The Soul Doctor

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

2009-12-24T07:12:00.000-08:00

This is the last week of postings so we will attempt to conclude with what we have set out to do. This has been an attempt to explore the ancient biblical book of Ecclesiastes as it applies to people who suffer from addictive and compulsive behaviors. As I have so often stated, I come at this from an orthodox evangelical point of view but have attempt[ted to broaden its application to all faiths and make it applicable to those within the twelve step community. To that end I hope it has been helpful.

This week we look at Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, verse 9 states: "Not only was the Teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs." (Ecc 12:9 NIV) This appears to be an editorial comment stating what the author of Ecclesiastes did. He was wise, he taught wisdom and he collected wisdom. This appears to be true from what we know of the wisdom literature of the Bible. Some portions of Proverbs was adapted of Egyptian wisdom literature. Certain portions of The Song of Solomon are Egyptian waisf poems.

Verse 10 states: "The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true." (Ecc 12:10 NIV) The commentator or editor here states that the teacher searched to find the wright words certainly he tried. Did he succeed? Many times they were troublesome and enigmatic causing one to mull over and ponder life from various aspects. What he wrote was upright and true from the aspect of the covenant of his God.

Verse 11 says: "The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--given by one Shepherd." (Ecc 12:11 NIV) These two statements are similar parallelisms. Goads are sharp sticks used to prod cattle and other large domesticated animals. the use of sharply embedded nails could refer to the end of the goad. Proverbs are designed to work like that. They produce discomfort so that you will move along the path of life and make progress.

Verse 12 states: "Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." (Ecc 12:12 NIV) This verse has been used by students over the years to ward off the excesses of studying. The "My Son" motif is quite common in ancient near eastern literature. It stands first for the mentoring of as son by the father and then a genre of literature that is a form of teaching literature. The editor I think is stating that beyond the collection of proverbs other knowledge is quite useless. If you look at the development of the Semitic body of knowledge and culture and the Greek body of knowledge and culture you see that they are quite different.

The editor begins the final emphasis here: "Having heard everything, I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man." (Ecc 12:13 NET) He carries it on with the following verse.

"For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (Ecc 12:14 NIV) We have certainly seen these things happen in this book. We have seen that good things happen to good people bad things happen to bad people bad things happen to good people good things happen to bad people uncertainties happen all the time. This is not the first time that Solomon or the editor has directed us to "fear God"(3:14, 5:7, 7:18, 8:12). But it is a fitting climax. Regardless of how life circumstances turn out this becomes the defining rule. God judges these these.

My life has been a series of ups and downs. every circumstance, every perceived blow, every perceived blessing, every person, male or female, apparently good or bad have all contributed to my growths or downfalls and my ultimate maturity. Proverbs says: "for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity." (Pro 24:16 NIV) That's more my life. Somewhere in this past year in this blog, I have likened my life not to the beautiful tapestry that looks beautiful on one side but looks like a a bunch of strings on the other, but to the rug made with rags. I have waited about six months to use this illustration. of Cal Rogers so here it goes.

Calbraith Perry ("Cal") Rodgers, an inexperienced 32-year-old pilot, in 1911 made the first transcontinental flight across the United States. He reached Pasadena, California, on November 5, 1911, and Long Beach, California, on December 10, flying between Sheepshead Bay, near New York City, New York, and the West Coast in a Wright EX biplane. He carried the first transcontinental mail pouch and was accompanied on the ground by a support crew that repaired and rebuilt the plane after its numerous rough landings and crashes

Rodgers was the grandson of the famed Commodore Oliver Perry of the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812. He was an excellent football player, yachtsman, and automobile and motorcycle racer before becoming a pilot, all in spite of deafness that resulted from a childhood bout of scarlet fever. Somewhat of a risk-taker, Rogers had taken only about 90 minutes of flying instruction from Orville Wright in June 1911, at the Wright School in Dayton, Ohio, before attempting a solo flight. He carried out the first aerial photography of industrial plants and in August 1911, won an $11,000 prize in an international air endurance contest held in Chicago. He also was the first private citizen to purchase a Wright "aeroplane," a long-wing biplane Model B that was modified for his transcontinental flight and designated a Wright Flyer EX (for Experimental).

The $50,000 prize that renowned publisher William Randolph Hearst offered to the first pilot to fly across the United States within 30 days undoubtedly helped motivate Rodgers to tackle this formidable challenge. Air flight was new to the nation. There were no airports or aircraft mechanics along the way and no air navigation maps, control towers or beacons to warn of hazards or guide the pilot. Rodgers would have to follow railroad tracks, recognize landmarks, and talk with his ground crew during periods on the ground. Also, the venture would be expensive, and Rodgers needed a sponsor.

J. Ogden Armour, a Chicago meat packer, was willing to sponsor Rodgers in return for advertising his new grape soft drink "Vin Fiz." Rodgers printed Vin Fiz on the rudder and under-wing areas of the plane, and Armour paid him three to five dollars for each mile flown, providing a total of $23,000. Armour also provided and outfitted a three-car support train, which would prove vital to Rodgers' success. This train was loaded with a crew, including his wife, his mother, a close friend, two mechanics, and two assistants as well as supplies, fuel, repair parts to rebuild the plane, and even spare engines. One car had a much-needed repair shop, and the crew had the capability to rebuild the aircraft at least twice if necessary. All cars advertised the sponsor's product--Vin Fiz.

The Wright brothers' biplane that Rodgers flew was made with relatively light materials: a spruce airframe that was covered with canvas and linen and a small 35-horsepower (26-kilowatt) engine. The plane had two eight-foot (2.4-meter) push-propellers driven by a chain-drive transmission and could fly at 45 to 60 miles per hour (72 to 97 kilometers per hour). The Vin Fiz had no instruments, other than the reported use of a shoelace to indicate vertical and lateral motion, no heater, and no navigational aids. But with what proved to be considerable foresight, Rodgers had crutches strapped to a wing.

Rogers took off from Sheepshead Bay, New York, at 4:30 p.m. on September 17, 1911. He followed railroad tracks and avoided mountains, storms, and other hazards. Along the way, he landed around 70 times, which included at least 16 crashes some that put him in the hospital. Damage to the Vin Fiz was so extensive that the plane had to be rebuilt at least twice. Only a very few pieces of the original Vin Fiz made it all the way a vertical rudder, a couple of wing struts, and possibly the original engine oil pan.

Forty-nine days later, on November 5, Rodgers landed in Pasadena, California, He had missed Hearst's deadline by 19 days. So that he could say he had reached the Pacific Ocean, he took off again on November 12, to cover the remaining 20 miles (32 kilometers) to the ocean, only to be forced down twice, once suffering a broken ankle. But on December 10, 1911, he flew on to the beach at Long Beach, California, and taxied the Vin Fiz into the Pacific Ocean. The entire trip of approximately 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers) (authorities differ on the exact number of miles) had taken 84 days, although only about 82 hours were spent aloft!

Rodgers' determination and thorough preparation for the flight enabled him to be the first to make his way across the country by air, even though he missed the time deadline for the $50,000.00 prize.

The public recognized his triumph over life-threatening challenges. The number of onlookers grew from a handful of people wishing him well at his initial takeoff, to newspaper reporters and crowds cheering him on as he crossed the continent, all the way to national celebrity status, with some 20,000 witnessing his November 5 landing in Pasadena.

But as was the case with so many early pilots, tragedy struck. Almost five months later, on April 3, 1912, while making a test flight in Long Beach, near the site of the end of his record-setting flight, he flew into a flock of birds--a problem still facing aviators today. One bird, probably a seagull, was believed to have stuck in his plane's controls, causing the plane to crash into the surf. When pulled from the wreckage, Cal Rodgers was dead of a broken neck.

quoted in its entirety from The U.S. Centennial Flight Commission
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Explorers_Record_Setters_and_Daredevils/Vin_Fiz/EX6.htm

This is how I feel. The journey has hardly been what I thought it would be. I am not at the end yet. But certainly it is not what I thought it would be. Like Cal, I, we must have a huge support team around us. There are and will be crashes and we have to put ourselves back together. Solomon urges us at just the right moments in this book when he paints the bleakest pictures to accept and embrace the promises of God and find meaning in the God who contains meaning above the sun for us who "live under the sun."

What does this mean for those who suffer for addiction and compulsivity? if you are not in recovery. if you have not embraced sobriety. I urge you to to do wo now. addiction is a self diagnosed desease. Enter the recovery community. It will be a whole new way of life. Do something intentional everyday for your recovery. Deboroah Hazelton says: "Temptations are invitations to help me make sure I am serious about my desires and expectations. I won’t settle for less." I hope that those of you who read this blog this year found it helpful. I fhound it helpful in guiding my life and finding direction for myself. Thanks for taking the time to read it. God's blessing to you all.

Sorry this didn't get published December 31 2009. Tough day. here it is now. This blog will be temporarily suspended. Probably to be picked up in 2011.

The Solomon Project:Ecclesiastes 12:3-8

2009-12-24T07:08:00.000-08:00

For the rationale for this blog see earlier blogs. We will pick up at 12:3 this week. Verse 12:2 is an excellent transition to the aging process of the human body and the experience of old age. The viewing of the environment may be in view here in verse 2.

"when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men stoop, when the grinders cease because they are few, and those looking through the windows grow dim;" (Ecc 12:3 NIV) The keepers refer to the self the human beings who inhabit their bodies. The house refers to the human body. strong men stooping refer to the effects of old age. grinders refers to the teeth and the lose of them because of old age and long use. "looking through the windows" refer to the lose of clarity of eye sight.

"when the doors to the street are closed and the sound of grinding fades; when men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint;" (Ecc 12:4 NIV) The doors to the street closing refers to the loss of social interaction of the aging and the reclusiveness that sets in. the metaphor of the fading of the grinding refers to the societal interaction of the making of food. The rising at the sound of birds refers to the loss of the ability to sleep deeply. The fact the songs grow faint refers to the loss of hearing.

The author continues on. "when men are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms and the grasshopper drags himself along and desire no longer is stirred. Then man goes to his eternal home and mourners go about the streets." (Ecc 12:5 NIV) He talks about being afraid of heights and dangers in the streets, things that may not have ordinarily stirred fear in younger years. The blossoming of the Almond tree refers to the turning of the hair white and the metaphor of the grasshopper refers to the crippling of limbs in old age. Desire being stirred is a euphemism for sexual desire. Solomon states plainly of what he is speaking here that "man goes to his eternal home."

Solomon's point he is well taken here: "Remember him--before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well," (Ecc 12:6 NIV) The author tells the reader to remember the living before he dies. He uses a series of metaphors to speak of death. the severing of the silver cord, the breaking of the golden bowl, the shattering of the pitcher, the breaking of the wheel, one having to do with holding things together, one having to do with holding things inside, one has to do with the value of the vessel itself, the wheel refers to activity.

"and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." (Ecc 12:7 NIV) This refers to the Genesis account of the forming of Adam from the dust of the earth. Then he breathed into him the breathe of life.

""Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Everything is meaningless!"" (Ecc 12:8 NIV) The author ends this section with the lament of meaninglessness. the meaningless life ends in a meaningless death. This verse serves as a transition between this last section and the epilogue of the book.

What does this have to teach those of us who struggle with addiction and compulsivity? First of all those we do appreciate we need to tell as soon as possible. life is short. the struggle is long. the focus is inward. Ecclesiastes has taught us that if not anything else.

Secondly, amends made to living people will always work out better than an attempt to make them to those who have passed to the dust and the spirit to the God who gave it. Keep short account with those we are in relationship. Lets keep our resentments list short and make amends quickly. I had one that had to be done this week and when presented with the opportunity I got it done. I breathed a sigh of relief and slept well that night.

Thirdly, let us resolve to be ready to have that silver thread broken knowing that there is not another amends left to be made or another resent left to be resolved. life is to short to hold onto the poison of anger and resentment only to have it kill us more quickly.

Our time is up for today so until next time keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:2

2009-12-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

The Solomon Project is a blog that attempts to apply the age-old biblical book of Ecclesiastes to addiction and compulsive behavior. While I come at the book from an evangelical perspective the thrust of the blog is an attempt to help those of all faiths come to terms with the issues facing people who suffer from these disorders. The author has much to tell us about life and how to live it.

In the last section Solomon encouraged us to embrace life for all it is worth in spite of the fact that we may not know everything. He urged us to seize the moment in our endeavors and pursue life with diligence and prudence.

"Light is sweet, and it pleases the eyes to see the sun. However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. But let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. Everything to come is meaningless." (Ecc 11:7-8 NIV) Solomon speaks here of life. Those who are alive see the sun. He calls the reader to enjoy these days. He must also remember that as throughout the book days of darkness will come. These will include oppression, fleeting enjoyments, financial loss and death. The final days will be meaningless. As always he holds out hope though especially for the young.

"Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment." (Ecc 11:9 NIV) This does not refer to eschatological judgment. This is the old testament "under the sun." Solomon is saying Youthful exuberance and its in-the-moment passion which the author espouses will bring consequences since life is never lived perfectly.

"So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless." (Ecc 11:10 NIV) The NET Bible translates anxiety here "Emotional stress." This fits very well. Solomon, as throughout the book, sees youthfulness as having strength and vigor but ultimately it is meaningless because does not provide the true answers to the deep questions of life.

"Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them"--" (Ecc 12:1 NIV) Solomon is urging those in their prime to acknowledge God's sovereignty over their life before hard times come all of the things that he has spoken about in the previous sections of the book: surprising and curious twists of fate, undeserving jobs events superior and authoritarian capriciousness. These bouts of reality bring a seasoning of our view of ourselves God and the world.

"before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars grow dark, and the clouds return after the rain;" (Ecc 12:2 NIV) This is a somewhat enigmatic statement what does the light refer to and clouds usually dissipate after a rain. the structure of the verse belies a parallelism and thus may be there for structure more than for anything else. the light may simply refer to the day light than anything else and serve to form the parallelism. the clouds form a reverse to what we would think would be there after a rain which would be sunlight but for those "under the sun", the older mature grief and reality stricken life-educated people would acknowledge the clouds rather than the sunlight. (I'm sorry I had another four paragraphs that were deleted before they were saved. I simply don't have the strength at 12:30 AM to go back and rewrite them. This is all I can do. So until next week. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it.

The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 11:3-6

2009-12-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

For the rationale of this blog please earlier blogs. This week we look at the acts of nature and how they correspond to human life.

"If clouds are full of water, they pour rain upon the earth. Whether a tree falls to the south or to the north, in the place where it falls, there will it lie." (Ecc 11:3 NIV) Two illustrations are given here. The first refers to certainty and the second to finality. the terms "north" and "south" are a merism referring to whatever direction the tree may fall. Clouds and rain storms can be clearly seen. The falling of a tree may not. Walking through the forest you will find a tree fallen. You may not have heard it (yes contrary to philosophical musings it will make a noise). It may have been standing the day before or the week before but "today" as you observe it, it has fallen without any warning.

"Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap." (Ecc 11:4 NIV) The agricultural metaphors here will not make much sense to those who have not worked in agriculture. Sowing seed by hand must be done on a calm day or the seed willl not fall evenly on the ground. Secondly wind portends bad weather many times. The problem is that if one waits for the perfect time nothing will ever get done. If you wait for a perfectly calm day you may miss the entire planting season. The same goes for the concept of reaping. This is the second of two merisms from nature. The first being the tree falling either to the north or to the south. Here the merism involves planting the beginning of the season and reaping the end of the season. It includes everything in between. The concept of clouds picks up the metaphor from the earlier verse (verse 3). Clouds bring rain and can ruin a harvest. Diligence calls for bringing in that harvest at just the right time and action before fall and winter rains hit. This calls for prudence dilligence and planning, all things that the author has been expounding by a variety of methods in this book.

"As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." (Ecc 11:5 NIV) Without infinite knowledge one may think (believe?) that we are incapable of functioning. There are inscrutable things we still do not know. Solomon's point is that wisdom while limited is sufficient for sunctioning in life. Absolute knowledge is unattainable but not needed to function in life.

"Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well." (Ecc 11:6 NIV) Solomon returns to the agricultural metaphor in this verse. The winds are calm in the morning and are the perfect time for sowing seed. however it does not mean that one whould continue sowing all day long (as some think). The verse continues to talk about not allowing your hands to be idle in the evening. The metaphor applies to work morning and evening. The merism (both ends of the spectrum of an activity which include everything in between) applies to work throughout the day and into the evening. Bear in mind that if you did not sow you did not reap and if you did not reap you and any of your livestock may not eat. This was a life and death situation. Wisdom, not infinite knowledge, teaches us to act strategically in living life. Earlier Solomon urges us to do whatever is immediately at hand with complete focus and passion (9:10).

Thus through trading on the high seas and the lessons of nature and agriculture Solomon encourages us to take risks, give generously and act diligently and prudently in the affairs of life. Carpe Diem!!

What does this have to do with those of us who struggle with addiction and compulsivity? Many times an accompanying disorder is anxiety. We call it the "desease of needing to know" Infinite knowledge would be overwhelming. We must learn to work with the knowledge we have been given and make wise choices based upon those facts. We can succomb to the "paralysis of analysis." Those who struggle with addiction are especially afflicted with the need for predictability: Responses of those in our close relationships, at work, our friends. Solomon is saying that life in unpredictable. But God is the maker of all things. We tend to think of that in terms of concrete objects but it refers to time, space, thoughts and events not just the physical world. The AA Big Book talks about giving freely (p. 164). How well do you do at that? Many times addicts and compulsive people consume everything with the addiction. Giving to others of what we find in our twelve step programs or of our lives turns us from the addiction and to others. How do dilligence and prudence fit into your recovery plan? What have you done today to move yourself forward in recovery? What focused action was taken this day to say that you will be a better person tomorrow? Our time is up for this session. So until next week keep coming back it works if your work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 10:16-11:2

2009-11-23T19:54:00.000-08:00

See earlier posts for the rationale of this blog. This section deals with the wickedness of childish leadership. But there is danger in criticizing such leadership. "Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning." (Ecc 10:16 NIV) The NET Bible captures the sense of this verse better. "Woe to you, O land, when your king is childish, and your princes feast in the morning!" (Ecc 10:16 NET) This is in contrast with the next verse which talks about nobility. Children are not physically, mentally or emotionally capable of handling the rigors of leadership. So it is true of the "king" who acts childish. Not only is he acting childish but his "princes" also follow his lead. Feasting in the morning was a sign that the leader was intemperate. A word we don't use much in our society anymore. The word means an excessive indulgence in alcoholic beverages. It is generalized to refer to any behavior that is an immoderate indulgence in any appetite or passion. The childish "king" and his princes do not know how to manage their appetites or passions. Thus at times when "kingly things should be being performed the "king" is indulging himself in drunkenness. He leads his princes, those who assist him in his duties, into profligate behavior as well.

The following verse is a contrast to this condition. " Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time-- for strength and not for drunkenness." (Ecc 10:17 NIV) The land here is a personification of the land and a metonymy. The land stands for the people of the land. A leader who knows when to eat and drink for sustenance rather than indulgence is a blessing to his people. He exercises constraint and discipline. noble birth birth means literally a "freeman" throughout Semitic parallels. A noble king sets an example for those who rule under him. They follow his example of discipline and restraint.

An entire book could be written on these verses when it comes to leadership. I have seen both types and I would much rather function under a leader who disciplines himself and leads his managers by the same example. Much talent is wasted and many business relationships are lost due to the excess of alcohol when temperance would have won the battle. A childish king does not know how to lead. A noble king knows the proper time for things (cf. 3:1-8).

"If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks."
(Ecc 10:18 NIV) Interpreters do not seem to see what the connection is to the previous flow of thought. While not easy it is not impossible either. Leadership sets the pace, the course, if you will for a nation. If the leaders do not show proper diligence then the rank and file citizens will not exercise prudence and oversight over their own homes. Lazy leaders breed lazy citizens.

"A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything." (Ecc 10:19 NIV) This verse may be harder to fit into the context than verse 18. The idea of feasting at the wrong time has been introduced in verses 16-17. The author appears to broaden the concept in verse 19 here. Feasting in and of itself is not wrong. Done at the improper time is unwise. He introduces money with the concept here. Feasts are not lasting. They vanish just like the blowing of the wind upon which metaphor the book is build. Money either can vanish or it can be the answer for everything. Just as feasts can strengthen men so they can lead to indolent indulgence.

"Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say." (Ecc 10:20 NIV) This is the ancient equivalent of our American saying "the walls have ears." Cursing the king or the rich suggests an unequal power factor When things are said that may be useful to the king to know. Friendships or servant alliances may be sacrificed for ingratiation or monetary gain.
Solomon understood great power and he understood the intrigues of kingship and the court. Witness the civil revolt led by his brother Absalom against his father David. Solomon warns against saying anything against those who have power because they have power to help you but also they have the power to hurt. In this instance it would be hurt based purely upon hearsay evidence, something said in your bedroom or even in your thoughts gets to the king, and it does not go well with you.

"Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again." (Ecc 11:1 NIV) In the face of uncertainty: foolish kings, a self indulgent administration poor work habits from the rank and file. Solomon tells the reader to be diligent in the investing of resources. This is a maxim that will help to stop the adverse and unpredictable circumstances that can befall one who lives under the son.

Solomon goes on to give another piece of sage advice. "Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land." (Ecc 11:2 NIV) This is the principle of diversification (see Gen 32:7-8). Solomon did this apparently. Evidence has been found that his ships actually sailed as far as South American!!

This section has been about the uncertainty of leadership. It shows us that when leaders do not lead than the average citizen is hard pressed to do his part and stay motivated to keep even his own house in order. In the face of such an upside-down motivational environment, working diligently, wisely and diversifying resources gives one the best chance of success in insecure world.

How well do we do diversify our interests? In an age when it is hard to watch our shrinking savings account can we diversify? I know it is hard for me. Let's think outside the monetary aspects. What strengths, talents, passions and drives can be translated into a much greater advancement for yourself? You never know until you try. Remember you are the only one who can limit you. Our time is up for today: Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 10:11-15

2009-11-15T20:43:00.000-08:00

This blog is for those who suffer from addictive and compulsive behaviors. Particularly sexual addiction. It is based on the biblical book of Ecclesiastes. It is written to apply to a broad range of world views. It is my hope that those who read this blog will find wisdom, comfort and hope as they struggle with sexual addictive and compulsive behaviors.

The thought of the previous verses continues: "If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer." (Ecc 10:11 NIV) Solomon is presenting the benefits and limitations of wisdom in this series of proverbs. Here he demonstrates that wisdom is necessary in dangerous situations i.e. charming snakes, a dangerous task indeed! However timing is important. No matter how skillful you are if it is not applied at the right time one can get hurt badly.

"Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips." (Ecc 10:12 NIV) Solomon directs his attention to human interaction now and away from the dangers of occupation. See Proverbs 13:15 and 22:1. The concept here is that the wise man's words win him favor. The contrast is with the fool who is "consumed" by his own words. Probably what would apply here is that the fool not only talks others to death but also talks himself to death. The wise man's words show him to be skillful in living life the fool's words literally turn upon themselves and the fool is eaten alive by them.

The author continues his observations about the words of the fool: "At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness--" (Ecc 10:13 NIV) This verse is a very good example of the figure of speech called a merism. Solomon gives both ends of the spectrum "the beginning" and "the end--and everything in between." Meaning from start to finish. They start in folly and end in wicked madness. It doesn't sound like someone you would want to carry on a conversation with.

Solomon continues to pile on the comparisons and contrasts: "and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming-- who can tell him what will happen after him? (Ecc 10:14 NIV)" The multiplication of words will continue because he doesn't know when to stop. The constant barrage of words never gives the fool time to think that know one knows the future--he doesn't--he doesn't even know the way to town (10:3, 10:15). Also he can't know what will happen after him. After he is dead.

Are we, both male and female, men and women of few words? Are those words gracious (10:12) Gracious words are looked at primarily as benefiting the speaker in this instance. There are other instances where the wise person's speech benefits others. We are known by our words. We are also judge on behaviors. Words are powerful and can do great good or harm. What are our words like today. As addicts and compulsive people we lash out in anger sometimes saying hurtful things for which some regressive step work will have to be done. There are consequences to our actions. As we move into recovery we will probably use less words and have them carry more meaning for us and those around us.

"A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town." (Ecc 10:15 NIV) Rather than invigorating a person, work for the fool tires him out. Solomon has urged the reader to find enjoyment under the sun all the days of his life in his work that God has given him to do. But the fool is tired of and by his work.

The last part of the verse is hyperbole an overeggageration for effect. contemporary sayings might be "He doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain." One perhaps more dated but some may relate to is "He can't think himself out of a phone booth." The fool had been to town many times. In fact in these times they lived in towns. They worked outside the walls of the city and came in at night for protection. They last part of the Proverb means that he doesn't know how to Carry on the most basic parts of life even though he knows them well. Are any of us in this state? Addiction has so mapped our brain that we have left our "hometown" so to speak and can't find our way back. Perhaps you find yourself far from friends who love you and are angry at them because they have "moved" Yet your are the one who is lost and can't find your way back to your home town.

This week we have looked at limitations and benefits of wisdom and the sheer madness of foolish words and actions. Wisdom though limited has the ability to help us along our path in recovery. As we practice sobriety and recovery, we we learn that nothing is sure but the alternative will leave us a long long way from where we want to be.

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 10:5-10

2009-11-09T05:32:00.001-08:00

The rationale for this blog can be found on earlier posts. If you are not familiar with the reason for this blog please avail yourself of the opportunity to do so.

How did things go with the authorities this week? The pastor, policeman, local politician, national politicians, the football coaches? How about the doctors, dentists, eye doctors, other health care officials you came in contact with? The author some call him Qohelet, the preacher, begins another line of thinking now. The determinative marker we have come to recognize is in place here--"There is an evil I have seen under the sun . . ." The author will present us with a story to teach the lesson. "There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:" (Ecc 10:5 NIV) The evil arises from an error. Solomon has spent much time providing us with illustrations and anecdotes that lead us to accept that we live in a less than perfect world--errors can and do happen. Decisions are made every day that are less than perfect. Solomon is saying that out of those can come evil. He starts by talking about the source of the error. It comes from a ruler. Those that are in authority. He continues on: "Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones." (Ecc 10:6 NIV) Because of the errors of those in authority fools are in high positions and the rich are in the low positions. The fool has authority and can't even find his way on the road (10:3). The rich (perhaps here in wisdom from our point of view) are placed in parallel to the fools. In Israelite society the rich should have had these opportunities but did not. They held lowly positions instead. Have you ever been in that situation? Through the error in judgment of one of your superiors you have a fool for a boss? Or you may have observed it in our list above. It happens. Remember the previous verse though: Calmness before an angry ruler lays great errors to rest. Qohelet turns the way things are supposed to be upside down with this example. Life isn't supposed to be this way. Calmness and wisdom can help us get through it.

In the next verse Solomon presents another variation on a theme. "I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves." (Ecc 10:7 NIV) Errors in judgement, says Qohelet, turns the world upside down. The entire social order can be turned on its "ear." Ours is a fairly stable society we don't see a lot of change like this but Solomon saw it. His descendants after him proliferated and endured much more.

"Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake." (Ecc 10:8 NIV) This proverb placed here has caused many to make valiant attempts to tie it to the previous contexts. First what does the proverb say? Basically that there is always a danger that your occupation while a seemingly mundane activity carries the potential for danger. How does this tie into the context. Harm can come through rulers and those in authority but harm can come to one who is simply doing his job. He doesn't need the intrusion of a foolish ruler to incur that harm. Workmen are harmed in various degrees of severity everyday from crane accidents to a cut on the hand requiring only a bandage. These are part of living life "under the sun" These mundane accidents can be much easier to take than a foolish ruler who can wreck much more damage.

The next verse presents more severe mishaps. "Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them." (Ecc 10:9 NIV) The same idea is carried on here from the previous verse, a Hebrew technique of extended comparative parallelism of thought "Accidents happen." The fitfulness of this is that if (and Solomon believes that it is) the divine providence of God is at work at all it does not necessarily provide comfort in the Topsy-turvy world under the sun.

Some have called this next verse the most enigmatic in the entire book of Ecclesiastes. "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success." (Ecc 10:10 NIV) This is perhaps one of those verses whose grammatical nuances escape us through the course of time. The connection is to the last phrase of the previous verse, that of log splitting. Splitting logs will take more work with an unsharpened ax. The wise workman will sharpen the ax in order to insure that he remains safe as he works. That may be the paradox here. One might think that sharp tools are dangerous, but in the hands of skilled workmen they are more effective. The word wisdom ends this verse in the original text, that I think is the key. One person has translated this verse "If the axe is blunt and the edge is not sharp, then he must increase his efforts. But the advantage of wisdom is success." (Longman 243)

How can this apply to those who suffer from addictive and compulsive behaviors particularly sexual addiction. We may want to battle against what we perceive as fools in charge. Can we use the steps to helps us through difficult circumstances? Can we rely upon our higher power to enable us to make wise choices. Wisdom and skill apply not only to making our way through life with those in authority but applying the skills to living in recovery. We work skillfully at maintaining sobriety and increasing in recovery. The wise workman works smarter not harder. Are you applying great effort to sobriety and recovery? Are there new ways to use the tools you have to gain greater growth with less effort. Are there new tools to obtain that will increase your skills. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if your work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 9:17-10:4

2009-11-04T22:12:00.000-08:00

"Those whom God wishes to destroy he first makes mad" (Euripides, Fragment) This may be a fitting introduction to this section. Anger and rage can bring down powerful figures, in our lives and in the world. “The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.” (Ecc 9:17 NIV). Solomon gives us the Proverb here as well. This is a paradox: Quietness overcomes the shouting. How many times have you observed those who attempt to get their way by shouting? Many times it works. Many times it is connected with anger and rage. It can get you what you want but it will be at a tremendous price—relationships.

“Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecc. 9:18 NIV) Solomon gives us another Proverb. Wisdom can be very powerful. This becomes a variation on a theme. The battle is not necessarily to the strong (9:11). Just as one person with wisdom can be powerful (9:14-15). So one person who is a sinner—one who does not follow the laws of God “under the sun.” can destroy much good. How many times have you or we seen people who through their actions destroy a great quantity of good. Governor Mark Samford is a good example. He threw away his marriage his family and his political career for his mistress. Much good was destroyed there.

As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. (Ecc 10:1 NIV) In our English translation this starts a new chapter but it is the continuation of the thought of 9:17-18. A short refresher on Proverbs my be in order here. Proverbs are short pithy sayings that come in riddle form that make the reader think about the parallels that the comparisons makes. The fit well into the context and structure of Ecclesiastes because the book evokes thought in the reader much like the Proverb does. The comparisons and variations on a theme in the book are like one large Proverb. Back to our Proverb at hand. Just as one sinner destroys much good. so a dead fly in perfume contaminates the perfume. The dead fly is out of place. The contamination spreads. It destroys the entire bottle. Solomon is making the comparison that things that are folly may be small but they can do great harm. Small day to day acts wisdom can be overturned or nullified by one act of folly. Enter the exhibit of the person who may appear to lead a fulfilling life. They have a spouse, family, a dignified position and career. Those who suffer from addiction and compulsivity will and everyday do risk it all in an act of insane impulsive/compulsive behavior.

"The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left." (Ecc 10:2 NIV) The right meaning the right hand. The right hand was the place of protection (Ps. 16:8, 110:5, 121:5). The left would then be in the opposite direction. The heart was the seat of the mind and emotions. It was the thought processes of the person and the seat of all emotional reaction. Solomon is saying here that wisdom is not just rote behavior, but deep thought and the innermost motives and drives direct behavior based upon wisdom.

The proverb is then followed with an example. "Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is." (Ecc 10:3 NIV) An absurd example but given to prove a point. The fool in his behavior doing the most common of things shows everyone how foolish he is. Our modern Proverb "He doesn't have enough sense to come in out of the rain" may be a close parallel.

What is our behavior demonstrating to the world, to ourselves, to God? Does wisdom guide us or does a lack of wisdom create a skillful void for us as we seek to make our way through life? Does our higher power enable us to use wisdom to guide us in maintaining sobriety and aiding in recovery? Can we see the long term effects of acting out and realize that those behaviors are not consistent with a life of integrity and recovery?

Solomon presents another rather ambiguous Proverb. "If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest." (Ecc 10:4 NIV) This proverb is contrary to 8:3 which talks about the kings absolute power. Here it speaks of the ability to maintain one's composure in the face of anger. This composure will overcome the anger of those in authority over us. The errors here speak of the outcomes of errors. The sins that come from anger. Note the use of the word ruler here and in 9:17 there the ruler is a ruler of fools. The parallel continues with the wisdom and calmness.

Being able to handle oneself in the face of anger is a learned skill of a well adjusted person. To be able to maintain composure takes being able to handle emotion appropriately. anger makes us look bigger than we really are. It also prepares one for action. That emotional demonstration may look hazardous. Calmness can offset any errors in judgment, speech and action.

How do you, we, I do at handling these kind of situations. I struggle I know. I work at handling these situations wisely. In recovery we must learn to handle others anger appropriately. We may want to retaliate in anger. As this proverb says we may want to flee from it. Reacting with calmness is the way to discharge anger well. I hope this points us to handling anger or any other emotion well through out our daily lives.

We have drawn the contrast between the wise and the foolish the angry and the calm. Wisdom i.e. skillful living enables us to find our way through life and handle our emotions and the emotions of others well. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it!

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 9:9-16

2009-10-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

If you have been reading this blog for awhile this will sound redundant but for those who are new to it the rationale behind this blog is to attempt to find application in the ancient biblical book of Ecclesiastes to addiction and compulsivity. More directly to those who suffer from addiction and compulsivity. While I come at life from an evangelical point of view, the at application of this book attempts to make it applicable to all faiths. The wisdom of this book is applicable to those who will accept its message. I hope you find this blog helpful.

This week we are dealing with Ecclesiastes 9:9-16. This is a continuation of Solomon's resolute gladness in experiencing life. "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun--all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun." (Ecc 9:9 NIV) This verse concludes the section from verse 7-9 that is very characteristic of Ancient Near Eastern Literature suggesting that there were shared pools of thought concerning wisdom and its applications during that time. The Hebrew word here "wife" is literally "woman." Some have taken this as a non marital relationship however his statement concerning women as snares (7:26)and the amassing of a harem (2:8)stand in stark contrast to the singular person here. The broader context of the Old Testament would seem to point to a singular woman who is the wife.
The injunction here is to enjoy your "wife" or for female readers your "husband." This is in the context of finding or doing things that are satisfying basic needs and nurturing psychologically. For sexually addictive and compulsive individuals this may appear to be some kind of a cruel joke. Their disorder or "disease" Causes them to find anything but enjoyment from a marital relationship. They are too involved in chasing the fantasy of the unreal relationship. It is significant that Solomon doesn't say that this relationship is a cure all but it is a source of enjoyment in the midst of meaninglessness. Solomon is not advocating that this relationship is toilsome labor although marriages do take work. He rather is referring to the meaninglessness and toilsomeness of life in its totality.

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom." (Ecc 9:10 NIV) Can we comprehend what this verse is telling us? What does the author want to move us to do? The closer context of the book points us to living life skillfully and enjoying the fruits of that life,including our marital relationships. The broader context of the book would tell us that kindness to mankind, manging money well, and recognizing our place "under the sun" would all be included. But what of the phrase "Whatever your hand finds to do" Sometimes it's not about work or career although it may be. It may be the most subtle things that are before our very eyes that we can find to do. My desk at home seems to stay in a constant state of confusion. My desk in my office stays relatively organized. Why? I think because I have to use it all the time it has to stay organized. Our lives may be a little (or a lot) like that. There may be messes or clutter in our lives that needs to be cleaned up. We may not have to notice it all the time and we may not think it affects us--but it does. What clutter needs to be cleaned up in your life today? Perhaps it is an addictive behavior that has been denied for a long time, secreted away under the clutter. Maybe you have achieved sobriety and you are moving into recovery and there are amends that need to be attended to. What is our spiritual condition like? Are there resentments against others or our higher power-God? Do we look for opportunities to share our recovery strength and hope? It is time to clean out the clutter.

We come now to one of my favorite passages in the book: "I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all." (Ecc 9:11 NIV) The phrase "I have seen something else under the sun," tells us that we are looking at a new turn of events. The subject has now turned from death the great leveler of all and the enjoyment of life for whit it is to how does that life play out? What does it take to make the "cards" fall your way? Solomon says that time and chance happen to them all. We cannot know the future. The way things are "supposed" to happen doesn't always happen. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race. The strongest don't always win the battle, for example the Greco-Persian wars. The wise don't always have food, brilliance doesn't always translate in to wealth, for example some of the most intelligent people I know labor in careers that will never make them hugely wealthy but they chose those careers for self satisfaction and an impetus that God wants them to be in a certain profession. Favor doesn't always come to the learned. We will see in the upcoming verses Solomon's example of this.

This passage was comforting to me and I made my way through life to understand that Solomon knew even before I experienced these things in my life that they were true. I was smart, intelligent, wise, insightful but it hadn't translated into anything for me. I did not feel fulfilled. Step 1-3 in any twelve step program talk about turning our lives over to the care of God. First for the restoration of sanity and then committing out lives to His care. These enigmas drop away. Rather than a pointed spike in the side they become comforting revelations of life as it is.

Solomon now gives an example of "time and chance" "Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them." (Ecc 9:12 NIV) Random acts seemingly meaningless happen to us all. Archibald Hart, professor emeritus at Fuller Seminary tells the story of how he discovered quite by a random scan that he has high level of plaque in his arteries. Conversely his good friend Louis Smedes a teaching colleague at Fuller Seminary. Falls just a short way from a ladder onto his driveway and dies. Dr. Hart relates that he ends up in the same hospital as his friend and actually in the same bed. He lives and his friend dies. a seemingly cruel twist of fate. These kinds of stories can be recounted many times over. What is the author's point here? Unlike earlier i.e. 7:26 the author is not talking about being caught and held and perhaps deserving it. i.e. divine retribution. Nor is he talking about the conversion of divine retribution the righteous getting what the evil person deserves and the wicked getting what the righteous deserve. But this speaks of those who have done nothing to deserve entanglement and simply are caught up in the ramifications of a sinful world. poverty, bribery, hunger, emotional pain, abusive control. Those who suffer from addiction will many times find themselves in these kinds of situations. They are not exempt. The recovery key here is to sort out whether you bear any responsibility and make amends quickly. If not extract yourself as quickly as possible as wisely as possible from the net or snare you find yourself entangle in. These are the times when people who suffer from addictions may want to get angry at the world because it's not fair and act out. Realize that we live in a fallen sinful imperfect world in which we must live life skillfully.

Solomon goes on to give another example of this proverb: "I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded." (Ecc 9:13-16 NIV) This story is extensive and we will cover 4 verses of the chapter but I think it is helpful to see the illustration as a whole. The story is of a poor but wise man, which already flies in the face of contemporary thinking and I think ancient mentality as well--if he is wise why is he not rich? This sets up the illustration from the proverb laid out i.e. wealth doesn't not necessarily come to the brilliant. The small city is besieged by a powerful king. Through his wisdom the wise man saves the city. This again proves the point that the battle is not always to the strong. The powerful king was thwarted. However the wise poor man was forgotten. Archimedes the ancient Greek mathematician comes to mind here. The story is told of how he used the rays of the sun to torch enemy ships but died at the hands of a Roman soldier. The story appears to be fallacious but the example of a wise man not being honored for his learning certainly fits. The point Solomon is trying to make is that the effects of wisdom are short lived. When the crisis is over everyone forgets about the man with the wisdom.
Has this ever happened to you? You may have solved a problem, fixed what was broken, helped a friend only your wisdom was forgotten soon after? Wisdom has its limits. Success makes a short memory of pain. We want to be remembered for the "wise" things that we do but are usually long remembered for the pain we inflict. When we are not remembered for our wisdom, it sets up a potential situation for resentment to develop. Resentment will usually trigger acting out behaviors unless we can find another way to deal with the emotions. Today we must all ask our higher power to help us with wise actions in the face of others short term memories.

This section brings us back to the realization that human abilities and pursuits only have a finite and limited effect. Once again we must look to the one who created us, Our higher power for meaning in a meaningless world. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 9:3-8

2009-10-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

This section is Solomon's climactic point in this discussion of the great leveler--death. Surely death is evil but the irony is that mankind is also evil. As the little cartoon character Pogo said "We have met the enemy and he is us." Verse 9:3 states: "This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead." (Ecc 9:3 NIV) It is not just that this evil happens to all. But that this evil is in man (Genesis 6:5). Man according to the Bible was separated from God when he sinned against God (Genesis 3:5-24, 4:1-8). Mankind as it turns out are not only headed toward a common destiny but also share a common malady: the proclivity of hurrying ourselves and others toward that destination. Since death awaits all, the view of life "under the sun" is to do whatever; knowing that ultimately we die anyway. It should not escape our notice that Solomon has just laid out three different types of evil persons beginning in chapter 8:9 ff. The controlling person, the hypocritical person and the indulgent person. All will be traits of addictive and compulsive personalities. Those who know the scourge of addiction and compulsivity understand full well Solomon's wise words here. There are times when we all feel like we are hurtling towards oblivion. Let us take time today to Stop: Accept the moment where we are as perfect for this time. Live in a recovery state of mind right now and make wise choices for the next moment.

Chapter 9:4 presents a proverb, a gem of wisdom, to help cut the edge of the reality of death "Anyone who is among the living has hope--even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" (Ecc 9:4 NIV) Dogs held an ignoble station in Israelite life. They were seen as scroungers and scavengers. The lion was honored for it's power and regal stature. But the author is saying no matter how you are perceived it does you no good dead. In fact if you have a lowly station in life and may not be well received by those of society you are better off than being dead. The author also talks here about hope. What kind of hope? It is my opinion that it is the hope that you will take his words to heart and live out your days wisely in meaningful activity enjoying your work and family. You may not know what life has for you today. The adage applies "At least I have my health." Some reading this will understand the proverb of being a live dog. You may have never held high stations in life but you are alive. Alive to read this and hopefully able to be in grateful recovery. You may be alone, isolated at this time, through your choosing or someone else's. Be grateful to be alive to either begin or continue on the journey of recovery.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 states: "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten." (Ecc 9:5 NIV) This is prima facie statement that does not need further elucidation. But perhaps as with all wisdom literature the worth of the statement is in the reflection. The living know that they will experience what the dead already have--death. In the context verse 4 talks of hope. Hope may be intertwined with the reward in this verse. Solomon is trying to find some advantage for the living as he views this predicament "under the sun." Reward here does not speak of future rewards but the present life. Interestingly the memory of them is forgotten hearkening back to 8:9-10: "All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. Then too, I saw the wicked buried--those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless." (Ecc 8:9-10 NIV). Even if the experiencing of life is death at least you still have awareness that you are alive. This is better than being dead. Yes it is and each of us must take that universal truth to heart today. We can experience much more than death if we will simply live in the light of this book. Enjoy the life and the family and the work that God has given you. I would ask those reading this: what is one thing that you can do intentionally today that will move you towards experiencing life if not to its fullest then to its reality for you?

The next verse continues this previous thought: "Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun." (Ecc 9:6 NIV) This verse is not a contradiction to previous statements by the author i.e. 4:2-3. This verse is talking about the finality of death. After death a person no longer has the opportunity to love or hate, They no longer have anything to do with life. For some who read this you may be applauding the death of perpetrators, violators, or persecutors. You may have endured tremendous suffering. I'm truly sorry that those things happened to you. If the wicked have died there is a finality to it. They are no longer here. The memories are though. The wicked that you know may have not died yet. They will. Their just reward will follow them. Death is the great leveler.

This verse seems a stark contradiction: "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do."(Ecc 9:7NIV) In light of the unpredictabilities that Solomon has laid out before us He encourages the reader to enjoy life in the midst of uncertainties. These are life events that cannot be controlled--even with your best efforts--they cannot be controlled. Anxiety usually has to do with thinking about feelings and attempting to control your environment in order to avoid those feelings. Solomon is saying life is more than you can control, but not more than you can handle. Do not be overwhelmed by the positive and negative things that happen in life. Enjoy life as it comes to you. Enjoy each and every minute of life. Solomon elaborates here what to enjoy: food, wine, life's necessities and life's luxuries. Dean Koontz says: "Although the constant shadow of certain death looms over everyday, the pleasures and joys of life can be so fine and affecting that the heart is nearly stilled in astonishment. (Dean Koontz, "Watchers"). He says it better than I can. Solomon slips in here one of those statements that is easy to slide over. Those who face the unpredictabilities of life may have a tendency to think that all their efforts are for naught. Solomon says no: God has seen all your efforts to live the way of wisdom and he favors what you do. There is in the midst of meaningless under the sun a satisfaction that God favors our lives.

Verse 8 is a continuation of thought from verse 7: "Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. (Ecc 9:8 NIV) White can have a multiplicity of meanings, here is signifies joy. Oil helps to protect the skin from the hot dry climate of Palestine. Also the white clothes would protect by reflecting rather than absorbing heat from the sun's rays.

In conclusion, If God is in favor of what you do (read this within the Parameters of the Covenant made between God and his people). Then lay aside the unpredictability of the future and the pain of the past and live life as fully in reality today as possible, embracing reality as fully and powerfully as you embraced addictive and compulsive behaviors powerlessly in the past. Our time is up for today so until next week "Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it."

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 8:14-9:2

2009-10-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

This blog is for people who suffer from addictive and compulsive behaviors. Sexual addiction in particular but hopefully anyone who struggles with any addictive and compulsive behavior can benefit from it. It is based on the Old Testament book of the Bible entitled Ecclesiastes. I come at the book from an evangelical point of view but the blog is hopefully written so that it can be applied to all faith. It is understood that you may come to this blog not even believing in God. I pray that somehow you are able to acknowledge a higher power that can restore all of us to sanity.

Last week we talked about the uncertainty of divine retribution upon the wicked. and the fact that "experience" (i.e "I have seen or observed") tells us that the wicked may appear to be praiseworthy in their public life. Their religious adherence does not permeate their inner lives.

This week we turn to Ecclesiastes 8:14: "There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless." (Ecc 8:14 NIV) The unpredictability of life is seen also in the observation that the righteous get the calamities that should befall the wicked and the wicked have the blessings that should befall the righteous bestowed upon them. Solomon says this is "meaningless" It escapes comprehension. As in the contrasting parallelism seen in the earlier verses which lay the contrasting thoughts side by side the writer does not attempt to explain away or rectify this theological conundrum but leaves the tension there for the reader to experience.

In Ecclesiastes 8:15 Solomon begins his concluding thought, a variation of earlier summaries (see 3:13,5:19): "So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun." (Ecc 8:15 NIV) The author is not bitterly resigning himself to this rather he is following God's command in Deuteronomy 8 to humbled himself recognize God's goodness and enjoy the bounties of the land God has given him. In the face of uncertainty men and women should enjoy each day God gives them, knowing that they may encounter tragedy. It is hard to live in the present moment. We are always planning the future, perhaps avoiding the past. The use of this moment to experience our life in the environment we are in right now is the wisest thing we can do for ourselves.

In verses 16 and 17 Solomon continues his concluding remarks concerning this section. He says in verse 16: " When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man's labor on earth--his eyes not seeing sleep day or night--" (Ecc 8:16 NIV) The writer has already talked about this in 1:13 and 2:12. He is devoted to pursuing wisdom. He observes the labor of men on earth. He as king had an opportunity to "see" and manage the labor of many peoples across his vast kingdom. He uses a unique metaphor here, and it is only used here in the Old Testament. How does one see sleep? You will never sleep with your eyes open, everseeing. Some interpret this as the idea that men (mankind) labors so intensively that they never sleep or sleep well. That probably gathers the sense of the phrase. The author may include himself here. He is set about "seeing" observing man's ways in an attempt to see what God has done. But just as in all wisdom literature the writer has made us "feel" the labor, the elusiveness of life just by having to entertain such a figure of speech.

Verse 17 continues the thought: "then I discerned all that God has done: No one really comprehends what happens on earth. Despite all human efforts to discover it, no one can ever grasp it. Even if a wise person claimed that he understood, he would not really comprehend it." (Ecc 8:17 NET) Solomon probably speaks in hyperbole here. He is finite. He has not seen every event from the beginning of creation. Through history and the gathering of facts he has learned and attempted to sift from those facts what God has done. He concludes that the act is futile. None can grasp what God does. This verse equates the action of God with the activity "that is carried on under the sun." This is crucial in the book because of Solomon's quest. It is as if we can observe God's ways from afar but do not have intimate knowledge of what will transpire next. It is important to note here that even if someone tells you they know what God is doing---they do not.

We move now to chapter 9. Verse 1 states: "So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God's hands, but no man knows whether love or hate awaits him." (Ecc 9:1 NIV) In verse 8:16 he applied his mind now in 9:1 he reflects "on all of this." This perhaps going as far back as 6:9-10. He has been dealing with the limitations of human wisdom and the inscrutability of wisdom knowledge and righteousness to insure a long and meaningful life here "under the sun." A strong statement follows: what the righteous and the wise do are in God's hands. No man knows whether love or hate awaits. Ultimately they don't know what will happen. His seeking has brought him to the understanding that their is uncertainty for those who live skillfully. The existential (living for the moment) impact of this statement is lost on many people today. These types of verses make me attempt to live in the moment every day. Savoring each experience with all the fervor I can muster at any given time. This helps me to live life fully. Not forgetting to plan for tomorrow. Not regretting yesterday but giving myself freedom to live powerfully in each moment because I don't know whether God, my higher power, will have planned love or hate for me. I want to live in the moment whatever that may be.

9:2 broadens the concept of the inscrutability of God's ways: "All share a common destiny--the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them."(Ecc 9:2 NIV) Compare 2:15, 5:4-5, 8:8 for some of these concepts. The great leveler is death, from those who do the most good for the world i.e. Mother Theresa to those who produce extreme pain and sorrow i.e Adolf Hitler. We may think that we are immortal that we will escape death--we've done it so far. But we don't escape. Death ultimately comes. It does not matter if you have been righteous, good, clean, religious both inwardly and outwardly or if you have been wicked, bad, unclean, denied religious observances, a sinner, or refused to take promises to God seriously--ultimately we will all eventually die. This is the sobering fact that keeps us living in the here and now.

The applications? It is better to live life wisely following God's commands. There is no guarentee that bad things that "should" happen to the evil person won't happen to us, but as a general princiople wise living brings happiness and joy in life. I am moved by the existential approach here also. Living one day, each day as if it were to be your last. Has step three taken place in your life? "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him" Then we rest in the fact that our lives are in his hands. Are you struggling to establish sobriety? Do not look at thirty days sixty days, 90 days, or a year. Those come one moment at a time. We all live each moment in sobriety. Are you moving into recovery. Live today wisely asking yourself what is one thing today that I can do to be more positive in recovery. I have an amends letter to write today. That is one thing I will do to move my recovery forward in a positive way to day.

To those who read this and have not yet entered into the process we simply ask that you join our fellowship-the fellowship Recovery. It is possible that out of control and dangerous behaviors do not have to continue their destructive ways in your life. Accept of gift of sobriety.

Our time is up for today so until next time keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it.

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 8:6-13

2009-10-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

This is a blog based upon the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes for addictive and compulsive people. This blog is intented to reach a wide variety of individuals from all faiths. It has been six weeks since I have blogged. The hiatus began with the move of our daughter to college and into a single dwelling home which took a Herculean effort. Also the teaching schedule as an adjunct professor teaching two new classes took more time than I thought it would. I think that this only serves to point out how significant the impact can be of changes that enter our lives.

We will be picking up at Ecclesiastes 8:6. "For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him." (Ecc 8:6 NIV)This recalls Ecc 3:1 which enumerates the all-encompassing times and places for things. The caveat is that man's misery weighs heavily upon him.

Ecclesiastes 8:7 continues this thought. "Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come?" (Ecc 8:7 NIV)Even though there is a time and place. It weighs heavily on men, not because of what will happen but the fact that one one knows when. We cannot predict the future.

Ecclesiastes 8:8 states: " No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it." (Ecc 8:8 NIV)These consequences are inescapable and inevitable. and just as one is bound to military service so is one bound by wickedness. Thought provoking--right.

Ecclesiastes 8:9 brings home what Solomon is thinking: "All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt." (Ecc 8:9 NIV) A more appropriate translation is "to their hurt." One would expect that lording it over others would result in prosperity and further control. In reality it doesn't work that way. Even rulers that rule well are beneficent. As men do not know the times so men do not always know what is best for others either.

Ecclesiastes 8:10 says: "Then too, I saw the wicked buried--those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless." (Ecc 8:10 NIV) This does not refer to the inevitability of death which is in Solomon's thought (see v. 8). It refers to the fact that their life is not cut short in retribution for wickedness. They may be praised for an outward adherence to some form of religion but their wickedness belies their true spirit. Solomon adds a familiar and summarizing phrase "This to is meaningless." It is beyond comprehension.

Ecclesiastes 8:11 continues the thought on the enigma of divine retribution: "When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, the hearts of the people are filled with schemes to do wrong." (Ecc 8:11 NIV) All of us should take this verse to heart. From the federal government all the way down to our homes. Solomon is thinking of this in terms of the wicked and retribution. Human government and the power and control of it should not be set upon the wrong objects the wise and those who fear God but this power and control should be focused on carrying out God's will and punishing the wicked. The Old Testament and Proverbs in particular is filled with examples of those do not exercise judgment correctly sometimes as a result of bribery.

Ecclesiastes 8:12 balances the thought of wickedness: "Although a wicked man commits a hundred crimes and still lives a long time, I know that it will go better with God-fearing men, who are reverent before God." (Ecc 8:12 NIV) Solomon's observations ("all this I saw..." v. 9) led him to the conclusion that while the wicked may live long they do not live well. Life just goes better when you live according to God's commands. Those who commit their lives to yielding to a higher power find that life goes better for them.

Ecclesiastes 8:13 states: "Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow." (Ecc 8:13 NIV) This is the contrasting statement to verse 12. The wicked do not fear God. As a general rule things do not go well with the wicked. They may be praised in their cities, town or villages but they will not have long life. Solomon does not resolve this enigma or apparent contradiction of life "Under the sun" but leaves the tension intact.

As we end some applications are necessary. Where do we find ourselves in this passage. are we characterized by wickedness or the god-fearing? Are we characterized by over-controlling behavior that harms others, gambling that we won't experience divine retribution. Are we hypocritical? Outwardly showing others that we are interested in obeying God's commands but inwardly only using the actions to get what we want--manipulation and control.

Are we committed to recovery? Allowing the realities of the miracle of sobriety to permeate our inner lives to such an extent that we live outwardly what has truly happened inside. The promise is that life will go well with us.

2009-08-23T06:32:00.000-07:00

I will be unavailable to add any new posts until the first weekend in September please take the opportunity to review past posts as needed.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 8:1-4

2009-08-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

For the rationale for this blog please see previous blogs. We begin today in chapter 8. While this chapter begins a new theme the author is still discussing wisdom. This chapter presents a contrast to the end of chapter 7. chapter 8 gives an example of how wisdom can save a man from the king's wrath. This is a contrast to the last section in that Solomon lamented the fact that a wise person could not be found. Once again he tempers his cynicism with positive examples.

Verse 1 says: "Who is like the wise man? Who knows the explanation of things? Wisdom brightens a man's face and changes its hard appearance." (Eccle 8:1 NIV) This sets up the following example of how wisdom can help avert the wrath of rulers. This is a central proverb to the section. Solomon uses a picturesque metaphor to convey the feeling of wisdom. Wisdom can take the rough edges of knowledge off the intellect.

Verse 2 states: "Obey the king's command, I say, because you took an oath before God." (Eccle 8:2 NIV) There are certain persons ordained by God to have authority. They may be quite good at it or not. The history of Israel's kings shows us that.

Verse 3 continues: "Do not be in a hurry to leave the king's presence. Do not stand up for a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases." (Eccle 8:3NIV) Attempting to escape the king's unilateral decisions prematurely may not be wise. By the same token allying oneself with a cause ill thought of by the king will be disastrous. The wise man will know how to conduct himself in these precarious circumstances. The thought here is not that the king will do what he pleases but that he can--because he has the authority. The wise man in this example is taking part in human justice and legislation "under the sun"

Verse 4 states: "Since a king's word is supreme, who can say to him, "What are you doing?" (Eccle 8:4 NIV) The rhetorical question demands the answer no one and nothing. To do otherwise would be disastrous.

Applications to the addictive and compulsive person? Dealing with resentments are a significant part of recovery. Sometimes as addicts we want to have the last word. This becomes disatrous in the face of legal authorities and leaders and managers in the workplace. Sometimes as addicts and compulsive people we become so fixated on our point of view we lose sight of the fact that we may win some suppoosed battle but lose the war. Anger becomes a major piece of the addicts thinking in these encounters. The wise person learns how to temper himself and see reality as it really is. There is someone in greater power than himself. As people in recovery we continue to treat authority with respect. We find our place in the world "under the sun" knowing that sometimes we are in positions of authority and sometimes others are in that position over us. Our time is up for today. So until next week keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 7:25-29

2009-08-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Please see earlier blogs for the rationale behind these posts. Solomon continues on in the search for wisdom and finding its limitations. This section deals with the human component of wisdom.

Have you ever wondered how it is that some people can be so intelligent in factual and logical data but seemingly devoid of any logic or reason when it comes to living life emotionally appropriate and strategically executed. The limitations of wisdom here are seen to be humans themselves.

Verse 7:25 says: "So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly." (Eccle 7:25). The author was going to devote himself to "understand," to "investigate," to "search." and come full circle to "understanding" again. He is going to explore both the positive and negative aspects of wisdom. Solomon has admitted the limitations of wisdom (23-24) but is going to pursue it any way.

Verse 26 says: "I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare." (Eccle 7:26) In his search he tells us what he has found. The first thing is a woman who is a snare. Lord knows that if anyone knew about women being snares Solomon would. He tells us he had a harem in 2:8. Other sources tell us that he had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines (2 Ki 11:3-4). It also tells us that they had a negative influence upon his spiritual life. On the outset it would appear that Solomon has turned into a misogynist. However 9:9 commands those under the sun to enjoy their wife (conversely husband as well). Thus Solomon has a particular kind of woman in mind here. This woman who is a snare here epitomizes folly, stupidity and wickedness. She is an embodiment of foolishness. Solomon has in mind here the way of wisdom and the way of foolishness. Those who please God, following his commands will comprehend the folly of falling prey to this woman. The book of Proverbs is replete with commands and illustrations concerning falling prey to seductive women.

Verse 27 says: ""Look," says the Teacher, "This is what I have discovered: "Adding one thing to another to discover the schemes of things--" (Eccle 7:27) Solomon tells us how he went about arriving at his conclusions by adding observations together.

Verse 28 goes on: "While I was searching but not finding--I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all." (Eccle 7:28) However this verse is understood it has rather misogynistic implications. Solomon is reflecting his culture at this point and the fact that he is viewing this phenomenon as "under the sun." This was a partiarchal culture in which he wrote.

He found this truth as he was searching for wisdom. I think it is important to recognize that his search was for wisdom from the standpoint of wisdom (23). He would never have been able to reach these conclusions about human nature if he did not approach the folly of sinners through the wisdom framework. Solomon's observations are in the context of wisdom. the term "upright" is added for clarity in the NIV. The context must supply the necessary term here.

Verse 29 states: "This only have I found: God made man upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes." (Eccle 7:29) Man here should be taken as mankind. This verse hearkens back to the beginnings of Genesis and the creation of mankind. The account of mankind is that they fell into sin and as a result were irrevocably marred and separated from God. The conclusion is that mankind has gone in search of many schemes. "Calculations" is another term that could suffice here.

And for those who suffer from addiction and compulsivity? This passage certainly has implications for those who suffer from sexual addiction. Fearing God will keep one from the seductive woman. the sinner falls prey to her. There is an air of finality about this. Seduction, acting out, out of control behavior all carry a flavor of foolishness and violation of God's laws. Those who are sexually addicted are deluded by a perception that they are strong, almost omnipotent, beyond the rules and consequences. Living close to the edge only heightens the adrenaline rush. In reality they are deluded. sinners, and on the path of the foolish.

We are the problem. searching for wisdom, while inexhaustible, will show us the true nature of humanity. We are a sinful lot, corrupt and scheming, whether it be 0 in a thousand or 1 in a thousand. We are desperately in need of the help of our higher power to restore us to sanity. I end with this quote from Jean Paul Sartre: "It disturbs me no more to find men base, unjust, or selfish then to see apes mischievous, wolves savage, or the vulture ravenous." Sobriety and recovery strike at the heart of the problem. This is a spiritual journey. We turn our will and our lives over to the care of God. Step four involves determining the scheming that has gone on in our lives, both by ourselves and others. We started out upright but have gone in search of many schemes. We pray for clarity as we move through recovery seeking guidance from our higher power.

Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it!

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 7:19-24

2009-08-02T21:31:00.000-07:00

The purpose of this blog is to reflect upon the biblical book of Ecclesiastes as it relates to addiction and compulsivity. While I come at this exercise from an orthodox evangelical viewpoint it should not and hopefully does not deter the reader who holds a differing point of view religiously. Those who struggle with addictive and compulsive behaviors all share a common illness regardless of their religious belief. This blog attempts to see in what ways this ancient book can help us reflect on life in such a way as to change our outlook on life and thus enable a change in behavior as we seek to life successfully in recovery or make our way into that way of life.

The context of these verses especially through verse 22 have to do with the limitations of wisdom and righteousness. Verse 19 says: "Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city." (Eccle 7:19) Pretty heady stuff huh? Wisdom has its advantages. Perhaps wisdom will work where righteousness won't. Strategic living certainly can provide the self counsel that can outthink ten rulers. Probably a hyperbole here. the number ten is used to make a point not be a direct numerical reference.

However verse 20 states: " There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins." (Eccle 7:20) Wisdom is needed because righteousness is never perfect. No one attains to perfection. This hearkens back to verses 16-17. Here the context will talk about the lack of righteousness in speech. Compare James 3:2 here. Interestingly enough he still calls him a righteous man even though he sins. The balancing of truth here where he presents a strong statement in the form of a Proverb and comes back in the following line and presents an alternate perspective is characteristic of the writer in this book.

Verse 21-22 says: "Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you--for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others" (Eccle 7:21-22) This is the application of the observation that the righteous never sin. Solomon is very penetrating here. He touches each one of us with this revealing statement. We tend to be judge and jury sometimes when people take a different point of view of do things that don't fit our viewpoint. I like the perspective caught in this quotation: "Seek to understand then be understood." Our words many times reveal who we are and what we think: Of ourselves of others and the world around us.

Verse 23 states: "All this I tested by wisdom and I said, "I am determined to be wise"--but this was beyond me." (Eccle 7:23) The "quest" motif arises here again. Solomon says that he has gone about gaining wisdom from wisdom's point of view, strategic living so to speak. This verse speaks of a focused decidedly determined search. But in the "atmosphere" of the book it evaporated just like life--elusive and fleeting.

Verse 24 says: "Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound--who can discover it?" (Eccle 7:24) These last two verses are a hinge between the preceding and following sections. The "all this" of verse 23 probably refers to the preceding sections hearkening all the way back to 1:12-18. Verse 24 is in some ways a parallelism with verse 23. The answer to the rhetorical question is given in verse 23 He can't find it and no one else will either.

These verses certainly present for us who struggle with addiction and compulsivity a tempered, and balanced frame of reference. Righteousness is never sure to bring prosperity or just treatment. Wisdom is not sufficient to ward off the inequities of life, even though it can be very powerful. The search for wisdom is never ending. In the midst of this fleeting, vaporous life it would be easy to suspend the search. The ramifications for recovery are great here. When dealing with addiction one must understand that we don't live life like other people. Rather than being omniscient and omnipotent, capable of wielding the world to our desires we understand that we are deficient in seeing the world as it is. Thus we of all people need what the author says he has searched out "with wisdom" and it is a never-ending search. Obtaining the all-important ability to live "strategically." We do not live in addiction and compulsivity but in recovery.

His points here concerning speech and cursing others is to the point. As addicts and compulsive people we can find almost anything and everything that we can disagree with to keep the walls impenetrable. We may have made statements such as "I don't see anyone here working on their stuff." Or perhaps, "They are all a bunch of hypocrites." Or how about "I'm not that bad!" These are all statements that reflect more on us than on those we are critiquing.

The recovery process will look different for each one who sets his mind and will to the task. Each one will have different things that must be assailed and conquered as he goes through it. Let us embrace their journey without judging.

Our time is up for today. I enjoy writing this blog. I hope that those who read it will benefit in some way. So until next week: "keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it!

The Solomon Project:Ecclesiastes 7:15-18

2009-07-26T05:21:00.000-07:00

See previous blogs for the rationale for these posts. We are dealing today with Ecclesiastes 7:15-18. This falls into a larger context in which Solomon is dealing with living in moderation. This section began in verse 14. The author is going to tell his readers to understand the importance of living a wise (righteous) life without relying on it to shield one from the vagaries of life. The "quest" motif continues here with the "I have seen" (v. 15), "I have tested"(v. 23), "I turned" (v. 25), has sought (v. 28) and "not found" (vv. 27-29).

Verse 15 begins: "In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness. (Eccle 7:15 NIV) Without a long interpretative rendition of this verse. Let us suffice to say that Solomon is not talking about false righteousness. The parallel is not to a false wickedness. The author is urging us to accept the fact that in life the generalities of Job and Proverbs, the law of retribution, don't always hold true in specific instances. "Meaningless" (NIV) has the idea of "fleeting" or "vaporous."

Verse 16 states: "Do not be overrighteous,neither be overwise--why destroy yourself?" (Eccle. 7:16 NIV) The rendering "destroy yourself" here is unfortunate. The idea is to be "astounded" or "confounded." Several things come forth from this. Overzealousness or excessive wisdom is a way of warding off anxiety. That is perhaps one aspect of this but the reliance upon righteousness and wisdom as a sort of talisman will lead to disappointment We all like predictability but we live in an unpredictable world.

Verse 17 says: "Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool--why die before your time?" (Eccle 7:17 NIV) It is very easy to be lured in to doing wrong if the consequences are slow in coming to a climax. Solomon warns that the general rule is that wrongdoing is punished. The law of retribution still stands (c.f. 3:17) . Solomon warns that this lifestyle will end in tragedy early.

Verse 18 states: "It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all extremes." (Eccle 7:18 NIV) Solomon is saying that life is a mixture. We can never do everything perfectly. We cannot be perfectly righteous and wise (c.f. 7:20, 27-29). But also this should not lead us to a life of sin with no thought for wisdom and righteousness or more importantly half-hearted obedience (c.f. 8:14)

What are the applications for those who struggle with addiction and compulsivity? Excessive righteousness can be a panacea for the addictive/compulsive person. It becomes a replacement addiction. We call it addiction interaction or symptom replacement. Also righteousness and wisdom can become a manipulative tool in the hands of the addict. It is an attempt to manipulate God, Our Higher Power and others into doing what we want. We think delusionally that things will be better if we can mould the world and everyone in it into our way of thinking. Righteousness and wisdom don't work that way. We learn to humbly come into full contact with the world and everything it presents, relying on our higher power, yielding ourselves and our will to him.

The obverse is many times true. when the world doesn't fit into our frame of reference (and by the way it never will) we launch like a sling-shot into excessive acting out because life: someone or something, doesn't go our way. When righteousness can't mould the world to our way of thinking, we think that the tool doesn't work. It never was a tool to begin with. It's a way of life that comes from our higher power when we yield our lives and will to him. Have you ever acted out in anger because: "life isn't fair," "He (or she) hurt me," "being 'good' doesn't doesn't help," " my wife (or husband) still left and now I'm all alone?" Addictive and compulsive people will find almost any excuse to act out. Solomon warns that while retribution may be unpredictable in its timing it is sure in its execution. Aldous Huxley stated in A Brave New World: "logical consequences are the scarecrows of fools and the beacons of wise men." Claudia Black an addiction and recovery specialist says: "You chose your behaviors, the world chooses your consequences." The wise man will manage his consequences well. He will not try to deny them or change them but live through them, learning the lessons from them that God our higher power has for us to learn.

Our time is up for today please come back next week. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 7:7-14

2009-07-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

This blog is written for those who struggle with addiction and compulsivity. It is a blog that attempts to apply the ancient book of Ecclesiastes from the Bible to the struggles of addiction and compulsivity. The attempt is to seek to apply it to a broad range of religious beliefs. However you may perceive God I hope that you will find in this blog some measure of wisdom in dealing with addictive and compulsive behavior. Thanks for taking the time to read it.

Today we continue on in chapter 7. We will look at verses 7-14. This section is part of a proverb section that goes back to the question of 6:12 "For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? (6:12a NIV)

Let us turn to the text to see what Solomon has to teach us about what is good. We have seen that Ending life with a good name and observing with respect the lives of those who pass has a refining influence on us in verses 1-6 in this chapter. The author begins with a series of proverbs about life.

Verse 7:7 says: "Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart." (Eccle 7:7 NIV cf. Ps 15:5) Even if the wise are superior to the fools, referring back to verse 6, they are susceptible to bribery. Why? because fools probably are not going to be put in places of authority, but the wise generally will be placed in such positions as the judges and city officials as in Solomon's time.

Bribes can take many forms we think generally of monetary bribes, but sex can be a form of bribery, as well as the adulation from someone. Bribes blind and they bind. Extortion has the idea of oppression here. Even with wisdom people will face both adversity (oppression) and prosperity (bribery). The wise person will find a skillful way to walk uprightly between these two temptations.

Verse 7:8 says: "The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride." (Eccle 7:8 NIV) Patience will usually provide a better outcome than pride. Pride could easily be a snare for one facing either adversity or prosperity and make one susceptible to extortion or bribery. It is far better to have patience in dealing with these two entrapments. Patience shows maturity and wisdom.

Verse 7:9 says: "Do not be quickly provoked in you spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." (Eccle 7:9 NIV) The metaphor here provides the concept clearly. When something is in your lap, it is held. The lap is a precarious place thus you will always have to be aware of it. residing means that is has made a home with you. We are warned other places to be "slow to anger and slow to speak" (James 1:19) This surely is a strong admonition fitting in with verse 6:12 concerning what is good for a man.

Verse 7:10 says: "Do not say, "why were the old days better than these?" For it is not wise to ask such questions." (Eccle 7:10 NIV) May father who grew up in the depression says "The old days were all that good" He is a wise man. Those who face adversity might pine for the old days. Living in sentimentality only ties you to the past. Quite frankly outside of perhaps wishing to be younger (although I feel 35 mentally ans psychologically) I do not wish to return to what might be termed the good old days because they weren't that good for me either. Wistful pining for a past time ties one to that era. It no longer exists. You can't go back. A healthy objective historical perspective can guide our present lives but nostalgia is only good for the connection of emotions to a former era.

Verse 7:11 says: "Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun." (Eccle 7:11 NIV) The "like" here should be understood as "with" Early on Solomon talked about inheritance (2:21). Wisdom with an inheritance is a good thing in that coupled together they are of benefit. Both can be used to strengthen or enhance the life of the possessor.

Verse 7:12 says: "Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor." (Eccle 7:12 NIV). The reverse of this corollary is that wealth will not preserve the life of its possessor. However the conclusion of this proverb is that wisdom has a preservation effect. Living life skillfully surely can help one to live a long and fruitful life. shelter here had the idea of shade. In other words its provides a respite from the adverse effects the environment brings upon us. Money can do this but more so wisdom.

Verse 13 says: "Consider what God has done; Who can straighten what he has made crooked?" (Eccle 7:13 NIV) This hearkens back to 1:15 "What is twisted cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted." (Eccle 1:15 NIV) Consider what god has done. Do not try to change it, do not attempt to live in the past, do not act or respond foolishly to adversity, God mixes both prosperity and adversity, good and bad. It all works together to become a beautiful tapestry of life.

Verse 14 says: "When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future." (Eccle 7:14 NIV) There is an immutable and inscrutable nature to life. We don't even know the future how can we change it? We enjoy life as it is and we "consider" both are from God. Job rhetorically asks the question "should we not accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:11). In "considering" We can learn from both the good and the evil. This hearkens back to the passage we have referred to before Ecclesiastes 6:12 "For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless day he passes through like a shadow" Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?" (Eccle 6:12 NIV)

In addiction and compulsivity there are many facets here that apply. We all face prosperity and adversity. Addictive and compulsive behaviors are used by all of us to one extent or another to control emotions. In prosperity we "think" we have the right to celebrate. In Adversity we "think" we have the right to use and abuse because we need it to cope. Either way the behavior is pathological. Here steps 1-3 enter in. If we are in recovery we can and must return to seeing how powerlessness and turning our lives and will over to the care of God. The key element that is here is as we understand him. We can understand him but not fully. This takes an act of faith to throw ourselves fully into the arms of the creator submitting our lives and will to his care. Recovery is a spiritual exercise. When we are able to accept both good and evil prosperity and adversity in our lives then we less likely to attempt to reorder the universe to fit our addicted minds and personalities.

Our time is up for today. So until next week, keep coming back it works if you work and you are worth it.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 7:1-6

2009-07-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

This blog as most of you know is the application of the Old Testament book of the Bible Ecclesiastes to those who suffer from addiction and compulsion especially sexual addiction. It is designed to be applicable to all religious persuasions. The wisdom found in it can be applied to anyone, anywhere at anytime.

Life is a long time--usually. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says: "A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth." (Eccles. 7:1 NIV). These two concepts do not at first appear to have any relevance. A closer look into the metaphor reveals that one's life may carry a pleasing response from those who come in contact with the individual. Perfume is a powerful stimulus. Smell impulses do not go through the thalamus but go directly to the olfactory center of the cortex. In other words it bypasses the relay station. Thus smell is a particularly quick and powerful sensation that creates memory. Smell travels to the hypothalamus and affects appetite, sleep, emotion and much more.

The author is relating the parallel to a man's life. It can have a tremendous influence. The day of death can certainly be better than the day of birth. The day of birth is full of potential. The day of death is a remembrance of potential realized, or unrealized. This week we have seen the deaths of Michael Jackson and Steve McNair remembered. There have been 36 deaths incurred by coalition forces in Operation Enduring Freedom this month. How are those who gave their lives in defense of freedom being remembered? Hopefully as powerful aromas of character and sacrifice.

Solomon, the author goes on in the following verses to reflect on the end and uncertainty of life. Verse 2 reads: "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart." (Eccles. 7:2 NIV) This is an introductory phrase following the metaphorical riddle of verse 1. Why is it better? The reflection on a life well-lived is better than any attempt to live a life of diversion through the consumption of food and drink.

Verse 3 reads: "Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart." (Eccles. 7:3 NIV) Frustration here has the idea of grief or vexation. Compare Moses' concept of a heart of wisdom in Ps. 90:12. The following verse is a parallel thought to verse 2: "The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure." (Eccles. 7:4 NIV) the heart here has the idea of reflection, and moral decision and action (Prov. 4:23). The author is saying that fools spend their time in distracting behavior but the wise spend their time in the attitude of a funeral or in contemplation of death. In the context of the opening verse. It is not so much the obsession with death but the aroma or fragrance of a life well-lived that that is the focus. These types of sober reflections become the "goads" of 12:11.

Let us stop here and make some timely applications. Several points of view may be in order. First, for those who may be on the outside looking into the recovery community. You may be spending your time in obsessive pleasure racing from one addictive encounter to the next. You see only the distractive pleasures. If you want what we have in the recovery community it is a gift free for the taking.

For those of us in the recovery community These verses urge us on to strategically execute a life well-lived. Longfellow said: "Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear." (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow) We cannot recapture the past nor can we go back and change it. This perspective urges us to live each moment as if our life were an aroma or fragrance to impact others. Step twelve urges us to do just that: "Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others and to practice these principles in all our affairs." If we have achieved some measure of success as a result of turning our lives and our will over to the care of God, we are obligated and challenged to help others. This results in a life lived not in the continuous obsessive search for gratification, but a life lived in service to others. This is truly a perfume that will have a lasting impact on others.

Verses 5-6 give us an irritating and shocking example of what the fool's speech is like. Verse 5 says: "It is better to heed the rebuke of a wise person than to listen to the song of fools." (Eccles. 7:5 NIV) Solomon begins by reiterating in verse 5 that not only should we observe the life of the wise person but listen to their words of wisdom as well. They may not be as soothing as music, but their Pathways of knowledge are better than well sounding and lyrically spoken words of fools. Verse 6 says: "Like the crackling of thorns under the pot so is the laughter of fools, this too is meaningless." (Eccles. 7:6 NIV) This has to do not so much with the quick-burning twigs used as kindling but the parallel to verse 5 and the lyrical, enchanting speech of the fool. Really his voice is like the crackling sound twigs make when burning. There is no substance but only a cackling sound. Irritating to the ears and shocking when it happens.

What is our speech like? Are we still speaking like fools, acting out whenever possible, making relentless promises to quit our addictive and compulsive behavior or are we the wise person having regained our sanity, able to speak wise words and words of truth to those who need to hear it.

I commit myself to executing a life well-lived, attempting not perfection but excellence in my speech not for the rest of my life but for this moment, this hour, this day.

Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes

2009-07-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

No new blog this week in lieu of the 4th of July weekend. Come back next week to continue our meditations on the Book of Ecclesiastes. This blog is an application of the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes for addictive and compulsive people. It is an attempt to help people both men and women from all religious faiths deal more appropriately with addictive and compulsive issues in their lives especially sexual addiction. Thank you.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 6:10-12

2009-06-28T04:17:00.000-07:00

This blog is for addictive and compulsive people. particularly sexual addiction, but it can be applied to any addiction. It attempts to look at the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible from the standpoint of addiction and compulsive behavior. The attempt is to approach the book in a manner that is applicable to all religious faiths and see where and what the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes has to say to us.

We continue on today in chapter 6 and will look at the final three verses. This small section falls within a larger context extending from Chapter 3:1 through 6:12 whose broad topic might be termed "The inscrutable nature of life." This chapter, chapter 6, might be entitled "the tragic circumstances of an unfulfilled life." We are ending that section today. Solomon returns to two themes he has visited before: Immutability (1:15, 3:14, see also 1:9) and Inscrutability (3:11, 22)I have been using quotations from the New International Version of the Bible.

Chapter 6:10 says: "Whatever exists has already been named, and what man is has been known; no man can contend with one who is stronger than he." (Eccle 6:10NIV) Last week we talked about material possessions never satisfying the deep longings of the heart. This week we are looking at the flip side of activity on earth. the divine side so to speak. Solomon is saying that what what exists has been named (Isaiah 40:26) in this particular Heb. verb means to cause to name or as the NET Bible says "foreordained already." The "known part of this verse has to do with appointing (Jer 1:5). Man's trajectory, has been set. The author then wisely states that no one contends with one stronger than he. The implication is that we cannot contend with God.

Chapter 6:11 says: "The more the words, the less the meaning and how does that profit anyone?" (Eccle 6:11NIV)It is pointless and futile to argue with God. The more one does it the more futile it becomes. The staccato rate at which this pointed phrase is stated becomes an even sharper barb to the those who seek to bring God to justice for perceived wrongs in this grand foreordained plan of life. Solomon says this is only futility.

Chapter 6:12 says: "For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?" (Eccle 6:12NIV) These are rhetorical questions. Man is transitory in nature. That is the meaning of "Meaningless" here a vapor. His life passes like a shadow (Job 14:2). No one here on earth can tell man what is good for a certain person. No one can tell him what happened before he came or appeared on the scene and what life will be like after he leaves the scene of human history.

For addictive and compulsive people these verses can be viewed two ways. Much of it depends on where you are with the Third Step: "Make a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him." If you have willingly and freely turned your will and life over to God then these verses fit into the profound paradigm shift that happens in recovery. If the third step is a problem for you then I pray that you will come to a truce with your higher power and accept the reality of the concept. We know that powerless and mismanagement have characterized our lives. But the ability to enjoy life and the good things God has given us is a gift. Solomon has reiterated this point throughout the book. Humans stand on the stage of life for but a fleeting period of time. passing life a shadow. Solomon has led us to know that our lives meaningless here are forgotten in the after life. God knows from the perspective "above the sun" how are lives are orchestrated and how they are to be best orchestrated. When we learn how to live wisely in that context, accepting our place in life then we are no longer the quasi divine center of an ever shrinking internal universe run only by addictive and compulsive drives. The application I make today in this is a return to the third step consciously turning my will and life over to the care of God. Our time is up for today. I enjoy working through and writing these blogs and I look forward to it. So until next time--Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 6:7-9

2009-06-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

This blog is written for addictive and compulsive people. It is written particularly for those who struggle with sexual addiction but can apply to all types of addictions. It is written based upon the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes, a part of the Bible's wisdom literature. But it is hoped that those from a wide variety of religious faiths might find it useful. The book has practical wisdom that applies to everyone.

This week we pick up chapter 6 again. The thought is somewhat of a continuation of last week's blog. One might be able to acquire possessions and wealth but not be able to enjoy them. This was repulsive to the author.

We will deal with three verses today and I will quote them in their entirety here. Verse 7-9 state. "All man's efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied. What advantage has a wise man over a fool? What does a poor man gain by knowing how to conduct himself before others? Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless," (Eccl 6:7-9)

Solomon says all of our efforts may have to do with daily tasks of living "mouth" here is a figure of speech signifying daily necessities. Solomon comes back to the thought of verse 2 "soul" and "heart." The thought here is that man will work to provide his basic needs but all the other things never satisfy the appetite. The word here is "nephesh" a broad term that one of its first occurrences in the Bible was man becoming a living being. It has the idea of life force behind it. The ultimate satisfaction of one's soul is not in the accumulation of things. Solomon asks of the benefits of wisdom and skillful living. A conundrum of sorts as he places wisdom and foolishness in the discussion here. Some think that he is attempting to say that no matter how wise your desires can outstrip what you have. That may be true but I think Solomon from how wisdom and foolishness are dealt with in the Bible is attempting to set before the reader the two paths: You can follow the attempt to fill the soul's need with things or you can follow the second path found in verse 9. Be content with what you have quite simply. The New American Standard Bible translates this quite simply "What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires."

Blaise Pascal said there is a God-shaped vacuum in everyone that can only be filled with God. That may not be a perfect quote but something to that effect. G. K. Chesterton is to have said: "Whenever a man knocks on the door of a prostitute he is looking for God." The soul was not designed to be satisfied with physical possessions or things, even people. The riddle that the author presents for the reader in this book is what is it to be filled with. In the end we will find that it is God and adherence to the commands of God our higher power.

The twelve step program is build unabashedly and securely on the concept that recovery must include a spiritual experience. It is a paradigm shift to be sure. It is the way of wisdom rather than foolishness. Man must give up the control of mismanaging his life. But the steps provide a process of gaining healthy soul enhancing behaviors and relationships. We learn contentment and serenity, a simple program of recovery.

Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 6:1-6

2009-06-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

To find the rationale behind this blog check the earlier posts. The writer has ended chapter 5 with a positive upbeat view of life. This has come in the midst of his observations concerning wealth and the problems that it brings with it. Solomon ended chapter 5 by saying that it was good to be able to enjoy the food you eat and the work you do. This is a gift from God just like the material things that he gives people. He presents a contrast now at the beginning of chapter 6 picking up the theme of wealth and materialism again. Chapt 6:1-2 says: "I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men: God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil." (Eccl. 6:1-2) He is contrasting the thought of 2:24-26, 3:13 and 5:19. The phrase "weighs heavily on men." has the idea that it is common or frequent among men. The viewpoint of mankind "under the sun" is that the accumulation automatically brings contentment and enjoyment. The author says "not so." There are no guarantees. This is a gift from God. To miss this part of life when you have obtained all the other things you could want is "a grievous evil." This has the idea of an evil sickness.

Verse 3 continues on. "A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how Long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he." (Eccl. 6:3) Solomon presents both a factual and an emotional sensory experience here. He begins with the thought of many children but deftly inserts the repulsive thought of a stillborn child. bloody, lifeless, a grievous evil. The repulsive connection is made between a man who cannot enjoy wealth and a stillborn child. The man who cannot enjoy his material possessions is repulsive. He does not even receive a proper burial.

Verses 4 and 5 state: "It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man--" (Eccl 6:4-5) The author expands upon the idea of the stillborn child. It never has life in it. The man who does not enjoy his possessions is like this dead child: Lifeless

Verse 6 reads: "Even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?" (Eccl 6:6) This is a figure of speech. It is a positive affirmation expecting a positive answer. The one who has everything and the one who has nothing not even life go to the same place. The material goods and wealth were of no service to the rich man.

What does this passage have to do with addiction and compulsion? It is found in the gift. The gift of enjoying one's possessions. The gift of contentment. Addictive and compulsive people attempt to find meaning in the next fix, high or sexual release. Contentment is a gift from God, our higher power. When we release the urge to not be addicted when we give up the urge to not be compulsive then we have the ability to attain what we strive for: contentment. In the serenity prayer we pray for our higher power to grant us serenity. We ask for something we realize we cannot attain on our own.

In addition workaholism is a part of the addiction interaction system. We become compulsive in our attainment of wealth to bolster our self esteem, to maintain our addiction, to medicate away the guilt of acting out. Workaholism is almost a cherished attribute in the American corporate culture. But it takes its toll on the person. All the attainments and all the wealth mean nothing if they cannot be enjoyed.

An interesting concept that I have entertained for several weeks is the reason why the decalogue or the first five books of the Holy Bible are not referred to except in the end of the book and in one summation. I think at this point anyway the entire book is to be seen as a riddle not just portions of it. The absence of the obvious makes one search out the connection. There is a clear connection to Deuteronomy especially in Deuteronomy 6:2, 11-12. These verses talk about enjoying long life and eating and being satisfied.

Anyway back to our conclusion: contentment--it is a gift from God our higher power. Enjoy it and life will go much better of us. I think that closing with the serenity prayer may be in order this evening. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." (short version) Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and your worth it.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

2009-06-07T04:38:00.000-07:00

This is a blog which looks at the Book of Ecclesiastes from the standpoint of people who suffer from addiction and compulsion. This blog is designed to be applicable to all walks of life.

This week we bring this section to a close. We have been focusing on the negative or vaporous aspects of life. Solomon once again sets forth what the contrast can be for those who live "under the sun" God is able to grant enjoyment. Verse 5:18 says: "Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot." (Eccl. 5:18 NIV) Solomon says that it is good to find satisfaction in what we do and in the food we eat. In the time when this was written the tie from what you produced and what you ate and drank was much closer than it is today. Eating and drinking was much more closely connected than it is today. There were no huge supermarkets as there are today. This is man's lot in life. Something that is given.

Verse 19 continues: "Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God." (Eccl 5:19 NIV) This is a continuance of the thought before. Man's lot is to find satisfaction in his labor which he uses to keep himself alive. But when God gives any man other things, which at that time, would have signaled God's blessing, he also gives with those the gift of enjoyment. Just as the material possessions are physical, God gives man an emotional or psychological gift of enjoyment This enables him to accept his lot (from verse 18) This truly is a gift.

Verse 20 culminates the thought: "He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart (Eccl. 5:20 NIV) Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, an American poet captured the essence of these statements when he said, "Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present. It is thine. Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear. This verse basically says enjoy life so much that you don't focus on the miserableness of things wealth, possessions and the control of life's circumstances. You don't control them, they could be gone in a moment. Seize the one gift God has given to men--The ability to enjoy labor and the things God has given men.

My daughter's boyfriend has been here this weekend. What a joyous time we all have together. We ate different kinds of food and enjoyed (well sort of) trying some new ones. He and I sat out on our deck watching fireflies last night. I think that is truly enjoying God's gift to us.

Addictive and compulsive people many times aren't able to experience God's gift to mankind-- gladness of heart and enjoyment of labor. The addict many times has a sense of entitlement. Whatever he has he should have had in the first place so why should he see it as a gift. The perspective is skewed. Everything we have is a gift. We come from the womb with nothing and we leave with nothing. (5:15). Resources are a gift from God but the addict or compulsive person applies them to the carrying out of addictive and compulsive behaviors. I like the illustration of holding with an open hand those things that God has given you. The problem is that many times we have grasped onto them too tightly as if we have grasped an electrical line. The electrical current paralyses the hand making it incapable momentarily to release. The focus in both of these instances is on the things and the paralyzation, not the gift

Today I urge those who read this to change your perspective: Life's labor and the food we eat and the ability to enjoy it are a gift from God. Accept the gift. Live life today in this present moment as Longfellow says "wisely improve the present."

I was brought up short by a statement by one of my brothers on this journey the other day, which had to do with laughter. There certainly can be laughter in life. Many times we laugh at the circumstances we have come out of only so that we don't have to cry. Recovery does have to it a "deadly earnestness," all laughter aside. I recommit and redouble my efforts to that course of life today.

Our time is up for today, keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it.

The Solomon Project-Ecclesiastes 5:13-17

2009-05-30T19:35:00.000-07:00

Perhaps a review of what this blog is about is in order. This is a blog which attempts to apply wisdom from the Bible to the lives of those who suffer from sexual addiction and compulsivity from a variety of worldviews and faiths.

This section is a continuation of the last week's blog. The fruits of one's labor may not bring about the intended outcome. Gathering wealth and focusing on it as the object of love in life is illusory. It brings no rest. This week the study continues this thought.

"I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner," (Ecc 5:13 NIV) Solomon makes a statement here which he will elaborate on. The "grievous evil" here is the thought of a sickness and is the same phrase used in 1:13 and 4:8.

"or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him." (Ecc 5:14 NIV) It is just as grievous an evil to lose all you have worked for in some misfortune. Both are a sickness to the owner. The context would point to the examples found in 5:1-7 and 8-9: corrupted power, the consequences of rash vows, and the inability to enjoy restfulness. The hope is that the father would be able to pass on at least some wealth to his son. A legacy--something that was tangible and demonstrated the fruit of his labor. But through misfortune there was nothing to pass on. As I write this the Dow has closed and closed up 96.53. But is of little solace considering its massive slide. The present economic condition that the US finds itself in has very little to do with the vast majority of Americans. This is an excellent example of a grievous evil that befalls those who live "under the sun."

We must now explore how this next verse plays into the writer's thought: "Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." (Ecc 5:15 NIV) Solomon presses the though of the unreliability of wealth to bring lasting value. the proverbial "You can't take it with you." Probably at least in part came from this verse. The writer states the obvious: You come into the world with nothing and you leave the world with nothing. Even if you can manage to hang on to the accumulation of the fruits of your labor. It is a hollow victory because it stays here as you go to the grave.

"This too is a grievous evil: As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain, since he toils for the wind?" (Ecc 5:16 NIV) The author brings into this observation the -by now familiar refrain of-chasing after wind, attempting to catch a vapor, the exhalation of life's breath. He returns to the though of 5:13 a "depressing misfortune."

The final verse in our meditation this week is "All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger." (Ecc 5:17 NIV) Affliction has to do with the word "grievous" of 5:13, 16 and literally means "sickness." This sickness returns the reader to the thought of "harm to the owner" or the gatherer as the case may be of verse 13. Darkness does not refer to physical darkness but the blindness that comes with being obsessed with life under the sun. This should bring light to the one living under the "sun(light)" but does not, he lives in darkness. Compare the thought here with 2:12-14. Anger and wrath (frustration) are the final conclusion of a life lived in foolishness and darkness.

As people who suffer from addiction and compulsivity we look for things, objects and yes, behaviors that can give us security. It takes at least a certain amount of financial stability to carry out addictive behaviors. But these things are illusory much as addiction is. It provides the illusion of satisfaction. But as we are all finding out now nothing is stable. This brings us back to step three: "We turn our will over to the care of God as we understood him." As people who are in recovery, we practice these principles in all our affairs. We are on a spiritual journey of progress not perfection. The transitoriness of this life and its attendant attractions present an alternate addiction. We must continue to live life under the sun connected to our "higher power" This is where our understanding of God becomes all important. Do we understand that he has restored us to sanity and everything else is increasingly less difficult? That God has all power and can and will take care of us through all circumstances.

I am reminded of the Osmond Family. This family of actors and singers had amassed a fortune but lost it through unwise investments. They filed bankruptcy but paid all their creditors back eventually. God can take care of those who entrust themselves into His care. My life is a testimony to this.

Our time is up for today so until next week: keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project-Ecclesiastes 5:8-12

2009-05-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

"It disturbs me no more to find men base, unjust, or selfish than to see apes mischievous, wolves savage, or the vulture ravenous." Jean Paul Sartre Thus we begin our next installment in Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 5:8 says: "If you see the poor oppressed in a district, and justice and rights denied, do not be surprised at such things; for one official is eyed by a higher one, and over them both are others higher still." (Ecc 5:8 NIV) Oppression here has the idea of extortion. Government officials were not in the business of helping the poor but of getting everything they could out of them. Social services were someone else's problem. Each official was under the care of another. Under his thumb so to speak. Ultimately the poor are their own resource. They have no one to draw from. Even Jesus recognized this fact he said "you will always have the poor with you. (Matt. 26:11) It is not just extortion or oppression but the denial of rights to the poor. One of the characteristics of the wise person is that he does not take a bribe. The poor had nothing to offer those officials before whom they may find themselves. The character of those officials was demonstrated when they had to yield a judgment for the poor.

"The increase from the land is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields." (Ecc 5:9 NIV) Solomon's growth in his kingdom came at a price. the growth of government brings layers of management. Everyone has to be paid. Even the king made something off of the land. Sad but true. Taxation increased. At the end of Solomon's reign taxation was onerous.

As usual Solomon tempers this evil with the opposite. 5:10 says: "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless." (Ecc 5:10 NIV) Just as the poor can have too little the rich can become enamored with too much. Covetousness can keep the rich from enjoying what they have. The message or at least one of them in the book of Ecclesiastes is "Learn to enjoy what God has given you as you obey his implicit and explicit commands." We are commanded to love God and use things. Many times we get this reversed: We love things and (or attempt to) use God. This is never satisfying.

Verse 5:11 says: "As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owner except to feast his eyes on them?" (Ecc 5:11 NIV) Another fact of life. As one's assets increase the need for care and protection increase. This means more servants workers etc. It also means more taxation. With wealth comes complication. The only thing that the owner gets from this is to see it. He can feast his eyes on it knowing that it is his.

Verse 5:12 ends the discussion with the concept that a complicated life of wealth doesn't make for a restful night's sleep. "The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of a rich man permits him no sleep." (Ecc 5:12 NIV) I am reminded of the parable of the wheat and the tares told by Jesus "The cares of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the Word making it unfruitful." (Matt 13:22) The laborer sleeps well because he has earned his wage for the day. He awakens the next day to probably do the same thing and be paid accordingly. There are no cares to this. The only thought is for himself and his family. He can sleep well. The rich could rely upon God for the safe keeping of his wealth knowing as Job said: "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away." (Job 1:21). But wealth without trust in God is an unquiet position. Life becomes too unwieldy at that point and causes one to lose sleep over it.

What are the applications for us? Are you or have you ever been in a position to Lord it over someone else? I am reminded of a great quote by George Washington Carver: “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong—because someday in life you will have been all of these.” The first order of training for leadership is to be a follower. Then continue to be a servant to those you lead. Easy to say hard to do. Lording it over people says more about you as a leader than it does those you lead. Are those you are leading becoming rich if not in fiscal resources then in knowledge, education and wisdom? The Biblical story of Joseph may be a good example of an excellent manager. By his prudent management he saved the country of Egypt from famine.

We find ourselves in an economy that is sadly focused on the needs (and sometimes the wants) we have. The uncertainty of the interaction of our political system with our financial system has never been higher. There is a distrust of our wealth and the power to hang on to it. As compulsive and addictive people we need structure to carry out addictive behaviors. This kind of uncertainty is cause for upheaval in our addictive system. We may want to act out more. We may attempt to control things we perceive that we can when we can't control the important things. We may try to micromanage eating, exercise, our children's behaviors our spouse's behavior our friends or our subordinates behavior. Trusting in God rather than financial security will ultimately bring a much needed rest. One of the promises of the Twelve step program is that fear will recede as we work the program.

In our daily meditation do we release these cares and submit ourselves to the care of God--even though we may know him imperfectly? This goes a long way to procuring much needed sleep.

Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project-Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

2009-05-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

This week is a continuation of last week. Solomon comes back to the idea of idle or empty vows. Did you ever think what would happen if we kept every vow we ever made? our lives would certainly be different! As you read this think about how: How could my life be different? If I had followed through on all the things I ever pledged to do for loved ones, our fellow man and God.

Today's passage start out by stating: "When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow." (Ecc 5:4 NIV) This thought picks up where we left off last week. One who fails to fulfill a vow is like a fool. These vows may also have been made in times of stress when one was in need of God's help.

The author presents a contrast next: "It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it." (Ecc 5:5 NIV) He says it is better to not say anything, make no pledges at all than to make them and not keep them. Our words are taken seriously by God, our higher power.

"Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, "My vow was a mistake." Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands?" (Ecc 5:6 NIV) When these vows were made they were made in the presence of temple attendants, be they gate keepers or priests. It was the job of those who labored in the temple to enforce vows made to God. According to Deuteronomy 23:21-23 to not keep a vow that was made was sin. They were freely made but binding when spoken. Solomon understood very well that knowingly sinning would place one under the judgment of God, and that was a precarious place.

Solomon concludes: "Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore stand in awe of God." (Ecc 5:7 NIV) The New Living Translation interprets the "much dreaming" as daydreaming. This could be a good alternate translation here. Dreams are referred to earlier in the passage. But here the reference is more to dreams that are empty (like the life lived without God) meaningless and are compared with empty words. Solomon reiterates that "under the sun" our place is to see God as He really is and stand in awe of Him.

As addicts and people who struggle with compulsivity. We may not be in a position to speak openly our promises and vows to God. Those promises to change, make amends, take corrective action are not taken lightly by our higher power. As we turn our lives over to the care of God we learn that we are not all powerful, that we can not speak reality into being as God did (Genesis 1:1-3 ff). As we speak we begin to believe the things we hear ourselves saying. The problem is when they don't jive with reality. Vows to change can be empowering and envisioning but not for the addict who relies on his addiction to maintain his life. Vows to change are sabotaged by the illusion addictive empowerment. For addictive and compulsive people change comes by acknowledging powerless and turning our lives over to the care of God. One of the most important components of this is accepting God as we understand Him. a spiritual journey of adventurous knowledge that never ends. Many of us settle for a view of God that is not equal to our "disease" or our needs. Our view of God must be ever growing so that we can truly be "in awe" of Him.

Personally this section has been most challenging for me and I have made changes in my financial commitments as a result of this passage. So until next week, keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

2009-05-10T05:11:00.000-07:00

Today we will look at Ecclesiastes 5:1-3. They say that we speak a small novel everyday. That is a lot of words! The author of Ecclesiastes will tell us that we must make sure those words are short and meaningful in the presence of our higher power.

Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. (Eccles. 5:1) Through the offering of sacrifices the ancient Hebrew people felt that they communed with God, their higher power. Through that communal time they may express gratitude by making vows of offerings that they obviously didn't have with them but could bring later. This is what he is talking about here. The problem is that some people would make promises and not keep them.

He continues on: Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Eccles. 5:2) This continues the thought in the first verse. He is warning the readers that words ill-spoken can get you in to trouble. The basis of this is again in the religious laws that governed the ancient Hebrews' worship and relationship to God and their morality before him. To make vows before God and not keep them was a sin. This could incur the judgment of God. Solomon is telling the readers to recognize their place on earth and recognize God's place in heaven.

Verse three says: As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. (Eccles. 5:3) Just as when there are a lot of things going on in our lives we dream. We don't have control over them. So a fool when he speaks he doesn't have control over them either.

The applications to addictive and compulsive people are legion. How many times have we said to God something to the effect: "I'll stop tomorrow just get me home safely tonight." God I'll never _____again if you will just let me keep my _______. You fill in the blank. The problem is that the power to carry those things out isn't there because they are made in the midst of sickness and delusion. The addictive compulsive mind can't make sound decisions.

In recovery we soon learn that in the presence of our higher power we practice serenity. We listen quietly. We allow ourselves to allow him to be all that he is to us with the all important caveat "as we understand him." In the same sense we allow ourselves to be eveything we are and nothing we think we are. Our prayers are simple: We ask for the knowledge of his will and the power to carry that out.

God is not swayed nor amused by the many words and vows of fools that become sin to them. They result in judgement: The consequences of verbal vomit and constant badgering of God, family and friends. Those of us who suffer from addiction and compulsivity is that no one takes us seriously when we talk. As we move into sobriety and recovery we learn to say no when we mean no. Yes when we mean yes and apologize quickly (step 10) when we realize we have erred.

Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

2009-05-03T04:42:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have happened upon this blog for the first time, this blog is an application of the wisdom literature of the Old Testament of the Bible to people who suffer from addictive and compulsivity activities especially sexual addiction but can be applied to any addictive and compulsive activity. It is envisioned to be broad-based in its application and touch all faiths and belief systems. When completed we will have visited all the wisdom books written by Solomon and include Job. Each will be done in a years time.

This week we are dealing with Ecclesiastes 4:13-16. The author has just finished his musings over primary relationships and the importance that companionship has to helps us in the various stages of our life. He now turns this idea of interpersonal relationships around to professional relationships and the emptiness of wealth, fame,foolishness and power. The gist of the passage is the power and popularity and fame and control are fleeting and transitory "chasing after wind."

Verse 13 says, " Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning. (Eccles. 4:13) Why would this be? At the very root of the answer is the dichotomy between wisdom and foolishness. The writer of Ecclesiastes sees wisdom as the better choice than foolishness in all circumstances. Some how royalty is not befitting foolishness and close-mindedness.

Verse 14 continues on, "The youth may have come from prison to the kingship, or he may have been born in poverty within his kingdom." (Eccles. 4:14) This is reminiscent of both Joseph and David his father. Joseph rose to fame in Egypt through wisdom and David rose from obscurity to fame in the very kingdom he would eventually rule. Saul was a foolish king.

Verse 15 states, "I saw that all who lived and walked under the sun followed the youth, the king's successor." (Eccles. 4:15) Solomon was not unobservant of trends in his own kingdom or the dynamics of other kingdoms. In the ancient world political systems were full of intrigue and treachery i.e. Julius Caesar and the Ides of March. Solomon's rule came after Absalom's, his half brother's, rebellion. Solomon knew full well the unstableness of power and control.

Verse 16 brings the conclusion to this discussion: "There was no end to all the people who were before them. But those who came later were not pleased with the successor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." The writer sums up this discussion by saying this is all chasing after wind. Even when the popular younger ruler gained power and had all the people's support even then it waned and disillusionment set in. Solomon stated that this is an endless parade of people rising to power and falling.

Thomas Wolfe said, "You have reached the pinnacle of success as soon as you become uninterested in money, compliments, or publicity." There is great truth to that. Our society and the structures within it, be they corporate, political, religious or economic are built on a management style of power. Very few people know how to lead with power divested with such a dynamic that it can be regained as such a time as needed. The phrase "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." is sad but true. I have watched mangers shame, guilt and browbeat subordinates into the "corporate model." This was to achieve the bottom line. To some people power and control is a wonderful elixir. It is an addiction if you will.

People who suffer from addiction move through different phases of this they may be powerful in their business but powerless in their homes. They may be in control in their profession but out of control in their drug of choice be it sex prescription drugs, designer drugs, alcohol or sex. Fame and power only serve to create the illusion of invincibility. Ask Gordon McDonald. He stated in his book Ordering Your Private World that: "We must learn to soundproof the heart against the intruding noises of the public world in order to hear what God has to say." Unfortunately he had isolated himself so neatly that he never heard from other intelligent people who could challenge some of his decisions and fell from his prestigious pastorate after writing this same book. There is for the addictive and compulsive person a delusional concept of power. "Consequences will never happen to me." But they inevitable do. Addicts and compulsive people who suffer from sexual addiction particularly think they are in control of their acting out. They are in control of what they use, how they exchange money for sex or do not, and how others are used. It becomes increasingly out of control.

If any of this characterizes your life please look to whatever higher power you claim. get into relationship with others in recovery, and begin to take the most difficult of all steps a searching ad fearless moral inventory. You will not lose yourself you will find yourself and lose the addiction and compulsivity. Horace Greeley said: "Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident and money takes wings. The only thing that endures is character."

Our time is up for today, so until next time: Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're work it!

The Solomon Project-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

2009-04-26T03:58:00.000-07:00

Please see the earlier posts on the theme and rationale for this blog.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said “Happy is the house that shelters a friend.” (Emerson, Essays: First Series (1841) Friendship) Friendship is truly a gift from God. To be able to have people around you that you can trust that know you deeply, and can accept you for what you are is something more precious than gold.

This section of Ecclesiastes speaks about this today. In stark contrast to last weeks passage that dealt with opposite extremes: self absorbed workaholism or catatonic idleness and the wretched future of a single man with no family children or siblings. This passage presents the positive aspects of relationships. We think of friendship as usually having more of an emotional or psychological impact involving the concepts of relatedness. The author here presents more of the concrete and physical aspects of friendship. The pragmatics of relationship so to speak. Verse 9 says: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work." (Ecc 4:9 NIV) The verse speaks about relationship in working together You have heard people say "I prefer to work alone." That may work for awhile but research into organization and industrial psychology tell us that self-directed teams with a common goal are highly effective. The next part of the passage has more to do with the failings of life.

Verse 10 reads: "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecc 4:10 NIV) We think of the actual physical act of falling. Particularly if one is carrying a heavy load. One could fall under that and never be able to get up. This verse can be enlarged to consider the failings of life: loss of a relationship, marriage, a job and career, loss of a dream. These things many times will result in depression. Friends and enduring relationships can be invaluable at these times. One of my colleagues This past week went through brain surgery with their father. I reached out and did what I could to help hold them up during that difficult time. Especially since the surgery was not successful. Emerson also said: "I do then with my friends as I do with my books. I would have them where I can find them, but I seldom use them." (Emerson, Friendship) There must be a balancing act to this also. The author is not advocating excessive dependence but appropriate assistance.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? (Ecc 4:11 NIV) Some of you may remember the rock group Three Dog Night. The name came from the use of sled dogs in Alaska to keep warm at night. It was an extremely cold night when you had to have three dogs surrounding you to keep warm. This does not refer to sexual activity. It has to due with the practicality of subsistence. When life gets to the point that you have to rely on others for warmth that is a basic need, in the context of food, shelter and clothing. The rhetorical question "How can they keep warm alone?" obviously is answered in the negative. They can't.

Verse 12 says: "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecc 4:12 NIV) Certainly there is strength in numbers. Marauders and thieves attack those alone more quickly, and with much more success. This speaks to the defense of oneself in the onslaughts of life. Some of us may have had our lives put in danger at one point in time. We would like to have had someone there to help us. The author goes on to inject a proverb here, "A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Signifying the strength in numbers. But not that it is not just three strands. It is a cord. Signifying that it is a united whole. It is made up of three strands. My pastor uses this illustration in marriage sermons signifying that two people come together in marriage and intertwined with those two people is God. It makes for a cord that is not easily broken.

Those who struggle with addiction and compulsivity may be asking what has this got to do with me. Addiction and compulsive behavior can be extremely isolating. Friendships with those who act out are not reliable. The drug of choice takes up too much time. Especially is sexual addiction there is an extreme isolation to that.

In recovery we learn to reconnect to people, develop friendships, learn to trust again. When you are connected with people who act out there is little trust. We break the delusion that we are alone and will always stay alone and further more are not worth friendship. That is shame speaking into our emotional ear. We must learn to accept this need and foster friendships and relationships. Recovery cannot be done alone. Somewhere along your life relationship was broken and violated that is one of the reasons you are suffering from addictive and compulsive behaviors. Moving back into safe relationships is vital. This is why 12 step programs work so well. But you have to be willing to bow to the process of allowing yourself to reconnect. It goes against addictive thinking. But interrelationships are vital. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it.

The Solomon Project-Ecclesiastes 4:4-8

2009-04-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

I am sorry about last week. No blog: Income tax weekend. We pick up again this week at Ecclesiastes 4:4 and go through verse 8. Read the previous blogs to get the viewpoint and purpose behind this blog.

And I saw that all labor and all achievement spring from man's envy of his neighbor. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecc 4:4 NIV) This section deals with the person consumed with work. the author presents two opposite extremes here. The workaholic and the fool. The workaholic is one that has his entire sense of worth tied up in success. This means even at the expense of relationships. The author has even up to this point made a case for enjoying work and relationships and a relationship with God. But with this excess Solomon says that it is futile. Empty wind.

The other extreme is the fool. The fool folds his hands and ruins himself. (Ecc 4:5 NIV) The NET Bible (Bible.org) translates this literally and presents the true figure of speech that is there. The fool folds his hands and does no work, so he has nothing to eat but his own flesh. (Ecc 4:5 NET) This is the opposite of the workaholic. This person folds his hands together and ruins himself. The figure of speech suggests that this person is as self absorbed as the first but does nothing to keep himself alive. The cannibalistic nature of the fool here suggests that the fool is consumed with himself psychologically and emotionally. So consumed that he refuses to do anything to maintain his life or his lifestyle. Both the workaholic and the fool represent excess in living life.

Addicts live in extremes. Workaholics falls prey to the culture we live in. 70 and 80 hour work weeks, perfectionism and obsessive devotion to the profession are all lauded in our society. The author says that we are chasing after wind. It is very easy to become sober in one area only to act out in another. You may be sexually sober and in recovery but just as sick in the area of work. The fool sees nothing in life to which to give himself and wastes away desiring it. Both are polar opposites that characterize addiction: Excess and deprivation.

Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind. (Ecc 4:6 NIV) Sometimes no one says it better than Solomon and that is true here. He presents the middle of the road. The way of serenity. Be content with tranquility rather than struggling and having emptiness. Jay Leno gives a good perspective on healthy competition. He states: Bill Maher and I are on against each other, and we're friends. He can do my show any time he wants, and I've done Politically Incorrect several times. There's no reason to think competition has to be adversarial. This is such a good statement. I have found that if you are good at what you do you will always have work.

Again I saw something meaningless under the sun: (Ecc 4:7 NIV) The author introduces the next observation with this phrase. It is as if he turns around and sees something else that has no meaning in life. It is an introductory phrase that is called a Pleonasm. He uses several words that could be summed up in one.

The next verse has to do with the relationships or lack thereof. A man who is all alone with no companion, he has no children nor siblings; yet there is no end to all his toil, and he is never satisfied with riches. He laments, "For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?" This also is futile and a burdensome task! (Ecc 4:8 NET) This person is a workaholic. The point is that he has accomplished much but has no one to share it with. Children and siblings are used to stand for the whole group. It is called a synecdoche a part stand for the whole. So he has no one in his family of origin or his nuclear family. His relationship is with wealth and the striving to attain it. He asks the empty question: "Who am I working for?" Addicted and compulsive people many times have alienated loved ones. Even in recovery they may lead a lonely existence. Recovery has to do with the honest and straightforward acceptance of the trail of hurt and anger that one has left behind. Then one begins to work at repairing those relationships. The relationship of mankind with his creator, work and each other can take on various shades of compulsive activity. Addiction covers emotions, shame grief and loss. It is easy to get lost in any of these things to avoid the pain.

Today ask God what you can do to change how you relate to these three things. An openness to the Creator will allow him to show you what needs to be changed. Ask Him to clear the wreckage of addictive and compulsive behavior from you mind and He will do that. Willingness to change is the beginning. Our time is up for today. So until next time: "Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it."

The Solomon Project-Ecclesiastes 4:1-3

2009-04-05T03:15:00.000-07:00

This a blog entitled the Solomon Project. It attempts to apply the wisdom books of the Old Testament in the Bible to those who suffer from addiction especially sexual addiction and compulsivity. I attempt to make my comments applicable to many different individuals that may exercise a broad array of faiths. We are presently in the book of Ecclesiastes.

We turn this week from chapter three to the beginning of chapter four. The positive statement at the end of chapter three is a concluding interlude that forms a hinge between the two parallel thoughts of 3:16-17 and 4:1-2. These positive statements bring a breath of fresh air to the book. In contrast to the gloomy outlook "under the sun." There is no perfect judgment and no perfect justice. and now in 4:1-2 there is oppression. "Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed-- and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors-- and they have no comforter." (Ecc 4:1 NIV) Psa 74:20 states: "Have regard for your covenant, because haunts of violence fill the dark places of the land." (Psa 74:20 NIV) Abuse and abuse of power fill our land. I see the effects of these abuses in my office everyday. Some of you suffering from addiction have experienced oppression. That abuse may have been verbal, emotional, physical or sexual abuse. You also may have done these things to others you may have been the oppressor. Oppression is wrong at any time because it robs the person of his basic freedoms to act freely and fully live out the image of God that he was created in. So much more could be said here.

Solomon continues on: "And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still live." (Ecc 4:2 NIV) Such violence "under the sun" in this earthly life brings Solomon to conclude that the dead are better off than those alive. There may be those who read this that will possibly think that Solomon is advocating suicide. He is merely making an observation about life. Still some readers will take this to mean that they are better off dead than oppressed. This is not meant to bring one to contemplate suicide! Addiction and compulsivity may have brought you to the point of contemplating that. The seeming hopelessness and insanity of addiction and compulsivity may bring you to that point. Remember these are Solomon's reflections on a fallen world that he observes "under the sun." Solomon says that the task given to man by God is to be happy in work because when we die it is permanent (3:22). I would strongly urge you that if you are in that state of mind call a crisis hotline or 911. Seek help for the issues that might be causing these thoughts. Solomon culminates this section by bringing it to its logical conclusion. "But better than both is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun." (Ecc 4:3 NIV) These is certainly truth to this statement. If you have never been born then you will never have any knowledge of the oppression of mankind. But taking into account the larger context of the book you would never be able to enjoy the tasks that God has given to man either: To enjoy work, to enjoy wife and family, to live according to God's commands and to do good for others.

These three verses bring us to face the raw realities of oppression, pain and death. Oppression may also take other forms as a result of traumatic experiences. Depression, anxiety, outbursts of anger, loss of emotional control and lethargy or over control are only a few symptoms you may experience. These verses talk directly about oppression. If you have experienced oppression do not think that you will be able to change the person who committed those acts of violence. You cannot. If you have committed acts of violence and oppressed others. Connect with a peer-led group that will help you with setting things right and begin making amends. It is a large part of what we call recovery. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you are worth it!

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 3:16-22

2009-03-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

See the earlier blogs on my approach to this blog. In short it is a blog concerned with the application of the biblical book of Ecclesiastes to people who suffer from addiction and compulsion, especially sexual addiction and compulsivity. This week we are dealing with Chapter 3 verses 16-22.

We would like to think that justice is blind in our country. All of us who have lived for any length of time know that it just isn't so. unethical lawyers and judges pervade our system. One of my clients now is serving time in what appears to be a twisted act of justice. As DNA testing is perfected inmates to be exonerated who have served time for crimes they didn't commit. Justice isn't perfect and as we find out from Ecclesiastes it never has been.

Ecclesiastes 3:16 reads: "And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment--wickedness was there, in the place of justice--wickedness was there." (Ecc 3:16 NIV) The author, I think Solomon personally, not only saw that there was wickedness in the judgment but also wickedness in the justice. The verdict was perverted and the sentencing was as well. Solomon holds out hope though that it will all be made right. He adds: "I thought in my heart, "God will bring to judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time for every deed." (Ecc 3:17 NIV) Hearkening back to the beginning of the chapter he presents the concept that there is an appropriate time for everything including the leveling out process of justice. As we think about justice as addicts and compulsive people we want justice for ourselves. We many times feel that we have been wronged. This is part of the process of recovery. One of many sections of the road on the pathway to healing. What we don't realize is that we may not always want the justice we deserve as well. We have wronged others. Other individuals we have been in close relationship with, spouses and almost all we have touched in an intimate way, including friends and relatives. There is an appropriate time for justice but also a time for forgiveness and grace. In our efforts to avoid dealing with our own difficulties and pain we sometimes set out to reform the world, working tirelessly to reform others or society. These things can be good but not at the expense or searching and fearless moral inventory (step 4).

Solomon now turns to the human condition apart from anything good or bad, done or not done--death. He says in verse 18-20: "I also thought, "As for men, God tests them so that they may see that they are like the animals (v. 18)." Man's fate is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: As one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; man has no advantage over the animal. Everything is meaningless (v. 19). All go to the same place; all come from dust, and to dust all return." (Ecc 3:18-20 NIV) God's judgment on all living things is appropriate and final and equal--all die. The first part of the chapter has argued for beauty in the plan of God's timing. Injustices bring that appropriateness into question. Solomon brings forth the argument that all living things face the same fate. A fate I might add that came from the actions of Adam and Eve in the garden. The historical significance of this incident from the book of beginnings is not lost on an intelligent man like Solomon. This presents a sobering thought for us. Addicts and compulsive people tends to live as if there is no marking of time. They never get old. All that matters is that the addiction/compulsion gets energized and acted out (notice I did not say it is satisfied!) This passage tells us that we will die one day. Existentialist thinkers have presented in their writings the concept that one is not ready to fully live until one is fully ready to die.

Solomon then presents a rhetorical question: "Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and if the spirit of the animal goes down into the earth?" (Ecc 3:21 NIV) He does not expect an answer here. There is no observable answer. When one dies, regardless of whether it is a human being or an animal, the "lifebreath" leaves them. It is the same for all. That life force says Solomon cannot be seen we do not know whether it goes upward or downward. It is conceivable that at this time in the intellectual history of the Jewish people such philosophical questions may have been entertained but certainty eludes us. "under the sun," her on earth. there is no empirical data that will tell us for certainty where the spirit of men or animals goes.

"So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?" (Ecc 3:22 NIV) "This is a variation on a theme. When we reach life's conundrums turn from the sobering realities of injustice and enjoy life. Here he says enjoy work. Some of us will see life as a problem to be solved rather than a mystery to be lived (Bradshaw, Healing p. 104-5). Solomon brings us back to a our place in the world to make sense of all of this. We allow God to have his place and we take our rightful place. Enjoying fulfilling work. Addicts live in a certain sense of excess and deprivation. True enjoyment escapes the addict. Those things that would be good for him to partake in he dismisses. They get in the way of acting out and compulsive behavior. Deprivation becomes part of the routine because acting out compulsively take effort and focus. Things lost on more meaningful, appropriate, and beneficial behaviors. Our time is up for today. Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 3:14-15

2009-03-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

This blog is a portion of what I call the Solomon Project. It is an ongoing work that applies the wisdom literature of the Bible to the lives of addicts and compulsively directed people. Presently I am making my way through the book of Ecclesiastes. The work attempts to apply the truths found here to a broad array of people from all cultural and religious perspectives. While I may come at the ordering of my life from an evangelical perspective, I want to help others simply understand what one author in Scripture has said about living life. I strive to make my comments applicable to all walks of life.

Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski accepted the invitation by Native Americans to design and build a memorial to Crazy Horse. Ziolkowski had worked on the Mount Rushmore sculpture that sits some 17 miles north of the Crazy Horse Sculpture. He accepted this invitation in 1947 and began the project in 1948. The project is still ongoing some 62 years later. When finished it will be the largest sculpture in the world.

You may ask what has that got to do with Ecclesiastes? Verse 3:14 reads: I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. (Ecc 3:14 NIV) Solomon brings this section to a conclusion with a thought he has introduced before in 1:15 Things that are done are final. The granite peak that is being carved into a monument to Crazy Horse the famous sioux indian chief can never be undone. The dynamite blasts that carve away rock cannot be replaced. It is final. Then he lays down a statement that is hard for some to accept. He does this "so that men will revere him." Why will this be hard for some to accept? Because we want to blame God for what happens in life, especially our lives. Compulsive and addictive people have a hard time with responsibility for actions, especially their own. It is hard sometimes to see how God's direction and our actions all fit together, (note to the reader the author tells us not to question it but accept it. 6:10). The important point is that it does. Furthermore it teaches us to revere Him. The dictionary defines revere as: "to regard with respect tinged with awe." I like that. When we recognize the power of God it should bring us to reverence for Him. The things that he does have a finality to them. Not only finality but beauty and appropriateness (verse 11). Persons who struggle with addictions and compulsions lose the sense of appropriateness of life. Life has to revolve around the action-whatever that may be-that gives them the fix that they need. Addiction and compulsivity are not a part of God's plan. These states of being are neither beautiful nor appropriate.

Verse 15 reads: Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account. (Ecc 3:15 NIV) Again a truth that may make the hearts of addictive and compulsive persons restless. There is in the finality of what God does a certain predictability. Actions will always have predictable consequences. Addicts delude themselves into thinking that they escape those outcomes. They do not. A person by the name of Mister Delitzsch says it this way: "The government of God . . . does not change; His creative as well as His moral ordering of the world produces with the same laws the same phenomena . . . His government remains always, and brings . . . up again that which hath been." Acting out in ways that is destructive to relationships and to others lives will evoke the emotions of hurt and anger in them. Humans are made that way. Civil laws govern in such a way that when we violate others person or property we can be held accountable. We cannot escape these outcomes when we are found out. Part of any Twelve Step recovery program will involve Making amends. Making amends is about fitting into God's plan and making different choices which will many times bring surprisingly different results. I speak many times of managing consequences by that I do not mean that I deny consequences, or that I try to minimize them but I accept what consequences come my we as I take full responsibility for what I have done and live skillful within those attempting always to act the way God wants me to. In closing I think the serenity prayer is in order: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can;and wisdom to know the difference. This is usually where the prayer stops. However the full prayer continues on:
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He (Christ) did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will;That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.Amen.
--Reinhold Niebuhr

Our session is up for this week, so until next time: Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it!

The Solomon Project: Ecclesiastes 3:9-13

2009-03-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

To see the introduction to this blog please see the earlier posts. We are still exploring chapter three of Ecclesiastes. We turn from 3:1-8 to a contrasting view of life in 9-13.

What does the worker gain from his toil? (Ecc 3:9 NIV). The author sets out a rhetorical question again. What does a worker gain from his labor? The expected answer as before is that there is no gain.

I have seen the burden God has laid on men. (Ecc 3:10 NIV). Solomon has changed the tone of his quest at this point but it is a stark contrast that continues the flow of opposites. He brings these opposites to bear upon the times for all things. All of these activities are a burden to mankind. The contrast comes in the next vierse.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (Ecc 3:11 NIV). This sets the contrast which is a contrasting parallelism to the verses 1-8. All of this is a burden but God makes all things appropriate in their time. This verse may one of the most beautiful in Scripture. It states that God has set eternity in the hearts of men. This is in many ways an enigma The heart is figurative language for the seat of life: emotions, drives, thought. This figurative language is then explained as encapsulating eternity: an impossibility. But the thought is that man is not simply an animal (although he will later make the correlation), but was made for eternity. How does this fit into this section? It presents a contrast to time. Man is created according to the Genesis narrative to be in perfect fellowship with his heavenly creator—God. However the fall of man, according to the Genesis narrative, brought an end to eternal life. God barred them from the Tree of Life so that they would not live forever. Solomon presents for us here the inscrutability of eternity and the limitations of life under the sun. All of these things listed in 3:1-8 are appropriate in their time. But man cannot know it. He is limited in his perspective “under the sun.”..Even though eternity is a part of our very makeup we cannot know all things from the beginning to the end. We don’t know how tings turn out. We are limited to time and space.

I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
(Ecc 3:12 NIV). Solomon gives us two things in this verse that men can gain or have in this life—happiness an elusive thing and doing good—altruism--doing things outside of ourselves for others.

That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil--this is the gift of God. (Ecc 3:13 NIV). This verse should be translated as a conditional sentence. Rather than “that” it should read “if”: “If everyone may eat and drink . . .” If a person can eat drink and be satisfied with his work this is a gift from God. These aspects of life elude the person who “chases after wind.”

How does this passage apply to addiction and compulsivity? Addicts thrive on predictability. Compulsive people must be able to control their environments in order to lower compulsive behavior. This passage tells us that man is not in control of life or its circumstances. Even though he has made us creatures that are capable of experiencing eternity we live under the crushing burden of life “under the sun.” Addicts and compulsive people want to many times fight against the logical conclusions of the circumstances they either create or find themselves in. But this passage states that God has an appropriate time for everything. We want to know how things will turn out. But we simply can’t we can apply principles that can generally predict how things will turn out as with the proverbs enumerated in this book but they are not predictions.

Some of you may be genuinely struggling to overcome addiction or compulsive behavior. You may wonder if recovery will ever come. Remember everything has an appropriate time. God has not forgotten you. We commit our lives to God as we understand Him. That includes understanding how he governs our lives. How he plans to use addiction and compulsive behavior in our lives. This passage implies that we accept our place in this life and allow God to have His. He is the supreme governor of life. Our task if we can grasp it is to live, to enjoy our work, be happy, and do good. All of these activities are a gift from God if we can accept them.

Our time is up for today. I hope you continue to follow this blog. So keep coming back it works if you work it and you’re worth it!!

The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

2009-03-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

For an introduction to this blog please see the earlier entries. We are beginning chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes. It is "interesting?" that this entry this week is on time when we had to change our clocks to Daylight Savings Time this weekend. Archibald Hart Professor Emeritus of the Psychology Department of Fuller Theological Seminary relates the story of having a full body scan and finding that he had to have heart surgery. He ended up in the very bed in the same hospital where his good friend Louis Smedes had just died from falling off of a ladder at his home. Dr. Hart makes the observation that we are quick to attribute good things to God but not so easily the less fortunate events of life.

This particular poem has made its way in the English language and culture and permeates how we view and experience time. The phrase we use "there is a time and place for everything." echos this poem. It's short staccato style is almost like a clock ticking. Verse one says:
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: (Ecc 3:1 NIV) This opening line orients us to the content of the poem. There is a time and place for everything and as we will see these events are in the hand of God according to the author. The following contrasts are polar opposites and are a figure of speech called a merism. The author uses this technique as an economy of language. The author could not begin to name all the events in one's life that have their appointed times. Thus by pairing opposites he means to include everything in between as well.

Verse three may cause the most questions: a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, (Ecc 3:3 NIV) Killing and healing do not appear to be opposites but the term for kill may be a hyperbole meaning that it may refer to fatal or near fatal wounding. The polarity would then make sense.

Verse five has caused questions also: a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, (Ecc 3:5 NIV) This probably refers to rendering a field unproductive by scattering stones on it. This would fit with the larger parallel structure of the poem. The author talks about planting and reaping in verse 2b. Gathering the stones would have to do with making the field productive. This fits into the concept of the book of carrying out your tasks with enjoyment.

Verse six reads: a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, (Ecc 3:6 NIV) The concept of throwing away probably is not a good translation. This word has to do with giving up something for lost. He certainly is thinking of losing your car keys or your wallet. But certainly there are far more momentous losses. Loss of a marriage, loss of a relationship, loss of a loved one. There is a time for giving these things up as lost.

It is not insignificant that the following verse talks of tearing. This is a metonymy where one thing stands for another. The tearing is the physical act that is expressing grief an emotion of sorrow. Verse six expresses the concept of loss. Verse seven the expression of loss.

People who suffer from addiction and compulsivity have a problem with time. It slips through their fingers. Time is wasted on compulsive behavior. Much of addiction has to do with avoiding facing the concepts discussed in these verses. We don't want to face loss and mourning, being productive, and being silent and speaking. It seems that addicts never can get this right. They have a hard time knowing when to speak up and be assertive and when to keep silent and many times to avoid harming others with angry words.

Many of us cannot understand why God allows things to happen in their time. I do not understand why God wove my life the way he did. I thought about it this way as I meditated on writing this. We think of God as weaving the tapestries of our lives. My life is more like those rugs that can be made from scraps of cloth. Made with pieces of cast-away material--not good for anything else. I thought my life was at its end. That is when it truly began.

In the first eight verses here God is strangely left out. The author does not rush to include a divine element in destiny. He crafts his work very deftly. He knows when that should be interjected. Remember we are dealing with the fleeting nature of wind. Emptiness and the futility of life "under the sun." He wants to have us "sit" in it for the moment. We may not want to do that. Many of us think that waiting and patience are overrated. There are many things that happen not just certain times but that happen at all that make us think that if this is God's idea of orchestrating life he is an evil augur. We live in a sinful world. Solomon is saying here that things happen. From a human perspective they do not make sense. The question why is asked of me more than almost any other single question. I do not have the answer to the problem of evil. These happenings cover things from a child's pet dying to longstanding chronic childhood sexual abuse. As John Townsend says, "Our capacity to sin creatively is limited only by our depravity."

Those of you who struggle with addiction may wonder when the time will come when you will not struggle with addiction. You want compulsivity to be gone from your life. If you have done or are in the midst of doing step work you may feel that you have come to a standstill. Of course we know that recovery is like swimming upstream in a fast moving current. If you don't keep paddling you will be carried down stream. But perhaps you can think of it this way. Can you get to shore to be able to stand on solid footing. If you have stopped in recovery and maintaining sobriety is difficult rather than stagnating how about consolidating? Get a firm footing. Look at where you're at in the steps and attempt to move ahead again. Continuing in this process will become cyclical--a danger in addiction recovery. Get some help. Talk to your sponsor or perhaps a new sponsor could help. During this consolidation phase "think" differently but don't "think" that "thinking" is the cure. Action--different positive--action is the way of recovery. This may mean doing a Step four or doing it in that truly searching manner. Remember the solid footing is step three.

Some of you reading this may have happened upon this site quite by accident. and have no idea what this is about. It is about addiction recovery and sobriety. It is about accepting life on its terms. As this passage says there is a time and place for everything. If you need some resources visit my website at http://www.thesouldoctor.org/

Our time is up for this week so until next week: Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project--Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

2009-03-01T19:13:00.000-08:00

This week we come to one of the meanings in this meaningless life that Solomon talks about. Solomon has been talking about the meaningless of life and its pursuits. Now he tells us how to go about that. Verse 2:24 reads:
A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, (Ecc 2:24 NIV). Solomon is not saying that all the other things are not good. They don['t provide this. Satisfaction. Eating and drinking perhaps signify living the daily work of sustaining oneself. Being satisfied with ones work is an elusive thing. In one survey 47 percent of the people said they were satisfied with their occupation. Clergy were the highest at 87 percent. Interestingly 67 percent of psychologists said they were satisfied with their occupation.

Solomon says this is a sovereign gift from God. Any why not? This was the original design according to the Genesis narrative. Man was given the task of keeping the garden and subduing the earth. It was man's original design. It is a gift from God. We all find fulfillment in giving ourselves to a task greater than ourselves.

Verse 25 reads:
for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? (Ecc 2:25 NIV) Solomon brings us to one of the first answers to the meaningless of life. God. Some of you reading this may think of other persons, personalities, beings in this concept but Solomon says that there is a being greater than ourselves that gives meaning to life. Step two in the Twelve steps reads "Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity." Solomon says that this is the God who gives meaning to life.

Verse 26 reads:
To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecc 2:26 NIV) This is a lynch pin to the previous section Solomon is tying the two sections together with the thought of laying up riches to be transferred to those who please God. The latent thought then is one ought to be one who pleases God. For he will reap wealth. Is this a promise? No that as some would have us believe. The reality of life tells us that the righteous suffer and fail also. It is a general principle. How is one pleasing to God. Solomon will tell us in upcoming parts of the book through proverbs how this takes place. But here he has introduced a significant concept. Satisfaction in life comes from pleasing God. God gives to that person not only satisfaction with his work but wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Living wisely, righteously, or however you want to phrase it has to do with a life of recovery from addiction. As addicts we learn how to live differently. Step twelve says "Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, (or any other addict) and to practice these principles in all our affairs." We turn our lives over to the care of God and improve conscious contact with Him. We live by the principles of the Twelve Steps. We make amends and continue to do so. I think of this in terms of manging consequences. We can't skirt consequences. We can't deny them we can't medicate them away. We go through them. All the while praying for guidance from God (the wisdom and knowledge mentioned above). I think it was either Pia Melody or Claudia Black that said: "You choose your behaviors, the world chooses your consequences." Here Solomon presents the first positive outlook in the book. Pleasing God brings satisfaction, wisdom, knowledge and joy. Our time is up for this week. So until next week "Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it!"

The Solomon Project--Ecclesiastes 2:20-23

2009-02-21T19:09:00.000-08:00

If you have read the earlier blogs you know that this blog is certainly for my own benefit but for those who wish to look into wisdom literature as an aid to recovery particularly sexual addiction and compulsivity but addiction and compulsivity in general. Its goal is a broad-based appeal to all faiths. Hopefully it will be attractive to those who desire to live life more skillfully.

For those who may not be familiar with the Bible. Ecclesiastes is a part of the larger section of the Bible known as the wisdom literature. This would include such books in the Bible as Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs or better known as the Song of Solomon.

We looked last week at the passage 2:15-19. This week we will be looking at 2:20-23. Solomon (whom I think wrote the book) has already discussed the vexing concept that the fruit of one's labor is left to those alive after the person dies. Solomon now turns the concept over in his mind, chewing on the concept so to speak. The passage is parallel to the previous though but now given deeper meaning. Solomon says he allows himself, his mind, to enter in fully to the grief of this vexing concept. He really will have to leave the fruit of his labor to presumably his family. How often do we as addictive and compulsive people not allow ourselves to fully grieve these kinds of losses and paradoxes of life? Acting out stops these kinds of painful realizations. We think we do but in many ways and many times addictive and compulsive behavior acts as a defense mechanism to block or wall off painful things in our lives. Solomon says he entered fully into accepting the reality of this truth of life.

2:21 continues the variation of this theme. He he talks about the effort that goes into the accumulation of worldly things. This takes effort--wisdom, knowledge, and skill. Nothing is gained by simply thinking about it or wishing for it. It takes effort. Effort that addictive and compulsive people may not want to exert. All the effort is spent in acting out. There is not energy Left for true effort. Also there is with addiction and compulsivity a sense of entitlement, that you expect that someone will leave you an inheritance that can be spent in the expense of life so that you can carry out addictive and compulsive behavior. He ends by stating that this is a great injustice. Solomon will talk about other injustices in the book. This one has to do with the fact that all one works for goes to those who have not worked for it and may not manage it wisely. This injustice or wrong of life is one which has no answer. We want to see injustice righted but for this there is no righteous answer. It is a fact of life.

Verse 2:22 begins to discuss again what is the fruit of this for the man who has acquired it? This is a rhetorical question at this point in the book. We know that the answer will be "a chasing after wind." But Solomon is building a verbal case a crescendo so to speak so that we will know and understand the vanity of the accumulation of wealth. As addictive and compulsive people we don't want to have to face the fact that what we do ends in pain and frustration. As addicts we are into pleasure and satisfaction. If by now you are sick and tire of reading about fruitlessness and the vanity of things in this life, then Solomon is getting his point across. Letting go of the pain that you hold on to will involve a grief process.

Verse 2:23 Presents the conclusion to this section. Work produces pain and frustration. The effort gives one a mind that can't relax. Workaholism is an addictive behavior. Sometimes involved in addiction interaction. We compulsively act out with our drug or activity of choice and use other compulsive behaviors to enable us to carry out the compulsive behaviors. The pursuit of wealth and worldly possessions can be an obsession that consumes us even into our off hours. Such obsession is medicated away by using our drug of choice in the off hours.

Solomon doesn't present the solution here. That is one of the paradoxes of the book. While the struggle can be a chasing after wind this life here and now can be enjoyed. He will tell us how.

If any of this strikes home with you. Please tell someone: a trusted friend, a spiritual advisor, someone in the pastoral, clergy profession, a therapist. Until you can name it and bring it out of the shadows it will have power over you. You may feel trapped now inside addictive and compulsive behavior. There is new life on the other side. Our time is up for today so keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it.

The Solomon Project--Ecclelsiastes 2:15-19

2009-02-15T19:48:00.000-08:00

For those of you who follow this blog. This is the first year of a multi year plan to comment and apply wisdom literature from the Bible's Old Testament to those who suffer from addiction and compulsivity. The aim is to present broad based applications the will be usable in whatever religious orientation you find yourself. Skillful living, that is what wisdom is about, Can be applied in all contexts.

Ecclesiastes 2:14 ended with the conclusion that the same fate happens to both the wise and the fool. Verse 15 of Chapter 2 presents the rhetorical question by the author "Then why did I become so wise?!" Solomon, who I believe wrote the book, comes to see even wisdom as temporal. While wisdom can have an advantage here on earth, remember we are talking about "under the sun," It ultimately ends with the finality of death. I have been brought up short once again with mortality. One of my favorite professors from Dallas Seminary passed away Thursday of this last week. Why? Why did the Lord call him home at this time? He was not only a highly intelligent man but a wise man as well. These questions ultimately become meaningless questions because we will not know the answers here on earth. I could say more, much more but must move on.

Ecclesiastes 2:16 does not present a comforting picture of our memory after we are gone. The author says we are not remembered for very long. True. We are temporal, being limited by time and space. We can have memories but when there is not sense stimulation to build memory with they are not continuous or repetitious. He finally comes to the point where he says what he has been hinting at--death.

In verse 17 Solomon says the loathes life because of this. It is a sad thing to realize that all the benefits of wisdom cannot save you from the finality of death. Even the gaining of wisdom is futile the chasing after wind.

Solomon then changes his train of thought in verse 18 of chapter 2. Earlier in the chapter he has told us of all his accomplishments and that they were a joy to him. Now he loathes them. Death separates him from that joy. This certainly makes existentialism attractive if it can be. We act to become. The despair and anxiety of nothingness should drive us to act to become what we can be. To this existential conclusion Solomon would nod his head in assent. This is all there is. Some would say that until we can truly embrace death or come to terms with it we can't truly embrace life. This is where Solomon finds himself. Embracing the realities of death.

Verse 2:19 continues on in this vein. The author talks about who his successor may be and what will happen to all that he inherits. Kings think about these things. He had a huge kingdom and extreme wealth. What would happen to it all? He faces the fact that his heir may not be as wise as he. He may be a fool. The implication which he will delve into here and later is that it will literally be futile and a chasing after wind because it will literally be gone. Have you ever known of those who have inherited large estates only to have them evaporate? Or who doesn't recognize the name Carnegie, Hilton or Sam Walton. These are names of people and their families who have used their inheritance wisely.

Some of you reading this may be at the end of life and are saddened because you know you leave a sizable inheritance to a child or children who will not manage it wisely. This is a deep vexation. Some of you reading this will hopefully take this to heart and attempt to live out the wishes of the person leaving the inheritance behind. Some of you reading this may have already lost an inheritance through unwise management. Addiction and compulsivity will do that. When life is out of control it spills over into other things. This too will be a deep vexation. Remorse. Addiction, in whatever form it takes, is a yawing grave camouflaged as satisfaction and satiation. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Living wisely is not the same as gathering knowledge. Solomon did that as well. Some of you will literally be a walking compendium of recovery and sobriety language. A storehouse not of material wealth but intellectual wealth. But does it permeate you? Solomon says that even wisdom has its limitations. It can't keep you from death. Let me ask you--Are you ready to die. Has life been lived in such a way that it has been lived as skillfully as possible. What changes do you need to make today. As the big book says abandon yourself to God and see how you can help those who are behind you. This is the ultimate way to happiness on this earth--"under the sun."

Our time is up for today so until next week: "Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it."

Ecclesiastes 2:10-14

2009-02-07T19:44:00.000-08:00

Last week we looked at how Solomon indulged himself in sensuous living in this life, this reality, "under the sun." He acquired and built virtual playgrounds with entertainers and servants at his command.

In verse 10 he reviews his accomplishments again. He expands his thought here by saying that he experienced enjoyment of all his accomplishments. They were virtually limitless. Solomon came to power in a relatively secure time. His father David had done all of the hard work of conquest. This was a period of transition among the peoples of the area. At this time there was a power void and smaller kingdoms such as Israel were able to rise to power. It was not until later that the Assyrians and Babylonians rose to power. Solomon's power and influence have been discovered as far away as South America. During this period of tranquility Solomon deftly built political and economic ties with the neighboring nations. Solomon can acknowledge that there was reward in these accomplishments. We all can identify with his assessment. We know that accomplishments do bring a certain amount of satisfaction. Solomon tells us in Proverbs 13:19 that "the desire accomplished is sweet to the soul." As we talked about last week this kind of expansive almost limitless control can be a powerful elixir. Intoxicating to the brain.

Yet Solomon could say that that in the final analysis they are empty. "Chasing after wind." All the work, effort and exertion do not last. Now Solomon is telling us that "beyond the sun" these things do not ultimately satisfy. Of course until we have accomplished comparable feats we have not learned this lesson in wisdom. We continue to strive after the illusion. Seldom are we able to accept the reality of this lesson in wisdom from those who have gone before us. We think our needs are different. That we can handle it. "Don't drink the kool aid." Solomon is saying it doesn't satisfy I have known of several people who have been able to accomplish comparable achievements to what Solomon did and be able to have a logical and balanced view of it. but they are few.

Now Solomon turns to wisdom. He has tried merrymaking, grand accomplishments, great wealth and secular acquisitions and accomplishments. Now he decides to try wisdom. Of course the literary structure of this quest has whetted our appetite for this for we think that wisdom is the answer. Solomon says that wisdom does have an advantage over folly. He uses the metaphor of light over darkness. The comparison here is that wisdom enlightens our way just like physical light illumines the way for a person who is in the dark. Folly is like living in darkness. Solomon tempers our proclivity to adopt wisdom as the magic pill to sooth all of life's uncertainties and strivings. While wisdom makes the journey easier by illumining our way and helping us to not fall down needlessly ultimately both the man who lives by wisdom and the one who lives by folly arrive at the same place. The same fate awaits them both. This is what is called a merism. This may also be understood by what is called synecdoche the part for th whole. He uses the wise man i.e. himelf but wise people at large and the fool being anyone else who does not live by wisdom. So that he is not speaking simply of two people but of people in general. Their is also an ellipsis here. The fate is death but Solomon euphemistically leaves that out. The reader is left to supply this for himself. Experience this void in the text uniquely and singularly much as we experience death. A void of physical life.

And how does this apply to addiction and compulsivity? Compulsive and addictive behavior often fuels the acquisitions Solomon was able to carry out. Enormous amounts of money are needed to finance much addictive and compulsive behavior. But all of this is most certainly a "chasing after wind." There is no serenity only turbulence. No tranquility only twistedness. In recovery we are not overcome by fear. Not that we will not experience the emotion of fear but we don't have to be overcome by it.

Our time is up for this week so until next week "keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it."

Ecclelsiastes 2:4-9

2009-02-01T04:27:00.000-08:00

In our last installment we saw that Solomon attempted to find fulfillment "Under the sun" i.e. this earthly life in the hedonistic pleasures of life. The boomerang effect as we called it. He found it did not satisfy either. Now in this section Solomon talks about the acquisition of possessions. Two important things come out of this. He did not deny himself anything and it was purely self indulgent.

Verse 4a is an introductory phrase to orient the reader to what he is about to say. The first part of the section concerns Solomons real estate acquisitions and improvements. I think here of Solomon's building of the house for the princess of Egypt talked about in I Kings 3:1 and the temple in the following chapters. However Solomon's building projects included much more. The term for enclosed parks has come down to us as "paradise." Perhaps the drive to recreate the Edenic ideal. Solomon is saying he built the Disneyland of his day. Purely for his enjoyment. He planted fruit trees looking at the fruit motif he uses in his other writings Solomon surely enjoyed the "fruit" of his labors in a sensual way. Not only did he develop parks, not only did he make them virtual paradises he improved their development with irrigation. The water was not only the the good of the trees but he developed pools probably purely for his enjoyment. Containment of water always brings its own set of problems--clarity and sanitation. Without a way for the water to move neither one of these would be possible. Solomon had to have developed a way to make all this work. His great intellect and wisdom was being put to work.

Not only was their real estate improvement and expansion but also the acquisition of labor. The control of people male and female slaves. The is a short verse but significant. He could not have carried out what he did without labor. Control of people--management can be an elixir or grand proportions.

The development of huge herds of livestock we can interpret this as cattle and sheep/goats. These were important from a religious standpoint seeing as how the religion of Israel at the time revolved around animal sacrifice. This not only had to do with feeding his family or the royal court but probably supplying at least some of the demand for religious functions by the people. If they didn't raise their own or did not have a perfect lamb they could have purchased one from the king's flocks and herds.

Solomon states that he gathered gold and silver. He made money through levying taxes as well as other tribute that came in from his land conquests. But in addition to this he increased his own personal wealth that was separate from the state. He became a wealthy person.

As usual when there is acquisition like this there is the acquisition of the comforts of culture. He acquired male and female singers. They could entertain him and the court. Interestingly these singers were apparently not part of the temple requirements but purely his.

The last part of verse 8 translated by "concubines" is difficult to ascertain with certainty since it occurs only here in the Old Testament. The comparison with other ancient near east literature seems to indicate that this is a correct definition. Solomon acquired a harem. What is left for him to acquire? Really--he has up to this point everything he wanted. Now he acquires sexual satisfaction. That is what a harem is for. There is something quite sad about this. Concubines came into the royal house or court with no rights. Certainly they were well taken care of but at what expense? Whenever I think of concubines and harems I think of Hugh Hefner and the "girls next door." Hefner has developed certain parallels to harems over the years. His present-day lifestyle is no exception. He is a caricature of himself now.

Solomon ends this section by saying he accomplished more than his predecessors. By this he probably means his father, Saul and the judges who ruled before them. He had reached the pinnacle of wealth power and satisfaction.

The comparisons here with compulsive and addictive behavior can be drawn with the workaholic. Remember addiction can be to almost anything. "addiction is a pathological relationship with a mood altering drug" (Carnes). People can be addicted to work and the control of people from the work/career standpoint. The problem is that trying to control people in your intimate and family relationships doesn't work. They are also people and are different from you. This will raise conflict--be certain of that. There is a certain adrenaline inducing effect that comes from seeing your dream projects come to "fruition." It's when we depend upon them to raise our mood that we get into problems. Here we reach perhaps the most difficult form of addiction--sexual addiction. With unlimited power and wealth Solomon could literally buy any form of sexual satisfaction he wanted. The powerful mixture of sexual arousing hormones and chemicals and adrenaline are extremely addicting. Difficult to overcome because the chemicals are produced in your own body.

Interesting that Solomon says he maintained his objectivity. Hmm--"under the sun" from his worldly point of view. We know later that these vast acquisitions of feminine beauty led him astray religiously. As Dan Allender says "all adultery will ultimately lead to idolatry."

Our time is up for today so until next week: "Keep coming back it works if you work it and your are worth it."

2009-01-25T04:22:00.000-08:00

Today's installment of this blog comes to you in the context of Chapter 1:16-2:3. We have been looking at this ancient book and observing how it applies to us today who struggle with addictive and compulsive behaviors. First off let me say that at least "high tech" knowledge can be frustrating. I took some software programs off my laptop yesterday afternoon and put a new one on and it now is shut down to the point that windows won't even continue to run. This is the job for a professional except I have to finish getting ready for class tomorrow night! Right now I am on my son's computer.

Anyway here we go. We are looking today at how Solomon viewed wisdom and the contrasting foolishness of life, both in thought and behavior. The wisest man whoever lived looks for the benefit of wisdom and knowledge over foolishness and folly. Surely there must be some benefit to wisdom and knowledge. But Solomon says no. Why? this sounds ridiculous that you would not find any benefit in this contrast. We look for ways to avoid bad behaviors and accomplish good behaviors as addictive and compulsive people in recovery. But Solomon in these ancient texts says this knowledge only leads to frustration. Why? it leads to heartache. A wise man will understand that all the conundrums and inequities of life cannot all be alleviated, even in his own life. This leads to emotional sorrow and mental anguish. Compulsive and addictive people will many times use this insight to act out impulsively. So Solomon leads them down that path.

The first three verses of the second chapter deals with What may be labeled the boomerang effect. If living life skillfully and gaining insight and wisdom are of no use then let's throw caution to the wind! Solomon says I'm going to make indulgent behavior a research project! Now that sounds like something an addict would do! But in the end as all of us know and Solomon found out it is empty also. Self indulgent pleasure provides no meaningful substance to life. Addictive and compulsive behaviors are a series of deluded self indulgent actions attempting to control emotions or to control and minimize the damage to self, to loved ones, to others. All the while dashing from one behavior to another looking for the "big fix." And that can be used loosely. Solomon concludes this is also futile.

Solomon also says that humor in the context of self indulgence doesn't work either. How much humor have you heard from addictive and compulsive people that is biting, sarcastic and moronic? There is another proverb elsewhere that states "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Many times with addicts comes that gallows humor. It is a way of dealing with the tragic sorrows that this behavior brings. We laugh at the tragedies but it is an empty laughter.

Solomon specifically identifies one of the best known of addictions: alcohol. Here is the use of wine. The nuance of the text here is that Solomon engaged in using wine to its full potential to see what it could accomplish. It is not without a realistic connection that Solomon put alcohol in the context of foolish behavior. The two go together (cf. Prov. 20:1, 21:17, 23:20, 29-35).

Interesting--during this research project that Solomon set out on he knew what he was doing, unlike some of us who use addictive and compulsive behaviors to manage our lives. Solomon has come back with the results of his study. The results are: don't do it. It doesn't work. Dr. Robert Littlefield a colleague of mine quoted this one time and it stuck. "The definition of addictive and compulsive behaviors is the irresistible urge to commit an irrational act." I think that is very good.

So we conclude again today with the concept that all of these behaviors may appear to hold meaning but in the end are empty like the breath of air we breathe in and out. As addicts we are powerless to change life and the behaviors in it. That is the first step. knowledge doesn't work, self indulgence doesn't work, humor doesn't work and alcohol doesn't work. Solomon will eventually tell us--he's building the case right now--that a spiritual path will provide meaning to a meaningless life.

Our time is up for today so until our next session: "Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it."

2009-01-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

This is the third installment on Solomon's views of this world "under the Sun." A final word is in order concerning the introduction. We did not say a lot about verse eleven of chapter 1. "No one remembers the former events, nor will anyone remember the future events that are yet to happen, they will not be remembered by the future generations. (NET). A rather somber view of history. Does anyone reading this know their great grand parents? What were their names? Who won the Baseball world series last year? Five years ago? Who won the Superbowl last year? As Bob Hays said: "If winning the Superbowl is so great why do they play it every year?" Who was the 22nd president of the United States? Life is transitory. Past and even future events are only remembered in history books and by those who experienced them. Experience the present wisely I think will be Solomon's advice to us.

This ends the introduction to the book. It is an introduction that appeals to the senses. He has built an emotional dryness into the reader by metaphorically talking about wind, water cycles and historical amnesia.

Now Solomon turns to the gaining of knowledge. Certainly the wisest man who ever lived should be able to figure life out right? The words used here are not the words for wisdom but the gaining of knowledge either physical or mental knowledge. This was even prior to the rise of the Greek's pursuit of knowledge. Solomon came to the conclusion that life is futile "empty" like the wind. Inquiring into life from the standpoint of gaining facts is insufficient. There is no connection.

There is no value in accomplishments. They are long forgotten. The problem that Solomon presents here though is that while accomplishments are futile it doesn't mean that they are "unimpactful" Life's choices and events do have an impact. Solomon uses a literary device here where he intentionally shrouds the meaning of "What is crooked cannot be straightened." He waits to elaborate on it until Chapter 7. The point is that there are certain things that happen in life that cannot be changed. When Solomon says that what is missing cannot be supplied he is speaking of quantity. Things that you miss in life are very hard to make up later in life. It may be love, uconditional acceptance, attachment or the amenities that make life either bearable or their absence makes it traumatic.

When we struggle with addiction and compulsivity there are sometimes things that we have missed. That we continue to miss--Love and nuture. addiction and compulsive behaviors are there to provide an illusion of nuture and love. The fact that they present us with powerlessness tells us how powerful they are. When we attempt to "think" about life we find that it is futile, vaporlike-empty. Thinking about the addiction and compulsivity does not solve it. Many of those who struggle with addiction have had many successes in life. One man relayed this quote to me concerning his struggle with addiction and compulsivity. Alexander the great was to have said after his defeat of Darius king of Persia " It is far better for a man to master himself than to conquer all of Asia." Success can be fleeting Solomon has done a good job of mking us view it that way. Our time is up for today. So until next time: Keep coming back it works if you work it and your're worth it.

2009-01-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

This week we will be looking at the verses 1:5-10. We will continue to look at Solomon's presentation of futility. Here he picks up the concept of the rising and setting of the sun. The author stresses that the sun moves or more correctly "hastens" or races to its setting. Only to rise again. Thereis a futile racing of the sun back to its starting point.

Solomon uses the wind next. This is somewhat of a play on words in that vanity or emptiness has to do with the movement of the invisible wind or breath of man and the wind moves relentlessly while it will swirl around it ultimately never stops and will always have patterns--prevailing winds if youre please.

The author uses water as a metaphor next. The streams continually run into the sea and the seas never fill up. Solomon doesn't explain how but knows that there is an inexhaustable source (relatively speaking taking into account droughts) for the streams. Rains and snow come and fill the streams. Solomon has taken into account well the relentless monotony of the physical make up of nature. There certainly is beauty in nature but there is also a savagery. Being caught in a snowstorm or in the desert ill prepared can be life threatening. Solomon says even the observation of the beauty that is there can be futile and empty. "The eye is never satisfied with seeing, nor is the ear ever filled with hearing." (NET).

He also talks about the permanence of the physical universe. The universe has changed very little and the landscape of the world we know changes very little. For those who are urban dwellers the landscape changes because of buildng projects but even there is a futility to that.

Next Solomon introduces the concept of work, toil more appropriately from later contexts. work has a relentlessness to it. Anyone who has worked at all knows there is a monotony to it. He adds the oncept that there is nothing new "under the sun." i.e. on earth. Look at this from a purely phenomonological standpoint standpoint most of the recent discoveries cannot be observed with the naked eye. New planets that are discovered, neew cell processes, and new organic or chemical discoveries all cannot be seen with the naked eye. the effects of some of these discoveries can be seen i.e. the nuclear bomb but the actual discoveries cannot necessarily be seen by casual or natural observation. From that standpoint there is nothing new. No one can point to something that is actually new under the sun in terms of man's life and his existence in relationship to the physical world.

As in the first blog Solomon is setting forth the monotony of life on this earth. Many times people who struggle with addiction do not "see" the world as Solomon has presented it. They see it in terms of hurts, disrespect, slights by others and the "relentless" cycle of compulsivity: acting in, acting out. Appearing to manage life and then having it spin out of control. Solomon wants his readers to face the emptiness of life and accept that this is human kind's place in the world. Until we can accept life as it really is we can't change. I pray that those who struggle with addiction and compulsivity and read this will be able to find themselves in step one. "We are powerless and our lives hae become unmanageable." Our time is up for this week, so until next week: "Keep coming back it works if you wrk it and you're worth it."

Ecclesiastes:An Introduction 1:1-4

2009-01-04T14:52:00.000-08:00

This is the first of an installment that I have entitled "the Solomon Project." This will be a rather ambitious attempt to comment on the wisdom books of the Old Testament on a yearly basis. My desire is to take the truths of the text and draw out insights and parallels that apply to today and particularly to those who suffer from addiction and compulsivity. I work primarily with sexual addiction but hopefully it will apply to any who struggle with addiction.

I will work to develop the applications upon a broad platform. The wisdom found in these books of the Old Testament can have a broad application so that any who are on a path of recovery can find help. Whether they be of the evangelical christian faith, more moderate christian beliefs, the Jewish faith or simply a belief in a higher power.

This week we will look at the purpose of the book. and the first 5 verses. Ecclesiastes appears to have been written by King Solomon. Some dispute this but he is probably the only person who could fit the profile presented in the book. Solomon brought the kingdom of Israel to its zenith. He says that he basically pursued every avenue of sensual pleasure and pursuit he desired from acquiring wives to massive building projects and the acqusition of land. He starts out talking about the emptiness of life and ends by talking about an adherence to "God's laws" We will explore that concept more later. The book revolves around the idea that there is no meaning to life to be found from this worldly point of view but God can give life perspective.

The opening lines talk about vanity of vanities. This concept may be better described as emptiness or the movement of breath or the wind. What does he start out with? Work. Work and the value of it. The writer asks the rhetorical question what good is it? Secondly he states that one generation comes and another goes. Finally the sun rises and sets. All these things have to do with endless reciprocity--over and over and over.

The writer also uses the concept of generations coming and going. Just as the work is futile also the passing of generations is a continual movement of people in and out of life. There is a futility of this movement nothing changes. Birth life and death are the same for everyone. Let me pose this question: How many of us actually were acquainted with our great grandparents? Probably not many. I did not know mine on my father's side and a barely knew my greatgrandmother on my mother's side. Generations come and go but many times we do not even have a connection to them relationally We are connected by genetics but not by relationship. W all want to make a lasting impact on our families and yet many of us do not even know the names of our great grandparents.

Those who stuggle with addiction many times attempt to escape this seeming monotony. Surely there will be something that will help to cope with the day to day processes of life and if not to cope at least to escape the monotony. But accepting reality as it really is, is part of recovery. Those of an evangelical persuastion may want to escape this concept of reality by immediately transferring their focus to heavenly things. Solomon does not allow us to do that. He ties his argument to the fact that in this life we are bound to this body and this world. We must deal with the realities of that. Step one of any twelve step program has to do with the the fact that we are powerless and life has become unmanageable. the emptiness of life is not devoid of conundrums--inexplicable occrrences that affect our lives. These things must be accepted for us to move forward. Our time is up for this week. So until next week "Keep coming back, it works if you work it and you're worth it."

A New Year!

2008-12-30T19:57:00.000-08:00

This is the introductory blog of the Soul Doctor, I will be doing a weekly meditation on the book of Ecclesiastes. Have a wonderful New Year!