Ecclesiastes 11

Ecclesiastes 11:1

To Live Under the Sovereignty of God

In Proverbs 16:6, it is about complete deliverance from sin, what brought about that deliverance, and what is the practical consequence. The first line of verse speaks of the atonement of iniquity. The second line of verse speaks of keeping away from evil.

“Lovingkindness and truth” are characteristics of God. They become particularly evident on the cross (Psalms 85:10). God, through the cross work of His Son Jesus Christ, worked atonement for everyone who believes. His lovingkindness speaks of Him being full of goodness and love for man. He has shown this in the gift of His Son.

His faithfulness has to do with His faithfulness to the truth. He cannot ignore sin without question. Sin must be judged. He has done that in the judgment He brought upon His Son. His faithfulness to the truth also includes reconciling to Himself each one who accepts the sacrifice He has brought in Christ.

Whoever shares in the atonement of his iniquities is delivered from the power of sin. In his life it will be seen that he no longer serves sin and that he keeps away from evil. He cannot do this in his own strength. The impetus for this lies in “the fear of the LORD”. Out of love and reverence for God, he will no longer want to have anything to do with evil, with sin, in order to live only to the glory of God (Titus 2:11-12).

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD”, it is because they remind Him of the ways the Lord Jesus went on earth in which He had perfect pleasure (Proverbs 16:7). Those ways initially evoke hatred on the part of the world and not peace. Yet enemies will acknowledge the benefit of such a way and seek friendship with him because of that benefit.

A lifestyle that pleases God disarms social hostility. The life that pleases God is a life lived by faith (Hebrews 11:6). It will be blameless and find grace with others. God can bring about that. It is not about all enmity from all enemies, but in certain situations, where He wants it. A person can be charged by enemies and thrown into prison. In prison, God can work the hearts of fellow prisoners to accept and appreciate the believer. Joseph experienced this.

We must remember that this proverb should not be declared valid for all situations. Another rule, which is equally valid, is that believers have tribulation in the world (John 16:33), just as “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus” will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).

The few possessions a person has, but obtained in a righteous manner, are better than “great income” obtained in an unfair manner, “with injustice”, without being entitled to it (Proverbs 16:8). “Little” does not necessarily mean extreme poverty; it could refer to a modest income. It is about what gives satisfaction in life, and that is God’s approval and fellowship with Him. God abhors dishonestly obtained income.

What is obtained dishonestly is also not used well. What is honestly earned is used well and that is to live on it and also to do good with it to others. What is obtained dishonestly is squandered in a licentious life. Once one has a taste for this, he is insatiable and will want to appropriate even more unrightfully to finance his luxurious lifestyle.

The widow in Zarephath, who had little but had with Elijah the resources of God in her home (1 Kings 17:10-15), was better off than Jezebel with her “great income with injustice” (2 Kings 9:32-37). In a spiritual sense, we can apply this to the church on earth. True believers, the true church, have little in earthly terms, but possess God’s righteousness in Christ. They have little power. Opposed to this is the false church, the roman-catholic system that boasts of possessing all spiritual wealth, but without entitlement. The true church has nothing but Christ; the false church has everything but Christ.

Proverbs 16:9 shows the contrast there can be between what we intend and what actually happens. God determines what actually happens. We may plan for the way we want to go. But if we want to take steps to go that way, we must keep in mind that ultimately the Lord directs our lives (Jeremiah 10:23; Psalms 37:23). The point is to learn to say: “If the Lord wills and we will live and also do this or that” (James 4:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:11).

Ecclesiastes 11:2

To Live Under the Sovereignty of God

In Proverbs 16:6, it is about complete deliverance from sin, what brought about that deliverance, and what is the practical consequence. The first line of verse speaks of the atonement of iniquity. The second line of verse speaks of keeping away from evil.

“Lovingkindness and truth” are characteristics of God. They become particularly evident on the cross (Psalms 85:10). God, through the cross work of His Son Jesus Christ, worked atonement for everyone who believes. His lovingkindness speaks of Him being full of goodness and love for man. He has shown this in the gift of His Son.

His faithfulness has to do with His faithfulness to the truth. He cannot ignore sin without question. Sin must be judged. He has done that in the judgment He brought upon His Son. His faithfulness to the truth also includes reconciling to Himself each one who accepts the sacrifice He has brought in Christ.

Whoever shares in the atonement of his iniquities is delivered from the power of sin. In his life it will be seen that he no longer serves sin and that he keeps away from evil. He cannot do this in his own strength. The impetus for this lies in “the fear of the LORD”. Out of love and reverence for God, he will no longer want to have anything to do with evil, with sin, in order to live only to the glory of God (Titus 2:11-12).

“When a man’s ways are pleasing to the LORD”, it is because they remind Him of the ways the Lord Jesus went on earth in which He had perfect pleasure (Proverbs 16:7). Those ways initially evoke hatred on the part of the world and not peace. Yet enemies will acknowledge the benefit of such a way and seek friendship with him because of that benefit.

A lifestyle that pleases God disarms social hostility. The life that pleases God is a life lived by faith (Hebrews 11:6). It will be blameless and find grace with others. God can bring about that. It is not about all enmity from all enemies, but in certain situations, where He wants it. A person can be charged by enemies and thrown into prison. In prison, God can work the hearts of fellow prisoners to accept and appreciate the believer. Joseph experienced this.

We must remember that this proverb should not be declared valid for all situations. Another rule, which is equally valid, is that believers have tribulation in the world (John 16:33), just as “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus” will be persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).

The few possessions a person has, but obtained in a righteous manner, are better than “great income” obtained in an unfair manner, “with injustice”, without being entitled to it (Proverbs 16:8). “Little” does not necessarily mean extreme poverty; it could refer to a modest income. It is about what gives satisfaction in life, and that is God’s approval and fellowship with Him. God abhors dishonestly obtained income.

What is obtained dishonestly is also not used well. What is honestly earned is used well and that is to live on it and also to do good with it to others. What is obtained dishonestly is squandered in a licentious life. Once one has a taste for this, he is insatiable and will want to appropriate even more unrightfully to finance his luxurious lifestyle.

The widow in Zarephath, who had little but had with Elijah the resources of God in her home (1 Kings 17:10-15), was better off than Jezebel with her “great income with injustice” (2 Kings 9:32-37). In a spiritual sense, we can apply this to the church on earth. True believers, the true church, have little in earthly terms, but possess God’s righteousness in Christ. They have little power. Opposed to this is the false church, the roman-catholic system that boasts of possessing all spiritual wealth, but without entitlement. The true church has nothing but Christ; the false church has everything but Christ.

Proverbs 16:9 shows the contrast there can be between what we intend and what actually happens. God determines what actually happens. We may plan for the way we want to go. But if we want to take steps to go that way, we must keep in mind that ultimately the Lord directs our lives (Jeremiah 10:23; Psalms 37:23). The point is to learn to say: “If the Lord wills and we will live and also do this or that” (James 4:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 3:11).

Ecclesiastes 11:3

The Characteristics of a King After God’s Heart

A series of proverbs about kings follows in these verses. What is said of a king and of kings in these verses is perfectly put into practice by the Lord Jesus, both now in His government in hiddenness and soon, when He will reign openly over the world. Kings are the representatives of God on earth (Romans 13:1-7). God wants their speech and actions to express His characteristics as a righteous Ruler.

This also applies to the speaking and acting of believers in this age, for they are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and made to be a kingdom (Revelation 1:6). They do not yet have governmental duties, but they do have the dignity of kings and should behave accordingly.

The first and foremost duty of one who rules is to make righteous decisions (Proverbs 16:10). A king must make righteous judgments in disputes. When there is “a divine decision is in the lips of the king”, it refers to an official judicial verdict by him in his capacity as king. Such a verdict cannot be appealed, nor is it necessary. It is literally an “oracle”, a judgment of God, because he represents God. It does not mean that he is infallible, but it makes it clear what kind of responsible function he has. Similarly, when we serve with our gift of grace, we too are responsible that our speaking should be “as utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11). Also here the word “utterances” is literally “oracles”.

The king who is aware of his high position and great responsibility will “not err in judgment” with “his mouth”. This applies perfectly to the Lord Jesus. Err in judgment is a judgment contrary to the truth. In that case, a king acquits the guilty and condemns the innocent. God never does that and neither does the Lord Jesus. A believer who lives in fellowship with God and Christ will never do that either.

Proverbs 16:11 is between verses that deal with a king and kings. Therefore, this verse applies primarily to them. They must be completely honest, incorruptible. It is not a king who determines what is honest and dishonest, but God. God is the sovereign Ruler of morality, not the king. God is the source of honesty and justice in all human relationships and actions. The proverb is about “a just balance and scales” and about “the weights of the bag”. The law of the LORD states that the means of weighing must be just (Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:13; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11).

God has given man the ability to work with weights and measures. It is due to Him that they are there. Just as He teaches the farmer how to work the land (Isaiah 28:23-29), He also teaches the merchant and everyone who trades. He makes regular buying and selling possible because He has given to man the skill of weighing. This enables him to earn money honestly and thus provide for his livelihood.

Because man is sinful, he must be told not to use deviant, that is, false, weights and measures. He must be trustworthy. This applies above all to those who have exemplary functions such as kings, but also parents, elders, teachers.

Cunning merchants had light and heavy weights for dishonest transactions. They used light weights when they had to sell something, bringing less goods than what was paid for. In our time, we can think of keeping and double accounting, always showing as evidence the account that provides the most benefit.

Reliability in commercial transactions must also be there when it comes to spiritual matters. If there are considerations to be made in a spiritual matter, it must be done fairly. Sympathy or antipathy should not play a role. The matter itself must be looked at, without regard to persons. It is also important to present the truth of God’s Word in a balanced way and not to emphasize certain truths at the expense of other truths.

A righteous king not only does justice, but it is also “an abomination” to him “to commit wicked acts” (Proverbs 16:12). He abhors adultery and murder committed by others, but also abhors those sins for himself. What is wrong for others is certainly wrong for kings, who are supposed to punish the wrong.

If they themselves would commit wicked acts, it would endanger their throne. Righteous government determines the stability of rulers. Therefore, kings abhor committing criminal acts. The government of the Lord Jesus responds perfectly to this (Psalms 45:6-7; Psalms 89:14a).

God-fearing kings love righteousness and not hypocritical flattery (Proverbs 16:13). Flattery is commonplace in palaces, but is despised by him who rules in the fear of God. People who are honest and forthright are valuable to country leaders. Political leaders know that without such people, the society over which they have authority turns into chaos. Only when the truth rules, government is well done. A king who wants to rule righteously will include trustworthy people in his government.

When a king’s fury is kindled, there is a threat of death emanating from it (Proverbs 16:14). The manifestations of his fury are messengers of death to him or those over whom his fury is kindled. Those who are the objects of his fury would do well to behave wisely. Only wisdom offers an opportunity to escape death as a result of the king’s fury (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

God’s fury is ignited against sin. He sends out the warning of the judgment of death through messengers. Those who listen to those messengers and acknowledge that His judgment is justified, and thereby take their proper place before Him, see that there is a wise Man, Who has worked atonement. Christ appeased the fury of God over sin for everyone who believes, by suffering the fury of God’s anger in the place of every one who believes. As a result, everyone who believes and accepts the atonement is also wise.

Proverbs 16:14-15 belong together. A king has power over death (Proverbs 16:14) and life (Proverbs 16:15). Proverbs 16:15 is the flip side of Pro 16:14. Against the dark fury of a king whose threat is death is the light of His face with the outcome being life. This light shines from God’s face for all who are reconciled to Him through the work of Christ. He who lives in the light lives true life. Light and life belong together (John 1:4).

On those who walk in the light of His face rests His favor. It means that they live in fellowship with Him. As a result, a great blessing emanates from Him for them. He is to them “like a cloud with the spring rain”. In Israel, the late rain is the rain that falls just before the harvest. This gives the harvest a final boost of growth to reach full maturity. It is also a picture of the coming of the Lord Jesus for His people (Hosea 6:3) and, in addition, a picture of Him Himself (Psalms 72:6). The greatest blessing of living in the light of God’s face is fellowship with Christ. This works spiritual growth and a looking forward to His coming.

In a prophetic sense, it points to the blessing Christ will bring to the earth in His reign on earth. Under His righteous government, the land will know a prosperity it has never known before (Psalms 72:15-17).

Ecclesiastes 11:4

The Characteristics of a King After God’s Heart

A series of proverbs about kings follows in these verses. What is said of a king and of kings in these verses is perfectly put into practice by the Lord Jesus, both now in His government in hiddenness and soon, when He will reign openly over the world. Kings are the representatives of God on earth (Romans 13:1-7). God wants their speech and actions to express His characteristics as a righteous Ruler.

This also applies to the speaking and acting of believers in this age, for they are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and made to be a kingdom (Revelation 1:6). They do not yet have governmental duties, but they do have the dignity of kings and should behave accordingly.

The first and foremost duty of one who rules is to make righteous decisions (Proverbs 16:10). A king must make righteous judgments in disputes. When there is “a divine decision is in the lips of the king”, it refers to an official judicial verdict by him in his capacity as king. Such a verdict cannot be appealed, nor is it necessary. It is literally an “oracle”, a judgment of God, because he represents God. It does not mean that he is infallible, but it makes it clear what kind of responsible function he has. Similarly, when we serve with our gift of grace, we too are responsible that our speaking should be “as utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11). Also here the word “utterances” is literally “oracles”.

The king who is aware of his high position and great responsibility will “not err in judgment” with “his mouth”. This applies perfectly to the Lord Jesus. Err in judgment is a judgment contrary to the truth. In that case, a king acquits the guilty and condemns the innocent. God never does that and neither does the Lord Jesus. A believer who lives in fellowship with God and Christ will never do that either.

Proverbs 16:11 is between verses that deal with a king and kings. Therefore, this verse applies primarily to them. They must be completely honest, incorruptible. It is not a king who determines what is honest and dishonest, but God. God is the sovereign Ruler of morality, not the king. God is the source of honesty and justice in all human relationships and actions. The proverb is about “a just balance and scales” and about “the weights of the bag”. The law of the LORD states that the means of weighing must be just (Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:13; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11).

God has given man the ability to work with weights and measures. It is due to Him that they are there. Just as He teaches the farmer how to work the land (Isaiah 28:23-29), He also teaches the merchant and everyone who trades. He makes regular buying and selling possible because He has given to man the skill of weighing. This enables him to earn money honestly and thus provide for his livelihood.

Because man is sinful, he must be told not to use deviant, that is, false, weights and measures. He must be trustworthy. This applies above all to those who have exemplary functions such as kings, but also parents, elders, teachers.

Cunning merchants had light and heavy weights for dishonest transactions. They used light weights when they had to sell something, bringing less goods than what was paid for. In our time, we can think of keeping and double accounting, always showing as evidence the account that provides the most benefit.

Reliability in commercial transactions must also be there when it comes to spiritual matters. If there are considerations to be made in a spiritual matter, it must be done fairly. Sympathy or antipathy should not play a role. The matter itself must be looked at, without regard to persons. It is also important to present the truth of God’s Word in a balanced way and not to emphasize certain truths at the expense of other truths.

A righteous king not only does justice, but it is also “an abomination” to him “to commit wicked acts” (Proverbs 16:12). He abhors adultery and murder committed by others, but also abhors those sins for himself. What is wrong for others is certainly wrong for kings, who are supposed to punish the wrong.

If they themselves would commit wicked acts, it would endanger their throne. Righteous government determines the stability of rulers. Therefore, kings abhor committing criminal acts. The government of the Lord Jesus responds perfectly to this (Psalms 45:6-7; Psalms 89:14a).

God-fearing kings love righteousness and not hypocritical flattery (Proverbs 16:13). Flattery is commonplace in palaces, but is despised by him who rules in the fear of God. People who are honest and forthright are valuable to country leaders. Political leaders know that without such people, the society over which they have authority turns into chaos. Only when the truth rules, government is well done. A king who wants to rule righteously will include trustworthy people in his government.

When a king’s fury is kindled, there is a threat of death emanating from it (Proverbs 16:14). The manifestations of his fury are messengers of death to him or those over whom his fury is kindled. Those who are the objects of his fury would do well to behave wisely. Only wisdom offers an opportunity to escape death as a result of the king’s fury (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

God’s fury is ignited against sin. He sends out the warning of the judgment of death through messengers. Those who listen to those messengers and acknowledge that His judgment is justified, and thereby take their proper place before Him, see that there is a wise Man, Who has worked atonement. Christ appeased the fury of God over sin for everyone who believes, by suffering the fury of God’s anger in the place of every one who believes. As a result, everyone who believes and accepts the atonement is also wise.

Proverbs 16:14-15 belong together. A king has power over death (Proverbs 16:14) and life (Proverbs 16:15). Proverbs 16:15 is the flip side of Pro 16:14. Against the dark fury of a king whose threat is death is the light of His face with the outcome being life. This light shines from God’s face for all who are reconciled to Him through the work of Christ. He who lives in the light lives true life. Light and life belong together (John 1:4).

On those who walk in the light of His face rests His favor. It means that they live in fellowship with Him. As a result, a great blessing emanates from Him for them. He is to them “like a cloud with the spring rain”. In Israel, the late rain is the rain that falls just before the harvest. This gives the harvest a final boost of growth to reach full maturity. It is also a picture of the coming of the Lord Jesus for His people (Hosea 6:3) and, in addition, a picture of Him Himself (Psalms 72:6). The greatest blessing of living in the light of God’s face is fellowship with Christ. This works spiritual growth and a looking forward to His coming.

In a prophetic sense, it points to the blessing Christ will bring to the earth in His reign on earth. Under His righteous government, the land will know a prosperity it has never known before (Psalms 72:15-17).

Ecclesiastes 11:5

The Characteristics of a King After God’s Heart

A series of proverbs about kings follows in these verses. What is said of a king and of kings in these verses is perfectly put into practice by the Lord Jesus, both now in His government in hiddenness and soon, when He will reign openly over the world. Kings are the representatives of God on earth (Romans 13:1-7). God wants their speech and actions to express His characteristics as a righteous Ruler.

This also applies to the speaking and acting of believers in this age, for they are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and made to be a kingdom (Revelation 1:6). They do not yet have governmental duties, but they do have the dignity of kings and should behave accordingly.

The first and foremost duty of one who rules is to make righteous decisions (Proverbs 16:10). A king must make righteous judgments in disputes. When there is “a divine decision is in the lips of the king”, it refers to an official judicial verdict by him in his capacity as king. Such a verdict cannot be appealed, nor is it necessary. It is literally an “oracle”, a judgment of God, because he represents God. It does not mean that he is infallible, but it makes it clear what kind of responsible function he has. Similarly, when we serve with our gift of grace, we too are responsible that our speaking should be “as utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11). Also here the word “utterances” is literally “oracles”.

The king who is aware of his high position and great responsibility will “not err in judgment” with “his mouth”. This applies perfectly to the Lord Jesus. Err in judgment is a judgment contrary to the truth. In that case, a king acquits the guilty and condemns the innocent. God never does that and neither does the Lord Jesus. A believer who lives in fellowship with God and Christ will never do that either.

Proverbs 16:11 is between verses that deal with a king and kings. Therefore, this verse applies primarily to them. They must be completely honest, incorruptible. It is not a king who determines what is honest and dishonest, but God. God is the sovereign Ruler of morality, not the king. God is the source of honesty and justice in all human relationships and actions. The proverb is about “a just balance and scales” and about “the weights of the bag”. The law of the LORD states that the means of weighing must be just (Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:13; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11).

God has given man the ability to work with weights and measures. It is due to Him that they are there. Just as He teaches the farmer how to work the land (Isaiah 28:23-29), He also teaches the merchant and everyone who trades. He makes regular buying and selling possible because He has given to man the skill of weighing. This enables him to earn money honestly and thus provide for his livelihood.

Because man is sinful, he must be told not to use deviant, that is, false, weights and measures. He must be trustworthy. This applies above all to those who have exemplary functions such as kings, but also parents, elders, teachers.

Cunning merchants had light and heavy weights for dishonest transactions. They used light weights when they had to sell something, bringing less goods than what was paid for. In our time, we can think of keeping and double accounting, always showing as evidence the account that provides the most benefit.

Reliability in commercial transactions must also be there when it comes to spiritual matters. If there are considerations to be made in a spiritual matter, it must be done fairly. Sympathy or antipathy should not play a role. The matter itself must be looked at, without regard to persons. It is also important to present the truth of God’s Word in a balanced way and not to emphasize certain truths at the expense of other truths.

A righteous king not only does justice, but it is also “an abomination” to him “to commit wicked acts” (Proverbs 16:12). He abhors adultery and murder committed by others, but also abhors those sins for himself. What is wrong for others is certainly wrong for kings, who are supposed to punish the wrong.

If they themselves would commit wicked acts, it would endanger their throne. Righteous government determines the stability of rulers. Therefore, kings abhor committing criminal acts. The government of the Lord Jesus responds perfectly to this (Psalms 45:6-7; Psalms 89:14a).

God-fearing kings love righteousness and not hypocritical flattery (Proverbs 16:13). Flattery is commonplace in palaces, but is despised by him who rules in the fear of God. People who are honest and forthright are valuable to country leaders. Political leaders know that without such people, the society over which they have authority turns into chaos. Only when the truth rules, government is well done. A king who wants to rule righteously will include trustworthy people in his government.

When a king’s fury is kindled, there is a threat of death emanating from it (Proverbs 16:14). The manifestations of his fury are messengers of death to him or those over whom his fury is kindled. Those who are the objects of his fury would do well to behave wisely. Only wisdom offers an opportunity to escape death as a result of the king’s fury (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

God’s fury is ignited against sin. He sends out the warning of the judgment of death through messengers. Those who listen to those messengers and acknowledge that His judgment is justified, and thereby take their proper place before Him, see that there is a wise Man, Who has worked atonement. Christ appeased the fury of God over sin for everyone who believes, by suffering the fury of God’s anger in the place of every one who believes. As a result, everyone who believes and accepts the atonement is also wise.

Proverbs 16:14-15 belong together. A king has power over death (Proverbs 16:14) and life (Proverbs 16:15). Proverbs 16:15 is the flip side of Pro 16:14. Against the dark fury of a king whose threat is death is the light of His face with the outcome being life. This light shines from God’s face for all who are reconciled to Him through the work of Christ. He who lives in the light lives true life. Light and life belong together (John 1:4).

On those who walk in the light of His face rests His favor. It means that they live in fellowship with Him. As a result, a great blessing emanates from Him for them. He is to them “like a cloud with the spring rain”. In Israel, the late rain is the rain that falls just before the harvest. This gives the harvest a final boost of growth to reach full maturity. It is also a picture of the coming of the Lord Jesus for His people (Hosea 6:3) and, in addition, a picture of Him Himself (Psalms 72:6). The greatest blessing of living in the light of God’s face is fellowship with Christ. This works spiritual growth and a looking forward to His coming.

In a prophetic sense, it points to the blessing Christ will bring to the earth in His reign on earth. Under His righteous government, the land will know a prosperity it has never known before (Psalms 72:15-17).

Ecclesiastes 11:6

The Characteristics of a King After God’s Heart

A series of proverbs about kings follows in these verses. What is said of a king and of kings in these verses is perfectly put into practice by the Lord Jesus, both now in His government in hiddenness and soon, when He will reign openly over the world. Kings are the representatives of God on earth (Romans 13:1-7). God wants their speech and actions to express His characteristics as a righteous Ruler.

This also applies to the speaking and acting of believers in this age, for they are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and made to be a kingdom (Revelation 1:6). They do not yet have governmental duties, but they do have the dignity of kings and should behave accordingly.

The first and foremost duty of one who rules is to make righteous decisions (Proverbs 16:10). A king must make righteous judgments in disputes. When there is “a divine decision is in the lips of the king”, it refers to an official judicial verdict by him in his capacity as king. Such a verdict cannot be appealed, nor is it necessary. It is literally an “oracle”, a judgment of God, because he represents God. It does not mean that he is infallible, but it makes it clear what kind of responsible function he has. Similarly, when we serve with our gift of grace, we too are responsible that our speaking should be “as utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11). Also here the word “utterances” is literally “oracles”.

The king who is aware of his high position and great responsibility will “not err in judgment” with “his mouth”. This applies perfectly to the Lord Jesus. Err in judgment is a judgment contrary to the truth. In that case, a king acquits the guilty and condemns the innocent. God never does that and neither does the Lord Jesus. A believer who lives in fellowship with God and Christ will never do that either.

Proverbs 16:11 is between verses that deal with a king and kings. Therefore, this verse applies primarily to them. They must be completely honest, incorruptible. It is not a king who determines what is honest and dishonest, but God. God is the sovereign Ruler of morality, not the king. God is the source of honesty and justice in all human relationships and actions. The proverb is about “a just balance and scales” and about “the weights of the bag”. The law of the LORD states that the means of weighing must be just (Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:13; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11).

God has given man the ability to work with weights and measures. It is due to Him that they are there. Just as He teaches the farmer how to work the land (Isaiah 28:23-29), He also teaches the merchant and everyone who trades. He makes regular buying and selling possible because He has given to man the skill of weighing. This enables him to earn money honestly and thus provide for his livelihood.

Because man is sinful, he must be told not to use deviant, that is, false, weights and measures. He must be trustworthy. This applies above all to those who have exemplary functions such as kings, but also parents, elders, teachers.

Cunning merchants had light and heavy weights for dishonest transactions. They used light weights when they had to sell something, bringing less goods than what was paid for. In our time, we can think of keeping and double accounting, always showing as evidence the account that provides the most benefit.

Reliability in commercial transactions must also be there when it comes to spiritual matters. If there are considerations to be made in a spiritual matter, it must be done fairly. Sympathy or antipathy should not play a role. The matter itself must be looked at, without regard to persons. It is also important to present the truth of God’s Word in a balanced way and not to emphasize certain truths at the expense of other truths.

A righteous king not only does justice, but it is also “an abomination” to him “to commit wicked acts” (Proverbs 16:12). He abhors adultery and murder committed by others, but also abhors those sins for himself. What is wrong for others is certainly wrong for kings, who are supposed to punish the wrong.

If they themselves would commit wicked acts, it would endanger their throne. Righteous government determines the stability of rulers. Therefore, kings abhor committing criminal acts. The government of the Lord Jesus responds perfectly to this (Psalms 45:6-7; Psalms 89:14a).

God-fearing kings love righteousness and not hypocritical flattery (Proverbs 16:13). Flattery is commonplace in palaces, but is despised by him who rules in the fear of God. People who are honest and forthright are valuable to country leaders. Political leaders know that without such people, the society over which they have authority turns into chaos. Only when the truth rules, government is well done. A king who wants to rule righteously will include trustworthy people in his government.

When a king’s fury is kindled, there is a threat of death emanating from it (Proverbs 16:14). The manifestations of his fury are messengers of death to him or those over whom his fury is kindled. Those who are the objects of his fury would do well to behave wisely. Only wisdom offers an opportunity to escape death as a result of the king’s fury (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

God’s fury is ignited against sin. He sends out the warning of the judgment of death through messengers. Those who listen to those messengers and acknowledge that His judgment is justified, and thereby take their proper place before Him, see that there is a wise Man, Who has worked atonement. Christ appeased the fury of God over sin for everyone who believes, by suffering the fury of God’s anger in the place of every one who believes. As a result, everyone who believes and accepts the atonement is also wise.

Proverbs 16:14-15 belong together. A king has power over death (Proverbs 16:14) and life (Proverbs 16:15). Proverbs 16:15 is the flip side of Pro 16:14. Against the dark fury of a king whose threat is death is the light of His face with the outcome being life. This light shines from God’s face for all who are reconciled to Him through the work of Christ. He who lives in the light lives true life. Light and life belong together (John 1:4).

On those who walk in the light of His face rests His favor. It means that they live in fellowship with Him. As a result, a great blessing emanates from Him for them. He is to them “like a cloud with the spring rain”. In Israel, the late rain is the rain that falls just before the harvest. This gives the harvest a final boost of growth to reach full maturity. It is also a picture of the coming of the Lord Jesus for His people (Hosea 6:3) and, in addition, a picture of Him Himself (Psalms 72:6). The greatest blessing of living in the light of God’s face is fellowship with Christ. This works spiritual growth and a looking forward to His coming.

In a prophetic sense, it points to the blessing Christ will bring to the earth in His reign on earth. Under His righteous government, the land will know a prosperity it has never known before (Psalms 72:15-17).

Ecclesiastes 11:7

The Characteristics of a King After God’s Heart

A series of proverbs about kings follows in these verses. What is said of a king and of kings in these verses is perfectly put into practice by the Lord Jesus, both now in His government in hiddenness and soon, when He will reign openly over the world. Kings are the representatives of God on earth (Romans 13:1-7). God wants their speech and actions to express His characteristics as a righteous Ruler.

This also applies to the speaking and acting of believers in this age, for they are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and made to be a kingdom (Revelation 1:6). They do not yet have governmental duties, but they do have the dignity of kings and should behave accordingly.

The first and foremost duty of one who rules is to make righteous decisions (Proverbs 16:10). A king must make righteous judgments in disputes. When there is “a divine decision is in the lips of the king”, it refers to an official judicial verdict by him in his capacity as king. Such a verdict cannot be appealed, nor is it necessary. It is literally an “oracle”, a judgment of God, because he represents God. It does not mean that he is infallible, but it makes it clear what kind of responsible function he has. Similarly, when we serve with our gift of grace, we too are responsible that our speaking should be “as utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11). Also here the word “utterances” is literally “oracles”.

The king who is aware of his high position and great responsibility will “not err in judgment” with “his mouth”. This applies perfectly to the Lord Jesus. Err in judgment is a judgment contrary to the truth. In that case, a king acquits the guilty and condemns the innocent. God never does that and neither does the Lord Jesus. A believer who lives in fellowship with God and Christ will never do that either.

Proverbs 16:11 is between verses that deal with a king and kings. Therefore, this verse applies primarily to them. They must be completely honest, incorruptible. It is not a king who determines what is honest and dishonest, but God. God is the sovereign Ruler of morality, not the king. God is the source of honesty and justice in all human relationships and actions. The proverb is about “a just balance and scales” and about “the weights of the bag”. The law of the LORD states that the means of weighing must be just (Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:13; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11).

God has given man the ability to work with weights and measures. It is due to Him that they are there. Just as He teaches the farmer how to work the land (Isaiah 28:23-29), He also teaches the merchant and everyone who trades. He makes regular buying and selling possible because He has given to man the skill of weighing. This enables him to earn money honestly and thus provide for his livelihood.

Because man is sinful, he must be told not to use deviant, that is, false, weights and measures. He must be trustworthy. This applies above all to those who have exemplary functions such as kings, but also parents, elders, teachers.

Cunning merchants had light and heavy weights for dishonest transactions. They used light weights when they had to sell something, bringing less goods than what was paid for. In our time, we can think of keeping and double accounting, always showing as evidence the account that provides the most benefit.

Reliability in commercial transactions must also be there when it comes to spiritual matters. If there are considerations to be made in a spiritual matter, it must be done fairly. Sympathy or antipathy should not play a role. The matter itself must be looked at, without regard to persons. It is also important to present the truth of God’s Word in a balanced way and not to emphasize certain truths at the expense of other truths.

A righteous king not only does justice, but it is also “an abomination” to him “to commit wicked acts” (Proverbs 16:12). He abhors adultery and murder committed by others, but also abhors those sins for himself. What is wrong for others is certainly wrong for kings, who are supposed to punish the wrong.

If they themselves would commit wicked acts, it would endanger their throne. Righteous government determines the stability of rulers. Therefore, kings abhor committing criminal acts. The government of the Lord Jesus responds perfectly to this (Psalms 45:6-7; Psalms 89:14a).

God-fearing kings love righteousness and not hypocritical flattery (Proverbs 16:13). Flattery is commonplace in palaces, but is despised by him who rules in the fear of God. People who are honest and forthright are valuable to country leaders. Political leaders know that without such people, the society over which they have authority turns into chaos. Only when the truth rules, government is well done. A king who wants to rule righteously will include trustworthy people in his government.

When a king’s fury is kindled, there is a threat of death emanating from it (Proverbs 16:14). The manifestations of his fury are messengers of death to him or those over whom his fury is kindled. Those who are the objects of his fury would do well to behave wisely. Only wisdom offers an opportunity to escape death as a result of the king’s fury (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

God’s fury is ignited against sin. He sends out the warning of the judgment of death through messengers. Those who listen to those messengers and acknowledge that His judgment is justified, and thereby take their proper place before Him, see that there is a wise Man, Who has worked atonement. Christ appeased the fury of God over sin for everyone who believes, by suffering the fury of God’s anger in the place of every one who believes. As a result, everyone who believes and accepts the atonement is also wise.

Proverbs 16:14-15 belong together. A king has power over death (Proverbs 16:14) and life (Proverbs 16:15). Proverbs 16:15 is the flip side of Pro 16:14. Against the dark fury of a king whose threat is death is the light of His face with the outcome being life. This light shines from God’s face for all who are reconciled to Him through the work of Christ. He who lives in the light lives true life. Light and life belong together (John 1:4).

On those who walk in the light of His face rests His favor. It means that they live in fellowship with Him. As a result, a great blessing emanates from Him for them. He is to them “like a cloud with the spring rain”. In Israel, the late rain is the rain that falls just before the harvest. This gives the harvest a final boost of growth to reach full maturity. It is also a picture of the coming of the Lord Jesus for His people (Hosea 6:3) and, in addition, a picture of Him Himself (Psalms 72:6). The greatest blessing of living in the light of God’s face is fellowship with Christ. This works spiritual growth and a looking forward to His coming.

In a prophetic sense, it points to the blessing Christ will bring to the earth in His reign on earth. Under His righteous government, the land will know a prosperity it has never known before (Psalms 72:15-17).

Ecclesiastes 11:8

The Characteristics of a King After God’s Heart

A series of proverbs about kings follows in these verses. What is said of a king and of kings in these verses is perfectly put into practice by the Lord Jesus, both now in His government in hiddenness and soon, when He will reign openly over the world. Kings are the representatives of God on earth (Romans 13:1-7). God wants their speech and actions to express His characteristics as a righteous Ruler.

This also applies to the speaking and acting of believers in this age, for they are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and made to be a kingdom (Revelation 1:6). They do not yet have governmental duties, but they do have the dignity of kings and should behave accordingly.

The first and foremost duty of one who rules is to make righteous decisions (Proverbs 16:10). A king must make righteous judgments in disputes. When there is “a divine decision is in the lips of the king”, it refers to an official judicial verdict by him in his capacity as king. Such a verdict cannot be appealed, nor is it necessary. It is literally an “oracle”, a judgment of God, because he represents God. It does not mean that he is infallible, but it makes it clear what kind of responsible function he has. Similarly, when we serve with our gift of grace, we too are responsible that our speaking should be “as utterances of God” (1 Peter 4:11). Also here the word “utterances” is literally “oracles”.

The king who is aware of his high position and great responsibility will “not err in judgment” with “his mouth”. This applies perfectly to the Lord Jesus. Err in judgment is a judgment contrary to the truth. In that case, a king acquits the guilty and condemns the innocent. God never does that and neither does the Lord Jesus. A believer who lives in fellowship with God and Christ will never do that either.

Proverbs 16:11 is between verses that deal with a king and kings. Therefore, this verse applies primarily to them. They must be completely honest, incorruptible. It is not a king who determines what is honest and dishonest, but God. God is the sovereign Ruler of morality, not the king. God is the source of honesty and justice in all human relationships and actions. The proverb is about “a just balance and scales” and about “the weights of the bag”. The law of the LORD states that the means of weighing must be just (Leviticus 19:36; Deuteronomy 25:13; Amos 8:5; Micah 6:11).

God has given man the ability to work with weights and measures. It is due to Him that they are there. Just as He teaches the farmer how to work the land (Isaiah 28:23-29), He also teaches the merchant and everyone who trades. He makes regular buying and selling possible because He has given to man the skill of weighing. This enables him to earn money honestly and thus provide for his livelihood.

Because man is sinful, he must be told not to use deviant, that is, false, weights and measures. He must be trustworthy. This applies above all to those who have exemplary functions such as kings, but also parents, elders, teachers.

Cunning merchants had light and heavy weights for dishonest transactions. They used light weights when they had to sell something, bringing less goods than what was paid for. In our time, we can think of keeping and double accounting, always showing as evidence the account that provides the most benefit.

Reliability in commercial transactions must also be there when it comes to spiritual matters. If there are considerations to be made in a spiritual matter, it must be done fairly. Sympathy or antipathy should not play a role. The matter itself must be looked at, without regard to persons. It is also important to present the truth of God’s Word in a balanced way and not to emphasize certain truths at the expense of other truths.

A righteous king not only does justice, but it is also “an abomination” to him “to commit wicked acts” (Proverbs 16:12). He abhors adultery and murder committed by others, but also abhors those sins for himself. What is wrong for others is certainly wrong for kings, who are supposed to punish the wrong.

If they themselves would commit wicked acts, it would endanger their throne. Righteous government determines the stability of rulers. Therefore, kings abhor committing criminal acts. The government of the Lord Jesus responds perfectly to this (Psalms 45:6-7; Psalms 89:14a).

God-fearing kings love righteousness and not hypocritical flattery (Proverbs 16:13). Flattery is commonplace in palaces, but is despised by him who rules in the fear of God. People who are honest and forthright are valuable to country leaders. Political leaders know that without such people, the society over which they have authority turns into chaos. Only when the truth rules, government is well done. A king who wants to rule righteously will include trustworthy people in his government.

When a king’s fury is kindled, there is a threat of death emanating from it (Proverbs 16:14). The manifestations of his fury are messengers of death to him or those over whom his fury is kindled. Those who are the objects of his fury would do well to behave wisely. Only wisdom offers an opportunity to escape death as a result of the king’s fury (Ecclesiastes 10:4).

God’s fury is ignited against sin. He sends out the warning of the judgment of death through messengers. Those who listen to those messengers and acknowledge that His judgment is justified, and thereby take their proper place before Him, see that there is a wise Man, Who has worked atonement. Christ appeased the fury of God over sin for everyone who believes, by suffering the fury of God’s anger in the place of every one who believes. As a result, everyone who believes and accepts the atonement is also wise.

Proverbs 16:14-15 belong together. A king has power over death (Proverbs 16:14) and life (Proverbs 16:15). Proverbs 16:15 is the flip side of Pro 16:14. Against the dark fury of a king whose threat is death is the light of His face with the outcome being life. This light shines from God’s face for all who are reconciled to Him through the work of Christ. He who lives in the light lives true life. Light and life belong together (John 1:4).

On those who walk in the light of His face rests His favor. It means that they live in fellowship with Him. As a result, a great blessing emanates from Him for them. He is to them “like a cloud with the spring rain”. In Israel, the late rain is the rain that falls just before the harvest. This gives the harvest a final boost of growth to reach full maturity. It is also a picture of the coming of the Lord Jesus for His people (Hosea 6:3) and, in addition, a picture of Him Himself (Psalms 72:6). The greatest blessing of living in the light of God’s face is fellowship with Christ. This works spiritual growth and a looking forward to His coming.

In a prophetic sense, it points to the blessing Christ will bring to the earth in His reign on earth. Under His righteous government, the land will know a prosperity it has never known before (Psalms 72:15-17).

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Wisdom and Understanding, Not Gold and Silver

Wisdom is not a little, but far more valuable than the purest gold. Wisdom builds up a man, gold builds up his possessions. Wisdom and wealth are not incompatible. This comparison is about the difference between wealth without wisdom and wisdom without wealth. Earthly wealth without heavenly wisdom often comes from greed or often degenerates into it.

The power of the proverb is to encourage people to gain wisdom and understanding. If the choice what is “much better” is to be made between getting understanding and getting silver, Solomon clearly states that the choice should be to get understanding. Gold and silver are earthly, temporary things; wisdom and understanding, which can only come from God, are of lasting value. No precious metal gives satisfaction to the soul.

We find the meaning of this proverb in the words of the Lord Jesus not to gather treasures on earth, but in heaven. He says: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Ecclesiastes 11:10

The Highway

“The highway of upright” is the lofty way of life of upright persons. The highway is an elevated and paved way. The potholes in that way have been filled and the bumps in that road have been removed. The dangers of falling into a pit or tripping over a height are not present for the upright. This does not mean that they go their way carefree. They are aware that evil threatens them from all sides and depart from it. This proves that they are walking a highway and living in sincerity.

He who goes the highway and is careful to stay on it, “preserves his life”. He protects his life from calamity. Righteous living is a protection against calamity. The highway is the best way, but it is not the way everyone goes. It is the way of the pilgrim. He goes that way because this way is in his heart (Psalms 84:5). It is “the Highway of Holiness” (Isaiah 35:8), which God shows us in His Word.