- For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living? -
The first part of this verse may be familiar to you. This isn’t the first time Solomon has made this claim, but you may have forgotten since we discussed it about a year ago.
I never claimed to be doing this fast.
It’s a strange question, as daily we witness wisdom conquer foolishness. Those that don’t know are in trouble and those that do are guides and leaders.
Well, why does the wise man not beat the fool in Solomon’s eyes? Because they both get the same reward. Vanity and striving after the wind.
Now, if that’s the case, why does Ecclesiastes make this point again?
As I’ve mentioned before, Solomon does this for us to consider old ideas in light of new information. Specifically in this passage, I think he wants us to consider the previous verse.
It doesn’t matter if your job requires experience or knowledge. Both a janitor and a CEO labor for their food.
The CEO has all the pressure of his world while the janitor just has to clean countertops. Yes, one definitely has a nicer veneer, but don’t they both put food on the table?
So that’s the first part of the verse; what’s the second half’s message?
A major part of success in any career is showing up and accomplishing the work. It’s getting things done, even when you don’t want to.
Sure, being smart and knowing how to do the work is important, but people are fine to deal with incompetence for a time if you’re working hard.
Why? Because eventually that extra effort will lead to skill and efficiency. The lesson? Conduct yourself properly if you are ignorant.
Now the man we are talking about here knows how to act properly with others. He is reciprocal, attentive, and desires to bring some value to his relationships.
You can see that all transferring to his career. With a bit of effort and guidance, a man like this may not climb to the top of any corporate ladders, but he definitely won’t starve.
What happens? He is poor. He lacks the ability to have a good life, possibly jumping from job to job unable to make anything work for a long time.
Why? There are several answers. Perhaps he is abused by others or incompetent to the point he cannot learn.
We’re not supposed to understand the exact reason, just to know that nothing works out.
So why the dichotomy between the wise and sociable poor man? Neither is a guarantee your life will be meaningful or easy.
Neither has the advantage. Both are undesirable. All go to the one place.
Well, on that uplifting note, what are we to do?
It’s not a complete answer, which is to live for the kingdom, but a good answer as it relates to our earthly lives is to be both.
Grow in both intelligence and duty. Do not lean too hard on one to carry you through all of the trials of life.
You will need the ability to act in wisdom and do so when you are tired and weary.
Look to our Lord. Given to His own earthly frailty, did He surrender to his discomforts?
Given His wisdom, did He berate those beneath Him?
He meets His children as they are; how can we?
Share this post