Ecclesiastes 12

Ecclesiastes 12:1

Humbleness Is Better Than a Haughty Spirit

It is an act of God’s justice that He humbles proud, haughty people (Proverbs 16:18). They have exalted themselves and are thrown down by God. Their destruction and stumbling come when they imagine themselves at the height of their glory and with their noses on high defy God (Daniel 4:30-31; Revelation 18:7-8). He who walks with his nose on high does not see where he is walking and what he may stumble over. This causes his “destruction” and “stumbling”. Therefore, we need not fear the pride and haughtiness of others, but all the more our own pride and haughtiness. Haman is an illustration of this verse (Esther 5:9-14; Esther 7:1-10).

Proverbs 16:19 connects to Proverbs 16:18. It is better to “be humble in spirit together with the lowly”, than to “divide” with the “proud” in “the spoil” of plunder. The humble in spirit submits to God. He is humble and does not push himself to the forefront. This proves that he belongs to the company of the lowly and therefore to the Lord Jesus from Whom they learned to be “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). A person is gentle if he does not stand on his rights and does not defend himself when he is wronged.

The proud are those who rebel against God in their pride. They are presumptuous and oppressive. That there is mention of dividing the spoil with the proud points to the pressure that the proud put on the humble to join in their evil practices, using the bait of dividing the spoil with them. To avoid biting the bait, we must have a spirit of humility dependent on God.

Ecclesiastes 12:2

Humbleness Is Better Than a Haughty Spirit

It is an act of God’s justice that He humbles proud, haughty people (Proverbs 16:18). They have exalted themselves and are thrown down by God. Their destruction and stumbling come when they imagine themselves at the height of their glory and with their noses on high defy God (Daniel 4:30-31; Revelation 18:7-8). He who walks with his nose on high does not see where he is walking and what he may stumble over. This causes his “destruction” and “stumbling”. Therefore, we need not fear the pride and haughtiness of others, but all the more our own pride and haughtiness. Haman is an illustration of this verse (Esther 5:9-14; Esther 7:1-10).

Proverbs 16:19 connects to Proverbs 16:18. It is better to “be humble in spirit together with the lowly”, than to “divide” with the “proud” in “the spoil” of plunder. The humble in spirit submits to God. He is humble and does not push himself to the forefront. This proves that he belongs to the company of the lowly and therefore to the Lord Jesus from Whom they learned to be “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). A person is gentle if he does not stand on his rights and does not defend himself when he is wronged.

The proud are those who rebel against God in their pride. They are presumptuous and oppressive. That there is mention of dividing the spoil with the proud points to the pressure that the proud put on the humble to join in their evil practices, using the bait of dividing the spoil with them. To avoid biting the bait, we must have a spirit of humility dependent on God.

Ecclesiastes 12:3

The Value of the Word and Words

One conclusion we can draw from both lines of Pro 16:20 is that “he who gives attention to the word … trusts in the LORD”. Conversely, we can say that he who trusts in the LORD will give attention to the Word of God. “He who gives attention to the word” is literally “the wise dealing with the word”. This makes it a little clearer that it is not an occasional giving attention to the Word, but that what is meant is the daily, ongoing giving attention to the Word of God. It is about what God says and not what a person himself says.

Giving attention to the Word of God involves listening to its teaching. He who listens in that mind and so lives with God’s Word “will find good”. He will find in it the true meaning of life, that is Christ. He is the personification of the good. He is the Good.

That what matters is what God says and not the person being addressed here is evident from the second line of verse. Giving attention to what God says involves trusting Him. The trusting one is he who continually trusts. He who does so can truly be called “blessed”. He will receive all kinds of blessing (Jeremiah 17:7). Through His Word, the LORD provides good things for those who pay attention to His Word, for those who take it seriously.

That a person is wise in heart will be evident in his speaking and his silence and his whole conduct (Proverbs 16:21). Others will notice it and people will call him “wise”, a man of understanding, one who speaks with knowledge. His wise words will give him a reputation for competence and the opportunity to exert a beneficial influence on those around him.

His manner of speaking makes it a pleasure to listen to him. His words are sweet or pleasant. They are kind words spoken with a certain gracefulness. There is no bitterness or sharpness in them. What he says builds up the listener, it gives him a greater understanding of that which is being spoken about. His words of teaching are well received because they are persuasive. The wise in heart is “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).

The “fountain of life” that possessors of understanding have in their understanding (Proverbs 16:22) is given to them by God. That fountain is a refreshment not only for the possessors, but also for all around them. The New Testament believer also possesses such a fountain. Of that, it is said that rivers of living water flow from his inside to others to refresh them (John 4:14; John 7:38-39). That refreshment can only flow to others through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Paul was a fountain of life by the power of the Spirit in proclaiming the gospel and strengthening believers (Acts 14:21-22).

We too can be that, for we too have been given the understanding by which we know Him Who is true (1 John 5:20). It is the understanding that was first darkness (Ephesians 4:18), but is now opened and enlightened by the Spirit of Christ, enabling us to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). With the knowledge we have of Him, we can serve others and thus become a fountain of life for others.

With the fool there is no fountain of life. Fools have nothing in them but a fountain of folly. When they say something about discipline, it is nothing but foolishness. Whoever listens to it becomes equal to fools.

He who has a wise heart will be instructed by his heart to say wise things (Proverbs 16:23). He will also know when to speak and to whom. He not only speaks well-chosen words that the other person understands, but his words are instructive and increase the understanding of him to whom he speaks. What the wise person says is not only helpful but also promotes growth. He adds persuasiveness, which also is evident in the words that come from his lips.

The heart of a wise person is a fountain of words of wisdom. This is true only of the born-again heart. When the Word of Christ dwells richly in us, we will in all wisdom teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16).

By “pleasant words” (Proverbs 16:24) will be meant the words from the heart of the wise one of the previous verse. Such words have the sweetness of a honeycomb (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:103). Sweet words are comforting and encouraging. They may be words from the Word of God, or words spoken in prayer or praise. They are words that God loves to listen to, as well as anyone born of Him.

Like the honey in a honeycomb is produced by diligent bees, sweet words are the result of continuous dealings with God in secret. He who can speak sweet words has diligently studied the Scriptures and can bring out old and new things from them for the good of the listeners, for encouragement and restoration of spiritual strength (Matthew 13:52).

We see the beneficial effect of using a little honey with Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:27). In a spiritual sense, sweet words have that same effect. Sweet words are not sugary words. They are loving yet clear, persuasive words. Sweet words are healing when they come from the teaching of God’s Word.

Bones are the strength by which the body can move and move forward. Spiritual and physical strength comes back when we have heard uplifting words. Words of prophecy, that is, words spoken for “edification, exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3), can be listened to like melodious music (cf. 1 Chronicles 25:1-6).

Ecclesiastes 12:4

The Value of the Word and Words

One conclusion we can draw from both lines of Pro 16:20 is that “he who gives attention to the word … trusts in the LORD”. Conversely, we can say that he who trusts in the LORD will give attention to the Word of God. “He who gives attention to the word” is literally “the wise dealing with the word”. This makes it a little clearer that it is not an occasional giving attention to the Word, but that what is meant is the daily, ongoing giving attention to the Word of God. It is about what God says and not what a person himself says.

Giving attention to the Word of God involves listening to its teaching. He who listens in that mind and so lives with God’s Word “will find good”. He will find in it the true meaning of life, that is Christ. He is the personification of the good. He is the Good.

That what matters is what God says and not the person being addressed here is evident from the second line of verse. Giving attention to what God says involves trusting Him. The trusting one is he who continually trusts. He who does so can truly be called “blessed”. He will receive all kinds of blessing (Jeremiah 17:7). Through His Word, the LORD provides good things for those who pay attention to His Word, for those who take it seriously.

That a person is wise in heart will be evident in his speaking and his silence and his whole conduct (Proverbs 16:21). Others will notice it and people will call him “wise”, a man of understanding, one who speaks with knowledge. His wise words will give him a reputation for competence and the opportunity to exert a beneficial influence on those around him.

His manner of speaking makes it a pleasure to listen to him. His words are sweet or pleasant. They are kind words spoken with a certain gracefulness. There is no bitterness or sharpness in them. What he says builds up the listener, it gives him a greater understanding of that which is being spoken about. His words of teaching are well received because they are persuasive. The wise in heart is “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).

The “fountain of life” that possessors of understanding have in their understanding (Proverbs 16:22) is given to them by God. That fountain is a refreshment not only for the possessors, but also for all around them. The New Testament believer also possesses such a fountain. Of that, it is said that rivers of living water flow from his inside to others to refresh them (John 4:14; John 7:38-39). That refreshment can only flow to others through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Paul was a fountain of life by the power of the Spirit in proclaiming the gospel and strengthening believers (Acts 14:21-22).

We too can be that, for we too have been given the understanding by which we know Him Who is true (1 John 5:20). It is the understanding that was first darkness (Ephesians 4:18), but is now opened and enlightened by the Spirit of Christ, enabling us to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). With the knowledge we have of Him, we can serve others and thus become a fountain of life for others.

With the fool there is no fountain of life. Fools have nothing in them but a fountain of folly. When they say something about discipline, it is nothing but foolishness. Whoever listens to it becomes equal to fools.

He who has a wise heart will be instructed by his heart to say wise things (Proverbs 16:23). He will also know when to speak and to whom. He not only speaks well-chosen words that the other person understands, but his words are instructive and increase the understanding of him to whom he speaks. What the wise person says is not only helpful but also promotes growth. He adds persuasiveness, which also is evident in the words that come from his lips.

The heart of a wise person is a fountain of words of wisdom. This is true only of the born-again heart. When the Word of Christ dwells richly in us, we will in all wisdom teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16).

By “pleasant words” (Proverbs 16:24) will be meant the words from the heart of the wise one of the previous verse. Such words have the sweetness of a honeycomb (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:103). Sweet words are comforting and encouraging. They may be words from the Word of God, or words spoken in prayer or praise. They are words that God loves to listen to, as well as anyone born of Him.

Like the honey in a honeycomb is produced by diligent bees, sweet words are the result of continuous dealings with God in secret. He who can speak sweet words has diligently studied the Scriptures and can bring out old and new things from them for the good of the listeners, for encouragement and restoration of spiritual strength (Matthew 13:52).

We see the beneficial effect of using a little honey with Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:27). In a spiritual sense, sweet words have that same effect. Sweet words are not sugary words. They are loving yet clear, persuasive words. Sweet words are healing when they come from the teaching of God’s Word.

Bones are the strength by which the body can move and move forward. Spiritual and physical strength comes back when we have heard uplifting words. Words of prophecy, that is, words spoken for “edification, exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3), can be listened to like melodious music (cf. 1 Chronicles 25:1-6).

Ecclesiastes 12:5

The Value of the Word and Words

One conclusion we can draw from both lines of Pro 16:20 is that “he who gives attention to the word … trusts in the LORD”. Conversely, we can say that he who trusts in the LORD will give attention to the Word of God. “He who gives attention to the word” is literally “the wise dealing with the word”. This makes it a little clearer that it is not an occasional giving attention to the Word, but that what is meant is the daily, ongoing giving attention to the Word of God. It is about what God says and not what a person himself says.

Giving attention to the Word of God involves listening to its teaching. He who listens in that mind and so lives with God’s Word “will find good”. He will find in it the true meaning of life, that is Christ. He is the personification of the good. He is the Good.

That what matters is what God says and not the person being addressed here is evident from the second line of verse. Giving attention to what God says involves trusting Him. The trusting one is he who continually trusts. He who does so can truly be called “blessed”. He will receive all kinds of blessing (Jeremiah 17:7). Through His Word, the LORD provides good things for those who pay attention to His Word, for those who take it seriously.

That a person is wise in heart will be evident in his speaking and his silence and his whole conduct (Proverbs 16:21). Others will notice it and people will call him “wise”, a man of understanding, one who speaks with knowledge. His wise words will give him a reputation for competence and the opportunity to exert a beneficial influence on those around him.

His manner of speaking makes it a pleasure to listen to him. His words are sweet or pleasant. They are kind words spoken with a certain gracefulness. There is no bitterness or sharpness in them. What he says builds up the listener, it gives him a greater understanding of that which is being spoken about. His words of teaching are well received because they are persuasive. The wise in heart is “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).

The “fountain of life” that possessors of understanding have in their understanding (Proverbs 16:22) is given to them by God. That fountain is a refreshment not only for the possessors, but also for all around them. The New Testament believer also possesses such a fountain. Of that, it is said that rivers of living water flow from his inside to others to refresh them (John 4:14; John 7:38-39). That refreshment can only flow to others through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Paul was a fountain of life by the power of the Spirit in proclaiming the gospel and strengthening believers (Acts 14:21-22).

We too can be that, for we too have been given the understanding by which we know Him Who is true (1 John 5:20). It is the understanding that was first darkness (Ephesians 4:18), but is now opened and enlightened by the Spirit of Christ, enabling us to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). With the knowledge we have of Him, we can serve others and thus become a fountain of life for others.

With the fool there is no fountain of life. Fools have nothing in them but a fountain of folly. When they say something about discipline, it is nothing but foolishness. Whoever listens to it becomes equal to fools.

He who has a wise heart will be instructed by his heart to say wise things (Proverbs 16:23). He will also know when to speak and to whom. He not only speaks well-chosen words that the other person understands, but his words are instructive and increase the understanding of him to whom he speaks. What the wise person says is not only helpful but also promotes growth. He adds persuasiveness, which also is evident in the words that come from his lips.

The heart of a wise person is a fountain of words of wisdom. This is true only of the born-again heart. When the Word of Christ dwells richly in us, we will in all wisdom teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16).

By “pleasant words” (Proverbs 16:24) will be meant the words from the heart of the wise one of the previous verse. Such words have the sweetness of a honeycomb (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:103). Sweet words are comforting and encouraging. They may be words from the Word of God, or words spoken in prayer or praise. They are words that God loves to listen to, as well as anyone born of Him.

Like the honey in a honeycomb is produced by diligent bees, sweet words are the result of continuous dealings with God in secret. He who can speak sweet words has diligently studied the Scriptures and can bring out old and new things from them for the good of the listeners, for encouragement and restoration of spiritual strength (Matthew 13:52).

We see the beneficial effect of using a little honey with Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:27). In a spiritual sense, sweet words have that same effect. Sweet words are not sugary words. They are loving yet clear, persuasive words. Sweet words are healing when they come from the teaching of God’s Word.

Bones are the strength by which the body can move and move forward. Spiritual and physical strength comes back when we have heard uplifting words. Words of prophecy, that is, words spoken for “edification, exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3), can be listened to like melodious music (cf. 1 Chronicles 25:1-6).

Ecclesiastes 12:6

The Value of the Word and Words

One conclusion we can draw from both lines of Pro 16:20 is that “he who gives attention to the word … trusts in the LORD”. Conversely, we can say that he who trusts in the LORD will give attention to the Word of God. “He who gives attention to the word” is literally “the wise dealing with the word”. This makes it a little clearer that it is not an occasional giving attention to the Word, but that what is meant is the daily, ongoing giving attention to the Word of God. It is about what God says and not what a person himself says.

Giving attention to the Word of God involves listening to its teaching. He who listens in that mind and so lives with God’s Word “will find good”. He will find in it the true meaning of life, that is Christ. He is the personification of the good. He is the Good.

That what matters is what God says and not the person being addressed here is evident from the second line of verse. Giving attention to what God says involves trusting Him. The trusting one is he who continually trusts. He who does so can truly be called “blessed”. He will receive all kinds of blessing (Jeremiah 17:7). Through His Word, the LORD provides good things for those who pay attention to His Word, for those who take it seriously.

That a person is wise in heart will be evident in his speaking and his silence and his whole conduct (Proverbs 16:21). Others will notice it and people will call him “wise”, a man of understanding, one who speaks with knowledge. His wise words will give him a reputation for competence and the opportunity to exert a beneficial influence on those around him.

His manner of speaking makes it a pleasure to listen to him. His words are sweet or pleasant. They are kind words spoken with a certain gracefulness. There is no bitterness or sharpness in them. What he says builds up the listener, it gives him a greater understanding of that which is being spoken about. His words of teaching are well received because they are persuasive. The wise in heart is “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).

The “fountain of life” that possessors of understanding have in their understanding (Proverbs 16:22) is given to them by God. That fountain is a refreshment not only for the possessors, but also for all around them. The New Testament believer also possesses such a fountain. Of that, it is said that rivers of living water flow from his inside to others to refresh them (John 4:14; John 7:38-39). That refreshment can only flow to others through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Paul was a fountain of life by the power of the Spirit in proclaiming the gospel and strengthening believers (Acts 14:21-22).

We too can be that, for we too have been given the understanding by which we know Him Who is true (1 John 5:20). It is the understanding that was first darkness (Ephesians 4:18), but is now opened and enlightened by the Spirit of Christ, enabling us to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). With the knowledge we have of Him, we can serve others and thus become a fountain of life for others.

With the fool there is no fountain of life. Fools have nothing in them but a fountain of folly. When they say something about discipline, it is nothing but foolishness. Whoever listens to it becomes equal to fools.

He who has a wise heart will be instructed by his heart to say wise things (Proverbs 16:23). He will also know when to speak and to whom. He not only speaks well-chosen words that the other person understands, but his words are instructive and increase the understanding of him to whom he speaks. What the wise person says is not only helpful but also promotes growth. He adds persuasiveness, which also is evident in the words that come from his lips.

The heart of a wise person is a fountain of words of wisdom. This is true only of the born-again heart. When the Word of Christ dwells richly in us, we will in all wisdom teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16).

By “pleasant words” (Proverbs 16:24) will be meant the words from the heart of the wise one of the previous verse. Such words have the sweetness of a honeycomb (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:103). Sweet words are comforting and encouraging. They may be words from the Word of God, or words spoken in prayer or praise. They are words that God loves to listen to, as well as anyone born of Him.

Like the honey in a honeycomb is produced by diligent bees, sweet words are the result of continuous dealings with God in secret. He who can speak sweet words has diligently studied the Scriptures and can bring out old and new things from them for the good of the listeners, for encouragement and restoration of spiritual strength (Matthew 13:52).

We see the beneficial effect of using a little honey with Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:27). In a spiritual sense, sweet words have that same effect. Sweet words are not sugary words. They are loving yet clear, persuasive words. Sweet words are healing when they come from the teaching of God’s Word.

Bones are the strength by which the body can move and move forward. Spiritual and physical strength comes back when we have heard uplifting words. Words of prophecy, that is, words spoken for “edification, exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3), can be listened to like melodious music (cf. 1 Chronicles 25:1-6).

Ecclesiastes 12:7

The Value of the Word and Words

One conclusion we can draw from both lines of Pro 16:20 is that “he who gives attention to the word … trusts in the LORD”. Conversely, we can say that he who trusts in the LORD will give attention to the Word of God. “He who gives attention to the word” is literally “the wise dealing with the word”. This makes it a little clearer that it is not an occasional giving attention to the Word, but that what is meant is the daily, ongoing giving attention to the Word of God. It is about what God says and not what a person himself says.

Giving attention to the Word of God involves listening to its teaching. He who listens in that mind and so lives with God’s Word “will find good”. He will find in it the true meaning of life, that is Christ. He is the personification of the good. He is the Good.

That what matters is what God says and not the person being addressed here is evident from the second line of verse. Giving attention to what God says involves trusting Him. The trusting one is he who continually trusts. He who does so can truly be called “blessed”. He will receive all kinds of blessing (Jeremiah 17:7). Through His Word, the LORD provides good things for those who pay attention to His Word, for those who take it seriously.

That a person is wise in heart will be evident in his speaking and his silence and his whole conduct (Proverbs 16:21). Others will notice it and people will call him “wise”, a man of understanding, one who speaks with knowledge. His wise words will give him a reputation for competence and the opportunity to exert a beneficial influence on those around him.

His manner of speaking makes it a pleasure to listen to him. His words are sweet or pleasant. They are kind words spoken with a certain gracefulness. There is no bitterness or sharpness in them. What he says builds up the listener, it gives him a greater understanding of that which is being spoken about. His words of teaching are well received because they are persuasive. The wise in heart is “able to teach” (1 Timothy 3:2).

The “fountain of life” that possessors of understanding have in their understanding (Proverbs 16:22) is given to them by God. That fountain is a refreshment not only for the possessors, but also for all around them. The New Testament believer also possesses such a fountain. Of that, it is said that rivers of living water flow from his inside to others to refresh them (John 4:14; John 7:38-39). That refreshment can only flow to others through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, Paul was a fountain of life by the power of the Spirit in proclaiming the gospel and strengthening believers (Acts 14:21-22).

We too can be that, for we too have been given the understanding by which we know Him Who is true (1 John 5:20). It is the understanding that was first darkness (Ephesians 4:18), but is now opened and enlightened by the Spirit of Christ, enabling us to understand the Scriptures (Luke 24:45). With the knowledge we have of Him, we can serve others and thus become a fountain of life for others.

With the fool there is no fountain of life. Fools have nothing in them but a fountain of folly. When they say something about discipline, it is nothing but foolishness. Whoever listens to it becomes equal to fools.

He who has a wise heart will be instructed by his heart to say wise things (Proverbs 16:23). He will also know when to speak and to whom. He not only speaks well-chosen words that the other person understands, but his words are instructive and increase the understanding of him to whom he speaks. What the wise person says is not only helpful but also promotes growth. He adds persuasiveness, which also is evident in the words that come from his lips.

The heart of a wise person is a fountain of words of wisdom. This is true only of the born-again heart. When the Word of Christ dwells richly in us, we will in all wisdom teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16).

By “pleasant words” (Proverbs 16:24) will be meant the words from the heart of the wise one of the previous verse. Such words have the sweetness of a honeycomb (Psalms 19:10; Psalms 119:103). Sweet words are comforting and encouraging. They may be words from the Word of God, or words spoken in prayer or praise. They are words that God loves to listen to, as well as anyone born of Him.

Like the honey in a honeycomb is produced by diligent bees, sweet words are the result of continuous dealings with God in secret. He who can speak sweet words has diligently studied the Scriptures and can bring out old and new things from them for the good of the listeners, for encouragement and restoration of spiritual strength (Matthew 13:52).

We see the beneficial effect of using a little honey with Jonathan (1 Samuel 14:27). In a spiritual sense, sweet words have that same effect. Sweet words are not sugary words. They are loving yet clear, persuasive words. Sweet words are healing when they come from the teaching of God’s Word.

Bones are the strength by which the body can move and move forward. Spiritual and physical strength comes back when we have heard uplifting words. Words of prophecy, that is, words spoken for “edification, exhortation and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3), can be listened to like melodious music (cf. 1 Chronicles 25:1-6).

Ecclesiastes 12:8

The End of a Seemingly Right Way

This proverb is identical to a verse in Proverbs 14 (Proverbs 14:12). There this proverb is related to appearances that deceive (Proverbs 14:11-13), to seeing what is before one’s eyes while the reality is different. It is relying on what you see without realizing that you are being fooled. Here the proverb is related to the way we live our life and what it turns out to be. It is about how we think about and fill in our own life versus the way God thinks about it and wants it to be lived.

The way that seems straight to someone can be the way of pleasure and carefree enjoyment. We see that the one seemingly straight road, ends in countless ways of death. There is plenty of choice on that one way, but every choice on it leads to death. This need not even be about the choice to live in gross sin. If there is enough money, if one’s career can be made, if one’s family is doing well and one also gives to each his own, then a person thinks he is on the right way. Such people will be deceived. With it, it is like the man who said: ‘I climbed the ladder of success, but I discovered that it was against the wrong wall.’

Another path that may seem right to someone is that of total freedom. Give free sex space in any relationship one wants, give man the right to life and death by allowing him to commit abortion and euthanasia, and it will be said that this is the right way to and from happiness. Again, it will turn out that that way ends in death.

The broad way of sin seems right because many walk on it. But it is appearance, for that way ends in death (Matthew 7:13-14). The way of death is walked by those who take their mind, their feelings or their conscience as the standard and not God’s Word. A person goes the way that is truly right only when he trusts Christ and not his own understanding, and acknowledge Him in all his ways (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Ecclesiastes 12:9

Hunger Urges to Work

Hunger stimulates a man, excites him, urges him, pressures him, to work diligently (cf. Ecclesiastes 6:7). Hunger is good and has the beneficial effect of prompting a person to work to earn money. This makes it possible to buy food with which to satisfy hunger. The New Testament also mentions the importance of working several times, among other things so that one can earn a living as well as give to others (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; Ephesians 4:28).

In spiritual terms, the same is true. Those who are newly converted and have new life will crave spiritual food (1 Peter 2:2). Spiritual hunger prompts one to diligently examine God’s Word.

Ecclesiastes 12:10

The Worthless, Perverse, Violent Man

These verses are about the worthless or depraved, perverse and violent man. There is an ascent in it. It begins with the “worthless man”, that is, what this man is in himself and how he acts (Proverbs 16:27). Worthless or depraved men devise ways to slander people. “A worthless man” is literally a “man of Belial”, someone in whom there is nothing good. The term describes deep depravity and wickedness.

This man is an evil person because he “digs up evil”. The meaning is that of bringing evil to the surface and making great efforts to do so. Digging up is hard work. He will go through someone’s entire file to find something evil that he can use. Social media is an example of a wide and deep ‘digging ground’, where certain data can also be manipulated in such a way that it serves the evil purpose the worthless man has in mind.

Whatever evil he digs up, regardless of whether it is true or a lie, he scatters his words as seed. His speaking is “like scorching fire”, indicating the devastating effect of his words. James speaks of the tongue as “a fire, the world of iniquity” and continues: “The tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6).

The worthless man of Pro 16:27 is the “perverse man” in Proverbs 16:28. He is a man of falsehoods and lies and “a slanderer”. Open attacks do not work, therefore he chooses to whisper lies and slander, imputations, half-truths. The perverse man causes quarrels and even brings separation between best friends.

He cannot make friends himself and cannot stand friendship between others. For this reason, he starts a smear campaign. He slanders one about the other and sows doubt and distrust between the two. He tells a lie about someone of which he knows it will be passed on. In doing so, he takes into account the fact that when it is passed on, it gets worse and worse. This is why he is called a “perverse man” because he ruins good relationships.

In Proverbs 16:29, the worthless and perverse man of the previous verses has become “a man of violence”, “a man of hamas”. The friends are separated by his slander; he has already caused that harm. But with that he is not satisfied. They must also be killed. It is not only talk, but he uses violence.

He is also a deceiver, who wants to influence others to join him. The man of violence will want to influence people around him to commit the violence he has planned (Proverbs 1:10-14; Proverbs 2:12-15). He wants to “lead” his neighbor “in a way that is not good”, that is, he wants to bring him into the criminal circuit.

To achieve the goal of Pro 16:29, he devises “perverse things” and then “bring evil to pass” (Proverbs 16:30). He is so committed to evil that his body language cannot suppress his evil intentions, but betrays them. Facial expressions often reveal whether someone has something evil in mind (Proverbs 6:13-14). Two expressions are mentioned here: winking or shutting one’s eyes and compressing one’s lips.

A person winks or shuts his eyes when he wants to think intently about something without being distracted. In this way, the worthless, perverse, violent man is totally focused on evil. He sees before him how it is going to happen. Compressing his lips means that a person restrains himself from expressing his feelings, either to laugh or to burst into anger. Here it points to hidden evil intentions that he is about to carry out.

Ecclesiastes 12:11

The Worthless, Perverse, Violent Man

These verses are about the worthless or depraved, perverse and violent man. There is an ascent in it. It begins with the “worthless man”, that is, what this man is in himself and how he acts (Proverbs 16:27). Worthless or depraved men devise ways to slander people. “A worthless man” is literally a “man of Belial”, someone in whom there is nothing good. The term describes deep depravity and wickedness.

This man is an evil person because he “digs up evil”. The meaning is that of bringing evil to the surface and making great efforts to do so. Digging up is hard work. He will go through someone’s entire file to find something evil that he can use. Social media is an example of a wide and deep ‘digging ground’, where certain data can also be manipulated in such a way that it serves the evil purpose the worthless man has in mind.

Whatever evil he digs up, regardless of whether it is true or a lie, he scatters his words as seed. His speaking is “like scorching fire”, indicating the devastating effect of his words. James speaks of the tongue as “a fire, the world of iniquity” and continues: “The tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6).

The worthless man of Pro 16:27 is the “perverse man” in Proverbs 16:28. He is a man of falsehoods and lies and “a slanderer”. Open attacks do not work, therefore he chooses to whisper lies and slander, imputations, half-truths. The perverse man causes quarrels and even brings separation between best friends.

He cannot make friends himself and cannot stand friendship between others. For this reason, he starts a smear campaign. He slanders one about the other and sows doubt and distrust between the two. He tells a lie about someone of which he knows it will be passed on. In doing so, he takes into account the fact that when it is passed on, it gets worse and worse. This is why he is called a “perverse man” because he ruins good relationships.

In Proverbs 16:29, the worthless and perverse man of the previous verses has become “a man of violence”, “a man of hamas”. The friends are separated by his slander; he has already caused that harm. But with that he is not satisfied. They must also be killed. It is not only talk, but he uses violence.

He is also a deceiver, who wants to influence others to join him. The man of violence will want to influence people around him to commit the violence he has planned (Proverbs 1:10-14; Proverbs 2:12-15). He wants to “lead” his neighbor “in a way that is not good”, that is, he wants to bring him into the criminal circuit.

To achieve the goal of Pro 16:29, he devises “perverse things” and then “bring evil to pass” (Proverbs 16:30). He is so committed to evil that his body language cannot suppress his evil intentions, but betrays them. Facial expressions often reveal whether someone has something evil in mind (Proverbs 6:13-14). Two expressions are mentioned here: winking or shutting one’s eyes and compressing one’s lips.

A person winks or shuts his eyes when he wants to think intently about something without being distracted. In this way, the worthless, perverse, violent man is totally focused on evil. He sees before him how it is going to happen. Compressing his lips means that a person restrains himself from expressing his feelings, either to laugh or to burst into anger. Here it points to hidden evil intentions that he is about to carry out.

Ecclesiastes 12:12

The Worthless, Perverse, Violent Man

These verses are about the worthless or depraved, perverse and violent man. There is an ascent in it. It begins with the “worthless man”, that is, what this man is in himself and how he acts (Proverbs 16:27). Worthless or depraved men devise ways to slander people. “A worthless man” is literally a “man of Belial”, someone in whom there is nothing good. The term describes deep depravity and wickedness.

This man is an evil person because he “digs up evil”. The meaning is that of bringing evil to the surface and making great efforts to do so. Digging up is hard work. He will go through someone’s entire file to find something evil that he can use. Social media is an example of a wide and deep ‘digging ground’, where certain data can also be manipulated in such a way that it serves the evil purpose the worthless man has in mind.

Whatever evil he digs up, regardless of whether it is true or a lie, he scatters his words as seed. His speaking is “like scorching fire”, indicating the devastating effect of his words. James speaks of the tongue as “a fire, the world of iniquity” and continues: “The tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6).

The worthless man of Pro 16:27 is the “perverse man” in Proverbs 16:28. He is a man of falsehoods and lies and “a slanderer”. Open attacks do not work, therefore he chooses to whisper lies and slander, imputations, half-truths. The perverse man causes quarrels and even brings separation between best friends.

He cannot make friends himself and cannot stand friendship between others. For this reason, he starts a smear campaign. He slanders one about the other and sows doubt and distrust between the two. He tells a lie about someone of which he knows it will be passed on. In doing so, he takes into account the fact that when it is passed on, it gets worse and worse. This is why he is called a “perverse man” because he ruins good relationships.

In Proverbs 16:29, the worthless and perverse man of the previous verses has become “a man of violence”, “a man of hamas”. The friends are separated by his slander; he has already caused that harm. But with that he is not satisfied. They must also be killed. It is not only talk, but he uses violence.

He is also a deceiver, who wants to influence others to join him. The man of violence will want to influence people around him to commit the violence he has planned (Proverbs 1:10-14; Proverbs 2:12-15). He wants to “lead” his neighbor “in a way that is not good”, that is, he wants to bring him into the criminal circuit.

To achieve the goal of Pro 16:29, he devises “perverse things” and then “bring evil to pass” (Proverbs 16:30). He is so committed to evil that his body language cannot suppress his evil intentions, but betrays them. Facial expressions often reveal whether someone has something evil in mind (Proverbs 6:13-14). Two expressions are mentioned here: winking or shutting one’s eyes and compressing one’s lips.

A person winks or shuts his eyes when he wants to think intently about something without being distracted. In this way, the worthless, perverse, violent man is totally focused on evil. He sees before him how it is going to happen. Compressing his lips means that a person restrains himself from expressing his feelings, either to laugh or to burst into anger. Here it points to hidden evil intentions that he is about to carry out.

Ecclesiastes 12:13

The Worthless, Perverse, Violent Man

These verses are about the worthless or depraved, perverse and violent man. There is an ascent in it. It begins with the “worthless man”, that is, what this man is in himself and how he acts (Proverbs 16:27). Worthless or depraved men devise ways to slander people. “A worthless man” is literally a “man of Belial”, someone in whom there is nothing good. The term describes deep depravity and wickedness.

This man is an evil person because he “digs up evil”. The meaning is that of bringing evil to the surface and making great efforts to do so. Digging up is hard work. He will go through someone’s entire file to find something evil that he can use. Social media is an example of a wide and deep ‘digging ground’, where certain data can also be manipulated in such a way that it serves the evil purpose the worthless man has in mind.

Whatever evil he digs up, regardless of whether it is true or a lie, he scatters his words as seed. His speaking is “like scorching fire”, indicating the devastating effect of his words. James speaks of the tongue as “a fire, the world of iniquity” and continues: “The tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:6).

The worthless man of Pro 16:27 is the “perverse man” in Proverbs 16:28. He is a man of falsehoods and lies and “a slanderer”. Open attacks do not work, therefore he chooses to whisper lies and slander, imputations, half-truths. The perverse man causes quarrels and even brings separation between best friends.

He cannot make friends himself and cannot stand friendship between others. For this reason, he starts a smear campaign. He slanders one about the other and sows doubt and distrust between the two. He tells a lie about someone of which he knows it will be passed on. In doing so, he takes into account the fact that when it is passed on, it gets worse and worse. This is why he is called a “perverse man” because he ruins good relationships.

In Proverbs 16:29, the worthless and perverse man of the previous verses has become “a man of violence”, “a man of hamas”. The friends are separated by his slander; he has already caused that harm. But with that he is not satisfied. They must also be killed. It is not only talk, but he uses violence.

He is also a deceiver, who wants to influence others to join him. The man of violence will want to influence people around him to commit the violence he has planned (Proverbs 1:10-14; Proverbs 2:12-15). He wants to “lead” his neighbor “in a way that is not good”, that is, he wants to bring him into the criminal circuit.

To achieve the goal of Pro 16:29, he devises “perverse things” and then “bring evil to pass” (Proverbs 16:30). He is so committed to evil that his body language cannot suppress his evil intentions, but betrays them. Facial expressions often reveal whether someone has something evil in mind (Proverbs 6:13-14). Two expressions are mentioned here: winking or shutting one’s eyes and compressing one’s lips.

A person winks or shuts his eyes when he wants to think intently about something without being distracted. In this way, the worthless, perverse, violent man is totally focused on evil. He sees before him how it is going to happen. Compressing his lips means that a person restrains himself from expressing his feelings, either to laugh or to burst into anger. Here it points to hidden evil intentions that he is about to carry out.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

A Gray Head, Patience and Self-Control

If someone has a gray head, or has gray hair. and thus wears “a crown of glory”, it is evidence that he is walking “the way of righteousness” and has walked it so far. Righteousness is rewarded with longevity (cf. Psalms 92:14; Luke 1:5-7). Again, this is the general application of this book. The general meaning of righteousness in Proverbs is that the wicked do not live long and come to an early end and that the righteous live long. But that does not mean that it applies to everyone in all cases. The grayness of a wicked elderly is no ornament, and a person may die before the first gray hairs are seen even though he has walked in the way of righteousness.

It should be the greatest concern of the elderly to remain “in the way of righteousness”. When it is seen in their old age that they have walked with God and continue to do so, their “gray head is a crown of glory” to them. Solomon says this primarily to the young. Young people are prone to see especially youthful strength as an ornamental crown, sometimes despising elders because of their physical weakness. God’s Word forbids this and demands respect for the elderly in its place (Leviticus 19:32). Those who abide by it show respect for God’s choice of righteousness over youthful strength.

But this Word is not only important for young people. For older people, it is important that they behave worthy of that “crown of glory”. Let old believers be old disciples (Acts 21:16). By doing so, they give young people reason to respect them. It is along the same lines as what is said to Timothy that he should take care that no one despises him because of his youthful age (1 Timothy 4:12). Separately, it is always appropriate for young people to treat older people with respect, even when an elderly person does not behave with dignity (Genesis 9:20-27).

Just as a gray head is superior to youthful strength (Proverbs 16:31), patience is superior to physical strength (Proverbs 16:32). Being slow to anger or patience is a characteristic of God (Exodus 34:6; Nahum 1:3) and part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). A person is “mighty” on a particular occasion in a particular case, but “he who is slow to anger” is better, for he demonstrates this Godly characteristic not only on particular occasions, but constantly.

“He who rules his spirit”, or ‘controls’ his spirit, or controls himself, proves that he is better “than he who captures a city”. Capturing a city after a shorter or longer siege is an act involving casualties. Self-control or self-judgment does not harm anyone, but rather saves lives. It is for the blessing of others and for self-protection.

A pious man once said to the king: ‘You are the servant of my servant.’ By this he meant: ‘You are the slave of your evil inclinations, while I am the master of my evil inclinations.’ The heart is a battlefield. The evil tendencies that dwell in it are deadly enemies. For the believer, they are vanquished enemies. The point is about killing the evil tendencies as soon as they want to assert themselves (Colossians 3:5), that is, defusing them immediately in self-judgment. We do this by seeing them as judged in Christ on the cross. The true power to overcome lies in knowing our position in Christ. In Him we are more than overcomers (Romans 8:37).