Verse 1
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Because wisdom is so rare, the face of a person who is wise, even if they are normally stern, appears to shine with grace and love. In speaking with a wise person, you know your life will be improved.
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Pursue wisdom for yourself, and know that it will allow you to influence many more people for God's kingdom.
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Verses 2-5a
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This is simple to apply. Respect and submit to your governing authorities, and you will not have to be afraid of them (see Romans 13:1-7).
Verses 5b-7
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Solomon here speaks at the close of a point about kings and rulers, saying that a person who is submissive to authority “will experience nothing harmful”.
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There are times, however, when rulers are oppressive or times are difficult. Will harm come in those cases? He encourages us with the fact that, with wisdom, there is a way to do what is right and avoid unnecessary harm even in times of great trouble.
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“For every matter there is a time and judgment.” We will experience all kinds of circumstances. And in every circumstance there is a way to find out the wise thing to do so that good comes in the end (1 Corinthians 10:13).
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Never think, in any circumstance, that it's too hard to find or do what is right. Trust that God's wisdom will provide clarity for your mind, take action on what the Word says, and you will do well!
Verses 8-9
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Knowledge about human death is revealed here. When a person dies, neither they nor any other human can keep their spirit from departing to be judged by God (see Hebrews 9:27). Though we fight for life, it's a battle with an end we cannot escape. The current body will die.
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And as long as a person remains in sin, they will not be delivered from the pain of death and condemnation. Only repentance and faith in Jesus save us.
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Verse 9. Even rulers who oppress others will themselves be oppressed by their own death.
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Leaders, be careful how you rule, because leaders are judged more strictly (James 3:1). If you lead in any ungodly manner, the judgment of your death will be greater (Matthew 23:14).
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Leadership is more a burden than it is a privilege. Don't take it lightly, for if you lead poorly, you will realize that leading others will hurt you more than help you.
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Verses 10-11
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How often do people give honorable burials or funerals for those who lived in sin? Such memorials are meaningless. They forget about sin and thus fail to communicate to attendees the urgent need to repent and avoid condemnation themselves!
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If you know someone who died, who was an unbeliever, do not give false comfort to their loved ones. Make sure to speak the truth to those who ask. It must be taught that if a person did not believe in Jesus and turn away from sin, the end is hell and destruction.
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This problem of people's sin being overlooked or forgotten by others is often fueled by our collective failure to bring urgent correction for sin while still alive.
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The longer you wait to correct someone in your life, who is apparently practicing sin, the harder it will become for them to change. The longer a person stays in sin, the stronger the grip sin will have on them. And in general, the longer you wait to take action where action is needed, the harder it will be to bring the desired outcome.
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So, be urgent to do what is right and to speak the truth to those who need to hear it!
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Verses 12-14
- In the physical life, there are times when those who fear God suffer and/or die prematurely or horribly; and there are times when wicked people live long a prosper. But we must remember that beyond the physical life, in eternity, it will be well with those who feared God, and everlasting destruction will befall the wicked.
- Therefore, how or when a person dies in the body, whether righteous or wicked, is meaningless. We shouldn't worry over death. What matters--what isn't vain--is whether a person was saved or not. Are they a believer, or are they not?
- As such, don't fear death; fear God!
Verses 15-16
- So much of this physical life is meaningless, and this is meant to help you lighten up a bit. Don't worry, nor take things too seriously. In most cases, things are actually okay. You can enjoy your eating, drinking, and whatever you do for fun or entertainment.
- For as long as you labor, your enjoyment is something that will continue your whole life and stay mostly the same.
- Verse 16. And especially don't stress over how much you don't understand. For even if you never slept ever again, and used every waking hour to investigate life, God, and the universe, you would never gain full understanding. Accept that some things must stay beyond you.