TOP DOG IS STILL A DOG

Ecclesiastes 7:16-18

¹⁶ Do not be obsessed with proving yourself more virtuous than anyone else, and do not strive to prove yourself wiser than everyone else. Why should you destroy yourself like that? ¹⁷ Do not be obsessed with becoming excessively wicked, and do not be stupid. Why should you die before your time? ¹⁸ It is better that you should take hold of the first warning, and not ignore the second, because the one who fears God will benefit from following both of them.

obsession

Solomon’s life was a case study in the ills of obsession, so this serves as a confession and warning not to follow in his footsteps. He tried to be the best at everything, and have the best of everything. Other leaders have tried to be the most evil, and to destroy the most. Solomon lashes out against both forms of obsession. He is not arguing against purity and sanctification. He is arguing against being driven to prove yourself greater than others. True wisdom causes us to find our value in our relationship with God, not in comparison with our neighbour.

LORD, give us the wisdom to seek your kingdom instead of seeking to build our own.