Wisdom in the House of Mourning

Rev. Jason M. Kaspar, pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 7:1-14. Solomon speaks in the style of the book of Proverbs in the first part of Ecclesiastes 7. He contrasts the unbridled pursuit of empty happiness with the wisdom of recognizing the reality of mortality. Those who are wise are willing to endure the sadness of considering mortality for the benefit of learning how to use the limited days of this life in a godly way. Neither anger nor reminiscing brings wisdom. Instead, wisdom does not look to any human control, for we have none, but instead points us to trust in the works of God. “Wisdom for Life Under the Sun” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon’s favorite word in Ecclesiastes paints a bleak picture: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” Apart from God, life is nothing but vapor that does not last and can never be grasped. Yet Solomon does not leave us in despair. He shows us that life does have meaning in the faith and fear of God, from whom all things come to us as a gift.