ADVERSITY IS NOT ALWAYS BAD

Better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting because that is the end of all mankind, and the living puts this in his heart. Ecclesiastes 7:2

I have experienced the truth of this verse many times. I have gone to high school reunions or family reunions and walked away wondering what the profit of going to that event was. On the other hand, I have either presided over funerals or attended funerals where the Gospel was preached and the godly life of the person recounted, and walked away greatly edified. Has that also been your experience?

Notice verse 8 of this chapter (7). The end of a matter is better than its beginning. The real purpose of God is not easily seen on the scene. It is beyond the scene because of what happens behind the scenes as God quietly and subtlety works His providential will. Notice also verse 10. How many times have you heard or said, “Well, the good ole days were better.” That’s not necessarily true. Do you see what the Holy Spirit writes through Solomon? “For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.”

Notice verses 13-14. In verse 14, we’re told: “in the day when there is evil see….” Think it through. There are 2 kinds of people. Those who see difficulties in every opportunity and those who see opportunities in every difficulty. Which are you? Jonah should have thanked God for the worm that destroyed his creaturely comfort in order to reveal his spiritual need. We also should be this way.

If verse 16 is puzzling to you, it is helpful to know that the verb translated “be overly wise” is a reflexive verb. It should be translated, “do not be overly wise in your own eyes.” It is reminiscent of Proverbs 16:18. Memorize that verse.

Ike Graham