Hold on to Righteousness and Wisdom
Eccl. 7:18-19
Introduction
Self-righteousness, over wickedness, false wisdom, and foolishness were our main theme last week.
Solomon continues his advice giving to us. Let’s continue this interesting, practical, and very useful
information from the wisest man who ever lived.
I. Two things to hold on (Eccl. 7:18)
A. Righteousness
1. Righteousness, as used in Scripture and theology, is nearly equivalent to
holiness, comprehending holy principles and affections of heart, and conformity
of life, to the divine law. It includes all we call justice, honesty, and virtue, with
holy affections; in short, it is true religion” (Webster).
2. The Word of God tells us that “There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Rom.
3:10, Eccl. 7:20). There is one exception, The Lord Jesus Christ, the only one who
lived a sinless and righteous life.
3. We are all sinners however, we are counted righteous in the eyes of God when
we receive Jesus by faith (Phil. 3:9). Our righteousness is based on what Jesus
did on the cross. The righteousness that was Christ’s is counted to us. We, then,
are seen as righteous in the eyes of God. Though we are actually worthy of
damnation, we are made righteous (Is. 61:10) by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
Illustration: Right Standing
Right standing, specifically before God. Among the Greeks, righteousness was an ethical virtue.
Among the Hebrews it was a legal concept; the righteous man was the one who got the verdict of
acceptability when tried at the bar of God’s justice. Christ’s death took away our sins and made it
possible for sinners to have “the righteousness of God,” i.e., right standing before God (Rom. 1:16-
17; 3:22; 5:17). That gift of righteousness is to be followed by upright living (Rom. 6:13-14).
B. Wisdom
1. Wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action,
based on knowledge and understanding. (Nelson’s Bible Dictionary)
2. Wisdom is the knowledge and fear of the Lord which results in a hatred of sin
and a love for truth and righteousness (Job 28:28; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; 2:10-13;
9:10; 15:33)
3. Wisdom is the principal thing in life and more valuable than all precious
commodities (Job 28:12-19; Prov. 4:7; 8:11; 16:16).
4. Those who reject God’s Word have no wisdom in them (Jer. 8:9).
C. We are to hold on these two meaning we should live righteously and wisely as
possible. We should not be self-righteous, over wicked, over wise and foolish.
Illustration: Put On Christ
You never can drive out the uncleanness of evil thoughts except by pouring in the clean
wholesomeness of the thoughts of Christ. Have you made Christ for any length of time the one
object of your thoughts? Try it, you people who want to break loose from the shackles that you
know are keeping you away from the great blessing of God and from the pure sweetness of His free
and holy life. What else is there to think about that is worth anything, compared with Him? All
treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Him. How it must grieve Him, who, though He was
rich, yet for our sakes became poor, to see us filling our minds with passing things, worthless things,
dying after the fashion of the world, while Christ is crowded away into some bare and paltry place in
our lives! (Sermon Illustrations)
II. How can we do it?
A. The answer is to walk in the fear of the Lord. As it is written, Proverbs 9:10 The fear
of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is
understanding.
1. Those who fear the Lord will depart from evil (Prov. 16:6).
2. Those who fear the Lord will hate evil, pride, arrogancy, forward mouth (Pr.
8:13)
3. Those who fear the Lord will hate all evil, evil thoughts, evil words, evil actions,
evil company, evil worship, and evil doctrines.
4. Godly fear or fear of the Lord will help us avoid extremism and moderation.
III. More about Wisdom (Eccl. 7:19)
A. The Word of God is the source of our Wisdom (Deut. 4:6; Prov. 1:1-6; Col. 3:16).
B. All treasures of wisdom are hid in Jesus Christ (Col. 2:3).
C. The wisdom of Pr. 8-9 is a poetic reference to Jesus Christ.
D. Wisdom can only be developed by diligently studying, meditating, and applying the
Word in our lives as we continue to be more intimate in our personal relationship
with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
E. Wisdom can help us face life difficulties:
1. Wisdom, I mean Godly wisdom can give us greater strength in the sense that ten
mighty man in the city is considered very powerful by human standards yet
wisdom from Christ is far better.
2. We look for something visible which we can base our security but Christ has
something better, something that is beyond our thinking and imagination. His
wisdom.
3. Wisdom can help us avoid sin. We are all guilty of committing sin (Eccl. 7:20).
Even the righteous sins, that is why none is righteous, but by wisdom we can
resist the tempter when he comes and tempts us to commit sin.
4. Verse 21-22 teaches that the wise person doesn’t care about gossips, and critics
about him. In some cases, even when he is not guilty he must prove to the
public about his innocence.
5. We need to listen and consider the rebuke of the wise (Eccl. 7:5), but we must
forget the words that were spoken out of anger and hatred.
6. Don’t forget the truth that we have spoken about others also and we are as
guilty as them in front of the Lord.
IV. Conclusion:
Truly we have to hold on righteousness and wisdom, and it can only be done if we walk
in the fear of the Lord. Do you fear God? You should because the fear of the Lord is the
beginning of wisdom. Repent from your sins and receive Christ as your personal saviour
now.
