdom.

Then, when you do take the advice of the wise, do not forget where that wisdom came from. Do not be one that forgets, but be one that recommends, honours and upholds the wise. Give them the credit they deserve. Don’t allow the wise In your life be overlooked and forgotten, repay them with your gratitude and honour them.

Don’t be someone who ignores or forgets the wise.

‘But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.’

Value your life

Some instructions from Solomon, the wisest King of Israel:

*7*Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. 
*8*Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. 
*9*Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. *10*Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going. 
Ecclesiastes 9:7–10.

This passage may seem like a simple list of values, they are quite basic elements of life really. But, maybe Solomon is encouraging us to go back to basics to get the most out of the ‘vain life’ we have here on Earth. Sometimes it is the little things that effect us most either by their presence or absence. Amongst these verses I had 10 thoughts about what Solomon is advising us to do. Consider as you read them - Do you apply them to your own life? What difference would it make if you did?

1. ‘Go, eat your bread with joy’  - Be content. Give your body what it needs, and appreciate that you have it. Enjoy nourishing your body. If your body is satisfied then this can effect your mental and emotional state too. Take care of the body God has given you, and enjoy doing it.

2. ‘drink your wine with a merry heart' - Enjoy what you have. Set your heart and mind to be appreciative, grateful. Take pleasure in the simple things.

3. ‘God has already approved what you do’ - Quit worrying. You are approved and accepted. There is no need to worry about what you have/haven’t done, you are already accepted and valued just as you are. You are who you are meant to be so have confidence.

4. ‘Let your garments be always white’ - Be innocent. Don’t do things you are unsure of, don’t be compromised, but lead a life that is free from reproach. Live in innocence, don’t get entangled in things you know or suspect are not right.

5.  ‘Let not oil be lacking on your head’ - Hold your head up high, know your own righteousness, don’t live feeling guilty, but live forgiven and free from sin. You are anointed, you have been set apart and are of value and worth. Live life knowing that.

6. ‘Enjoy life with the wife whom you love’ - Enjoy your family and appreciate marriage. Take time to have fun with your family. Play games, go out, be silly and have a good time with your spouse, and if you don’t have one, do the the same with those who are important to you.

7. ‘Enjoy life….. because that is your portion in life’ - You have one life, so live it, enjoy what you have, eat, drink and be merry - take opportunities to stretch, challenge and have fun. God gave us this life that we may live, not so that we could be dull and bored, but He has given much to be enjoyed - don’t get so busy or distracted that you miss out on that joy.

8. ‘that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun’ - Your spouse and family are given to you to give you relief and enjoyment in the trouble of life. Marriage can be hard work, but it can also be enjoyed. The hard work of married life will be of benefit for the rest of your life. You have been given the family situation you are in for a reason. It may seem like hard work at times, but it can also keep you going in the toil of employment and life in general.

9. ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might’ - Work hard. Don’t hold back, don’t cut corners, have integrity. Work hard at what you have the opportunity to do right now. It may not be the dream job, the end goal, but don't lose focus of the value of what you have in your hands to do now. Do it and do it well.

10. ‘there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.’ - Ahhh, this passage ends with the joyous thought that we are going to die! One day this life will be over so appreciate what you’ve got whilst you’ve got it; Use the; imagination, knowledge and wisdom God has given you whilst you’ve got it. One day it will be too late to do so.

In summary - enjoy the life God has given you, appreciate all the parts that make up your life and know your value in it. Don't hold back in employment, family life or having fun!

What are you living for?

As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. *3*This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. *4*But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. *5*For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. *6*Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. 
*7*Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. 
Ecclesiastes 9:2–7.

Well, isn’t this inspiring?!
This section of scripture can sound a bit depressing, quite stark, a bit of a downer. It shows us that no matter what kind of person you are - you will die. It doesn’t matter if you are kind or not, generous or not, a christian or not, you will die. That is the end for us all. It doesn’t matter what your lifestyle is like, the things you do to prolong or enhance your existence, you will, one day, die. We don’t tend to like to think about it, but it is true. Just as true as the fact that you came into existence, you will also cease to exist on Earth.
Solomon seems fascinated by this fact. He, the wisest man on Earth, is consumed by the purpose of this finite life. He searched for meaning - an explanation of what life is about. He realised that it so quickly ceases, so there must be a reason for the life lived. Solomon saw and experienced a great many things; good and evil, wisdom and folly, rich and poor, and he still couldn’t make sense of it all.  All he discovered was that it all ends, whatever kind of life you have, it ends. One day it won’t matter how much; money, power or influence, you have, because in the blink of an eye you could be dead and all of that will vanish. As the verses above say - once you’re dead you know nothing, you get no reward from your endeavours, even the memory of who you are and what you’ve done will die, you’ll never see the sun again or gain anything from what’s on Earth. So, in light of these considerations, it raises the question - What are you living for?

What are you living for? 

If you know at some point you are going to die, you know your life is finite, how are you living in light of that?

Solomon, a man of unfathomable wisdom, discovered that the best way to live life is to look at life back-to-front. He considered the fact that we are all going to die, and from there considered what the important things in life are. Surely, having the reality of death in the forefront of our minds should effect the way we live now. Solomon shows that we should live like we are going to die. There are few people that know the reality of this - some do - I particularly think of those given a terminal diagnosis. They know their life on Earth is ending, so they say the things they have been afraid to say,  aim to restore relationships, organise money and possessions. They learn to appreciate the everyday things and every minute they have. People who live like they are going to die make different decisions in their lives, their outlook is different because they know it all soon be over. They will take enjoyment from flowers, the sun, their breakfast, the holding of a hand or the fun of a game. They may have a last minute, once in a lifetime experience, do something they have always wanted to do. They may forgive people, become braver and kinder - choosing to leave this world with no animosity, anger or regret. People do not want to die with envy and hate in their hearts, or even leave that behind for others. People seek peace and contentment, joy and comfort in their last days. So, why should we live our lives any different?

What if we all started looking at life like that - Living like we are going to die?
What would you change about your life? Experiences? Relationships? Time? Who do you need to forgive? What do you need to take up or give up? Is there something you want to work towards?

Don’t put these things off to another day, another year - who knows how many you’ve got left? Once your time is over there’s no replay, you cannot live this life again. You’ve got one shot, so what are you going to do about it?
Appreciate the life you have got and make the most of it - Live like you are going to die.

The little things

I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun. 
Ecclesiastes 8:15.

Find reasons to be cheerful.

This seems to be the essence of what Solomon is saying here. It is the everyday things, the basic things, the necessities, the things that most of us take for granted, that we  should take note of and enjoy. Yet how much do we take notice of the simple things? let alone take time to enjoy them?

We should, ‘eat drink and be joyful’. I eat and drink during the day, but I don’t even really think about it. I take for granted that once I’ve finished this drink, I can get another, and it’ll probably taste the same, just like food, it’s tasty, and fuels my body, but I don’t really think about it too much. Maybe I should start to.  With many of us living a hectic lifestyle, enjoyment and appreciation of the basic things of life seem to pale into insignificance compared to the latest work project, the next obstacle or achievement we are faced with.

We can get so consumed by the big things of life; the successes, disappointments and struggles that we can miss something of the beauty of the small things. However, they are no less powerful and important than the next big thing in our life. In fact, the small things are probably most important - you certainly notice it when you don’t eat or drink for a while! So, why are we so consumed with other things? Why do we give them  more time and energy than the things that we actually need? The necessities of life can be overlooked so easily, it is hard to enjoy them as Solomon recommends we do.

Yet, If we appreciated and accounted for all the basic things we have, how can we cease to be grateful and joyful?!
In fact, if we counted up all our basic needs that are met each and everyday they would all mount up to a significant mountain! If we consider all the little blessings in our lives, how could we fail to see the joy and blessing in our lives?

If anyone reading this is feeling down and despondent, I can understand that the struggles of life can weigh you down, things can get on top of you and you can feel alone and distraught, so, instead of focussing on whatever it is that is causing you to feel defeated, I encourage you not to lose sight of the small things. Consider all the basic things in your life that you have, the little things to be grateful for. The beauty of a flower, the refreshment of a good cuppa, your favourite pair of shoes, whatever it is that makes you smile, think about these things. When you do this, you will see that, in fact, you have a the mountain of blessings that far outweigh your biggest problem. We all have many basic things to be happy about and when you see life in this light, you can start tackling your problem in a new way.

‘eat and drink and be joyful’ 
Could this be the wisdom of Solomon? To enjoy the things we have, to be content, have gratitude and to rely not our own selves but on God?

Another translation of this verse is;  ’I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.’ (New Living Translation).

Today, count your blessings, consider the little gifts of joy God has given you.

What power do you have?

In this world, what do we seek?

I think that many of the things we seek after ultimately come down to the desire to have more control - more power in our lives.
We all like to have a bit of power, and usually we’d like more of it. Even as children we wish for more power - many of our battles with our daughter at the moment involve the reality that she wishes to do her own thing no matter what’s going on or who that effects - she wants greater control and to exert the power she has. At heart though, aren’t we all the same as our girl? Aren’t we all stuck in a rhythm in which we desire more power and want our own way? We want the control and power to get life going the way we want it to.

One way we can do this is by seeking an increase of money because we want the opportunity to have different options, really wanting more control in our lives - the power to make different choices. Some desire to make their way up a career pathway, they will end up with more power and control as they increase in responsibility and influence. They then have power over others as well as themselves.

For myself, I have never desired to be the top of any career ladder, I have  not sought money, reknown or progression in the jobs I have had. So, you may think I have escaped this power-lust, but I haven’t. I am quite happy to be part of a team and work hard, yet I do not want the power or responsibility of being in charge. I am quite happy with being an assistant, not being top dog at work, because what I actually want is control over my home life. I do not want my life to be dictated to by work. So, you see, even this decision is showing that I desire authority and power, but over life outside work.
It seems that none of us can escape - we are all a bit power-hungry, no matter how we convince ourselves otherwise -  we all like control, we all crave power as we yearn to make our own decisions for our own lives. None of us are immune.

Considering this has caused me to consider - how much power do we really have?
The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 8:8 (several translations coming up);

English Standard Version
No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it.

New Living Translation
None of us can hold back our spirit from departing. None of us has the power to prevent the day of our death. There is no escaping that obligation, that dark battle. And in the face of death, wickedness will certainly not rescue the wicked.

King James Bible
There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Good News Translation
No one can keep from dying or put off the day of death. That is a battle we cannot escape; we cannot cheat our way out. 

These verses are all different interpretations of the same verse. They all show that our power is limited. Our ability to control or have power over things has boundaries. Over one of the true major events of life - we have no say. The day we die is already determined and it doesn’t matter how many ways we try to avoid it, elongate it or ignore it, we still have no power to change it.

Some of these interpretations state that we cannot ‘retain the spirit’. Our spirit, the essence of who we are, cannot be imprisoned or controlled, it will depart from our earthly body on the day we die. It cannot be held captive in a vessel that no longer breathes - it lives on, not aimlessly, but moves on to what is next - so where is your spirit going when the guaranteed event the comes to us all comes to you? What is going to happen to you when you die?

Well, there is good news - you do have some authority and power to choose the eternal destination of your spirit. It all depends on what you do now.

There are two options for your life after death -  With God or without Him.

It’s your call. You may not have power over your dying moment, but you do have the ability to choose where you are going afterwards. You cannot control how, when or where you die, but you can make a decision now that determines where your life hereafter will be.

So, where will it be?
Where are you choosing to go when you die?
With God? Without God?

You have the power and right to choose for yourself, it does not depend on anyone else to seal your eternal fate, this decision you have the power and authority to make yourself.
It is all about if you accept and live out the forgiveness Jesus gave when he died on the cross. If you believe in him, accept his forgiveness, and live out a new life in him then your spirit will live on with God. So, on the day of death, when the spirit is released from its earthly cage, you have a guaranteed future with God, and the reality of that day approaching should hold no fear for you even though you cannot control it.
What about if you don’t believe in God? Well, then, it is an eternity without God for you. As you choose to live your life now, without Him, so will your life after be. Considering that God is love, that’s not going to be a very pleasant place to be. Imagine living in an environment that is completely devoid of love, the complete opposite to a loving environment, that is what you are choosing for yourself.

Some may read this and think they will put on hold a decision about this, but you and I do not know how long we have to make that decision. You have no power to decide how long you have left, you may not have another chance to decide on your eternal destination, so what will it be?

Who is like the wise?

Who is like the wise? 
And who knows the interpretation of a thing? 
A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, 
and the hardness of his face is changed. 
Ecclesiastes 8:1.

Who is like the wise? 

Being wise is more than being intelligent, it’s the application of things learnt and experienced, the ability to see the long-term consequences. In this world there are many intelligent people, but are there many who are wise?

I don’t believe I have met many wise people, I have met a few, but I am sure we would all benefit from there being more wise people around, why aren't there many? In reality wisdom is not something that we are encouraged to pursue; intelligence or knowledge, yes, but wisdom? Fame, riches, understanding, better living conditions, promotion - these things we pursue, but wisdom?
Why don’t many pursue wisdom?

What would you think if someone said to you today that what they wanted from life was to be wise? You would probably think it a bit odd, but admirable, it is not something I have ever heard someone say they seek.
When Solomon was asked by God for whatever he wanted, Solomon said he wanted wisdom (2 Chronicles 1:7-12). He could of had absolutely anything, yet he asked for wisdom. As a result of this humble response, God gave him much more - he gave him wisdom, as well as; possessions, riches and honour. Solomon desired wisdom in order to do his job well. It was not a selfish ambition, but a yearning to be good at what he had to do for the benefit of others. Interesting. Solomon sought after something that others rarely do, and he ended up with what others usually seek!

What would you ask God for if you were in the same position as Solomon?

If we are honest with ourselves, I doubt that many of us would ask to be wise. Yet, wouldn’t wisdom help us most?; in our struggles? breakthroughs? relationships? Achievements?

So why don’t we ask for it? I think we are too short-term minded. We look at our immediate situation and see what would help us now. Instead of seeking the qualities of character that can be developed in difficulty, we seek escape and resolution as quick as possible. We like a quick fix, not a long-drawn out solution that could take days, weeks, months or even years! Whereas wisdom will wait.
Those who are wise gain it through knowledge and experience. Wisdom takes time to become manifest, it is developed through trial and success and takes years to mature. Those who are wise are usually those who take the time to understand. They consider, wait patiently, contemplate their responsibility and accept it when they realise they have reached their limits. They are willing to involve others and acknowledge that they are not always in control. A wise person understands when the gifts, time, resources and capabilities they have are not enough. They are able to defer to others with greater capacity and can acknowledge their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Being wise is not having all the answers, or knowing an encyclopaedic amount of facts but, wisdom is realising we have limits. Wisdom is accepting this and still being able to hold your head high.

Maybe wisdom is recognising that we in ourselves are not the all powerful beings that we have come to believe we are, or the world expects us to be. The wise accept that they cannot be responsible for or in control of everything. They consider different solutions and ponder a better way. The wise do not solely depend on themselves or even others for the solutions of life. Those who are wise acknowledge their capabilities and limitations and humbly accept that they are not all-powerful and wholly responsible for the outcomes in life. They also see that their identity is not effected by success or disappointment, they are content with who they are and are willing for their character to be refined. The wise are not stalwarts, they realise that things need to change, and that can even mean themselves. They also know that they themselves will sometimes fail, and so they do not depend on their own wisdom too much.
Maybe the wise are such because they acknowledge their limitations (which is not a weakness). They realise that there are more knowledgeable and powerful beings around. Maybe the beginning to becoming wise is depending upon someone who has no limitations, and who has greater capacity and character than any of us. Could it be that the birth of wisdom originates in dependence on God? 

Maybe this is why, ‘A man’s wisdom makes his face shine’. A shining face, to me denotes a peaceful acceptance of life and circumstance, and an acknowledgement that they are not responsible for all the outcomes. A wise person knows that they are not the ultimate authority, that they must trust less in themselves and more in God. Worries, sadness, misunderstanding, they all cause us to exhibit a dull expression, yet a person who experiences contentment, joy and peace in their own capabilities can know rest and enjoyment in life and so their face shines. These are the fruits of being wise as they do not have to rely on their own understanding or strive to make situations better because they know they are not ultimately responsible. The freedom from these concerns would rightly lift the worry from their face and cause them to shine so that, ‘the hardness of his face is changed’. A wise person lacks hardness, they are gracious and accepting, they can appreciate others and their situations, and have learned not to judge others. They know the mistakes they themselves have made and know the fulness of God's forgiveness. A wise person is not perfect, in fact, as was said earlier, they acknowledge their own weaknesses. They have a fair balance and assessment of themselves. They consider their own lives and make every effort to live right.

A wise person is one who’s advice you should seek. They may not give you the answers you expect or you want them to, but they know how to speak truth into others’ lives. They can be trusted to accept you as you are, and see the long-term aim of your short-term problem. If you follow wise counsel you will benefit from it. It may be hard to follow, but the wise have the ability to see how your momentary trouble may lead you into greater things. So, if you are struggling with anything, if it is a part of your character that you don't like, a situation you do not understand or do not know how to handle, then seek out someone whom you consider wise. Let their knowledge and experience do you good. For, Who is like the wise?

If you wish to be a man or woman of wisdom, then:
- seek out the wise around you
- realise that wisdom will wait
- assess your character - does it need refining?
- accept your limitations and strengths
- depend not on yourself but on God