- Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. -
Reading this verse, I have trouble buying into it. I’ve definitely had several experiences that were way better in the beginning than the end!
Okay, obviously that’s true for all of us, but the verse is driving at something different. What is the context of chapter 7?
Right, we are supposed to be learning the benefits of wisdom. What does that have to do with the end of events?
Have you ever had a great friend, only for them to betray you? Wasn’t the beginning of that relationship better than the end?
What about the reverse? Have you ever met someone who irritated you only to become close with them or find about some extenuating circumstances in their life?
Which one of the relationships above would you consider better?
Obviously, the latter. Why? Because “the end” of that relationship clarified the kind of relationship it was.
In fact, the past in both will now have new context. Perhaps, in time, we will even look at these events with nostalgia.
What’s the lesson here? Wisdom teaches us not to have our hopes set on the beginnings. It is only in the endings where we can find true meaning for the seasons in our lives.
Our example with good and bad relationships is useful, but not the only or the most meaningful place this truth plays out.
Perhaps the most profound arena we can learn this truth is in our least favorite place to learn.
Suffering.
This is a hard lesson. Many things we struggle through are actually blessings in disguise. We love those lessons.
But sometimes, our sufferings are just harbingers of more intense pain to follow. A little twinge when we breathe turns out to be cancer.
Now, one way to respond when sorrow comes our way is to puff out our chests, to strive with that difficulty, and attempt our mastery over it.
That’s effective, till it isn’t. In fact, it’s hard to even say it’s wrong. Why should you roll over when you get diagnosed with a fatal disease?
When your wife serves you with divorce papers, should you just let her and the kids leave? Should you not fight to keep your family together in peace?
There is a limit to this, because there is a limit to you. Fate is both cruel and stronger than you and will conform you to her will.
What good is a raised chin then? What good are fiery eyes demanding she learn her place?
But see, I’ve made a mistake. The world is not governed by fates, but by our loving savior. To raise a proud crown in our weakness is to say, “salvation is with me.”
Can a Christian act in this manner? Can a man move against the workings of the universe and expect to be made whole?
Why not trust. What not practice patience. Why not move in the direction that God’s lamp has revealed, despite the suffering that comes?
Is it not better to stand with another? Why be in the gap alone?
Eternity will illuminate all; that infinite end will justify all beginnings.
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