June 8

Ecclesiastes 11:7-12:14; 1 Kings 12:1-20; 2 Chronicles 10:1-19; 1 Kings 12:21-24; 2 Chronicles 11:1-4; 1 Kings 12:25-33; 2 Chronicles 11:5-17

Don't hit your sister! Don't say that! Don't run into the street! So much of my energy is spent telling my kids what not to do and, yet according to my wife, they aren't even wired to hear the don't or the no in a statement or command. Nearly all of Ecclesiastes has been an exhaustive list of do nots regarding where to find wisdom. Wisdom is not found in pleasure, money, success, knowledge, or anything on Earth─it is only found in God. This is the dramatic ending found in Ecclesiastes 12:13, "Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind."

All wisdom, meaning, and purpose is found in our relationship to God. Only by understanding him and walking with him can we experience the confidence and freedom wisdom brings. It is found in him; yet we so easily wander from God, his wisdom, and truth. Wisdom is attainable, but only if we look for it in the right spot. We need to say yes to finding wisdom in God and no to the shallow pursuits of the world.

Father God, help me to seek you. Only you can give me wisdom, life, meaning, and significance, so help me to never settle for an inferior substitute. Amen. 

What one thing can you do today to fear God and keep his commandments more effectively?

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