How can Ecclesiastes 7:28 guide us in seeking godly wisdom today? Setting and Sense of Ecclesiastes 7:28 “ …while I was still searching but not finding— I found one upright man among a thousand, but not one upright woman among them all.” • Solomon recounts a diligent, literal search through “a thousand” people. • His conclusion: the truly “upright” are exceedingly rare, underscoring humanity’s pervasive fallenness (cf. Psalm 14:2-3; Romans 3:10-12). • The phrase “not one upright woman” does not depreciate women; it magnifies universal depravity by showing even the expected balance of genders yielded no exception. Every reader—male or female—is pressed to admit personal need for divine wisdom and righteousness. Key Insights for Today • Godly wisdom is scarce; assume it will not be found by casual browsing or popular opinion. • Uprightness and wisdom travel together; character cannot be separated from insight (Proverbs 2:6-9). • Human hearts, cultures, and institutions cannot manufacture the wisdom only God imparts (Jeremiah 17:9; 1 Corinthians 1:20-25). • Discernment grows when we measure every claim against Scripture rather than against numbers or novelty (Acts 17:11). Practical Steps to Seek Rare, Godly Wisdom • Anchor devotionally in the Word each day—treating it as the primary, sufficient source (Psalm 19:7-11). • Ask God directly for wisdom with trusting persistence (James 1:5-6). • Pursue fellowship with believers proven by long-term obedience, not just gifted speech (Hebrews 13:7). • Examine motives: desire wisdom to glorify Christ and serve others, not to appear superior (Philippians 2:3-5). • Filter media, advice, and academic voices through explicit biblical principles; reject what contradicts clear teaching (Colossians 2:8). • Cultivate humility—ready to admit ignorance, receive correction, and grow (Proverbs 11:2). Encouragement from the Rest of Scripture • Christ Himself “became to us wisdom from God” (1 Corinthians 1:30); close communion with Him brings what Solomon could scarcely find. • The Holy Spirit teaches and recalls truth far beyond human capacity (John 14:26). • In the church, God supplies gifted shepherds and teachers so that believers “no longer be infants” but grow mature in discernment (Ephesians 4:11-15). • Though uprightness was rare in Solomon’s survey, God now forms a people redeemed and equipped for every good work (Titus 2:14; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Take heart: wisdom may be scarce in the world, yet it is abundant in Christ for all who diligently, humbly, and prayerfully seek it. |
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