Living Wisely: Growing in Holiness (Ecclesiastes 10 – 11:6)

Reaching his final conclusions, the preacher continues in chapters 10 and 11 of Ecclesiastes, meditating on the results of living wisely and foolishly, again emphasizing the results of his experiment and the importance of living wisely.

In the last lesson we meditated on the fact that wisdom is important, but that wisdom must be based on the fear of the Lord, not on our knowledge. I also mentioned that we would focus on the importance of growing in holiness.

We will not go into all the details of these two chapters, but I want us to focus on two verses that, amid all the illustrations and examples, call us to live wisely. They call us to be in the fear of the Lord, which will result in growing in holiness.

What does holiness mean?

According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary, holiness not only involves the moral reformation of our character; it is the work of the Holy Spirit bringing more and more the new nature we received upon believing and being regenerated. (Romans 6:12-14; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

We need to remember that although holiness will not be perfect or complete under the sun, as the preacher would say, there must be progress or advancement in how Christ’s nature is seen in us. As we are growing in holiness, we will recognize our faults as sin and be moved to repentance. (Philippians 3:12-14)

What are we demonstrating? (Ecclesiastes 10:2-3)

As we saw in the previous lesson, there is a difference between the wise man and the foolish man, and their actions lead them down a path that at the end of life conducts them to different eternal destinies.

Now the preacher is calling us to evaluate what our actions demonstrate. He says that although the fool walks on the path of the wise—those who fear God—his lack of understanding of his need to know God and his actions make known that he remains a fool.

And before we are quick to evaluate the lives of others, let’s begin with our own. Are our actions demonstrating something more than acceptable morality? Do we live our lives under the fear of God?

We cannot be content with doing good works, or even with fulfilling a list of spiritual activities, if our mind and heart are not being transformed to be more like Christ.

If reading this you feel conviction that there are changes to make, glory to the Lord! That implies there is spiritual life within you. Cry out to the Holy Spirit to help you fight the battle, as Paul said.

Living wisely is being diligent (Ecclesiastes 11:6)

In this verse from chapter 11, we will see that living wisely, enjoying life under the sun, and considering God’s work is an active process. When we recognize that God is the Lord of Time and that everything is in His hands, we do not cross our arms or take refuge in inactivity; on the contrary, we live actively, presenting our plans and decisions to God.

Living wisely requires that we be diligent in everything we do, since we should see it as doing it for the Lord. (Colossians 3:23) At home, at work, in our relationships, and in our service, we must be diligent.

Now if you are like me, a recovering perfectionist, allow me to clarify that all this effort we make is a response to God’s grace and mercy toward us, not to earn anything from God.

Furthermore, we do it resting in the fact that the value of the results of our actions does not depend on us, but on God’s sovereign will, which ultimately will be for our good.

Growing in Holiness (Philippians 2)

Now one of the areas where we must be very diligent while depending on the power of the Holy Spirit is in our process of sanctification. This section could be a lesson in itself, but what I want is for you to honestly evaluate your life and see in what areas you need to grow.

Again, remember that we will not become perfect in anything, but each day, each month, and each year, you and those who are close to you should see progress and growth in your holiness in our likeness to Christ.

We use this passage more or see it in light of seeing Christ’s nature and the exaltation he received from God the Father through his sacrifice; but on this occasion I want us to see the exhortation that Paul is making to the Philippians, that we be diligent in being like Christ.

And of course, although we will not be of divine nature, nor will we make a sacrifice as He did, nor will we reach a name above all, there is much that should be reflected in our lives of Christ. I share the following questions for you to begin your evaluation:

Having the same attitude as Christ. (v. 5)

• Are we living in humility or centered on ourselves?
• Are we obeying God’s commandments?
• Are we loving our brothers? Our enemies?

Emptied, not grasping, crucified, exalted, and whom we confess. (v. 6-9)

• Do we recognize that suffering is part of the Christian life?
• Do we live resting in God’s sovereignty in the midst of difficulties?

The one who confesses lives for his glory. (v. 11)

• Is worship part of our lifestyle?

Working out their salvation with fear and trembling. (v. 12)

• Do we have an active attitude in our Christian life, or do we walk with arms crossed?
• Do we see our spiritual disciplines as activities to fulfill or as means to appreciate God’s grace?

Doing all things by God’s power. (v. 13)

• Do we recognize that our holiness comes from God’s power?
• Do we recognize the stains of sin in our daily life?

What’s next?

Living wisely and growing in holiness is God’s continuous call for us. This path is not easy, but it is full of purpose and grace. Through wisdom based on the fear of the Lord and the effort we can make through His Spirit, we are transformed day by day into the image of Christ.

Let us take time in prayer to examine our lives, converse with other mature sisters, and evaluate our actions and motivations to strive in the necessary areas. While we depend completely on God as we advance.

I hope this lesson moves us to seek the Lord with more fervor, to live with intentionality, and to reflect His glory in every aspect of our life. While we await the day when our holiness will finally be perfected in His presence. This is another reason why we long for eternity.

In the next lesson, as a conclusion to this study, we will see what we should do while we continue our wait for our Lord’s return.