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.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
The Solomon Project:Ecclesiastes 12:3-8
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.
"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.
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:2
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.
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.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 11:3-6
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.
"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.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 10:16-11:2
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 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.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Solomon Project-- Ecclesiastes 10:11-15
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 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.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 10:5-10
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.
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.
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