Ecclesiastes 7: The Value of Practical Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 7
New King James Version (NKJV)

1 A good name is better than precious ointment,
And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;
2 Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men;
And the living will take it to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise
Than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6 For like the crackling of thorns under a pot,
So is the laughter of the fool.
This also is vanity.
7 Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason,
And a bribe debases the heart.
8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning;
The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say,
“Why were the former days better than these?”
For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance,
And profitable to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense,
But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
13 Consider the work of God;
For who can make straight what He has made crooked?
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful,
But in the day of adversity consider:
Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other,
So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity:
There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness,
And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
16 Do not be overly righteous,
Nor be overly wise:
Why should you destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overly wicked,
Nor be foolish:
Why should you die before your time?
18 It is good that you grasp this,
And also not remove your hand from the other;
For he who fears God will escape them all.
19 Wisdom strengthens the wise
More than ten rulers of the city.
20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good
And does not sin.
21 Also do not take to heart everything people say,
Lest you hear your servant cursing you.
22 For many times, also, your own heart has known
That even you have cursed others.
23 All this I have proved by wisdom.
I said, “I will be wise”;
But it was far from me.
24 As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep,
Who can find it out?
25 I applied my heart to know,
To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things,
To know the wickedness of folly,
Even of foolishness and madness.
26 And I find more bitter than death
The woman whose heart is snares and nets,
Whose hands are fetters.
He who pleases God shall escape from her,
But the sinner shall be trapped by her.
27 Here is what I have found,” says the Preacher,
“Adding one thing to the other to find out the reason,
28 Which my soul still seeks but I cannot find:
One man among a thousand I have found,
But a woman among all these I have not found.
29 Truly, this only I have found:
That God made man upright,
But they have sought out many schemes.”

Ecclesiastes 7: The Value of Practical Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 7
New King James Version (NKJV)

1 A good name is better than precious ointment,
And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;
2 Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men;
And the living will take it to heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise
Than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6 For like the crackling of thorns under a pot,
So is the laughter of the fool.
This also is vanity.
7 Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason,
And a bribe debases the heart.
8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning;
The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say,
“Why were the former days better than these?”
For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance,
And profitable to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense,
But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
13 Consider the work of God;
For who can make straight what He has made crooked?
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful,
But in the day of adversity consider:
Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other,
So that man can find out nothing that will come after him.
15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity:
There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness,
And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness.
16 Do not be overly righteous,
Nor be overly wise:
Why should you destroy yourself?
17 Do not be overly wicked,
Nor be foolish:
Why should you die before your time?
18 It is good that you grasp this,
And also not remove your hand from the other;
For he who fears God will escape them all.
19 Wisdom strengthens the wise
More than ten rulers of the city.
20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good
And does not sin.
21 Also do not take to heart everything people say,
Lest you hear your servant cursing you.
22 For many times, also, your own heart has known
That even you have cursed others.
23 All this I have proved by wisdom.
I said, “I will be wise”;
But it was far from me.
24 As for that which is far off and exceedingly deep,
Who can find it out?
25 I applied my heart to know,
To search and seek out wisdom and the reason of things,
To know the wickedness of folly,
Even of foolishness and madness.
26 And I find more bitter than death
The woman whose heart is snares and nets,
Whose hands are fetters.
He who pleases God shall escape from her,
But the sinner shall be trapped by her.
27 Here is what I have found,” says the Preacher,
“Adding one thing to the other to find out the reason,
28 Which my soul still seeks but I cannot find:
One man among a thousand I have found,
But a woman among all these I have not found.
29 Truly, this only I have found:
That God made man upright,
But they have sought out many schemes.”

#575

Hello all,


My blog has been lacking words, I have yet to find time to even post something personal about life right now. Oh well, I shall tell you about my day instead. Today's sermon. This really young Pastor from Penang came and ohmy, never judge anyone by his look. His jokes and all, led to a very serious message, sharp and clear.

1. Speaking in tongues boosts a persons immune system by 35-40%

1 Corinthians 14:4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church

"Through research and testing he found out that as we pray in the Spirit, or worship in the Spirit, (our heavenly language) there is activity that begins to take place in our brain. As we engage in our heavenly language the brain releases 2 chemical secretions that are directed into our immune systems giving a 35 to 40 percent boost to the immune system. This promotes healing within our bodies. Amazingly this secretion is triggered from a part of the brain that has no other apparent activity in humans and is only activated by our Spirit led prayer and worship." (Source)

Read more here!

2. Waiting does not mean you are not going anywhere; hence waiting is not wasting

3. Never make decisions in fear.

People like Christine have really good blogs worth reading, its like going through their thoughts. Good start to think and ponder about various issues of life. Till then!



ps/ Happy birthday Qing Hua! xoxoxox

pps/ LOGOS HOPE IS COMING TO KUCHING DOCK 10 JULY. SEE YOU! MAKE SURE YOU BE THERE!! Bunch of the team came already.

#575

Hello all,


My blog has been lacking words, I have yet to find time to even post something personal about life right now. Oh well, I shall tell you about my day instead. Today's sermon. This really young Pastor from Penang came and ohmy, never judge anyone by his look. His jokes and all, led to a very serious message, sharp and clear.

1. Speaking in tongues boosts a persons immune system by 35-40%

1 Corinthians 14:4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church

"Through research and testing he found out that as we pray in the Spirit, or worship in the Spirit, (our heavenly language) there is activity that begins to take place in our brain. As we engage in our heavenly language the brain releases 2 chemical secretions that are directed into our immune systems giving a 35 to 40 percent boost to the immune system. This promotes healing within our bodies. Amazingly this secretion is triggered from a part of the brain that has no other apparent activity in humans and is only activated by our Spirit led prayer and worship." (Source)

Read more here!

2. Waiting does not mean you are not going anywhere; hence waiting is not wasting

3. Never make decisions in fear.

People like Christine have really good blogs worth reading, its like going through their thoughts. Good start to think and ponder about various issues of life. Till then!



ps/ Happy birthday Qing Hua! xoxoxox

pps/ LOGOS HOPE IS COMING TO KUCHING DOCK 10 JULY. SEE YOU! MAKE SURE YOU BE THERE!! Bunch of the team came already.

#574

Maybe some there; I too will be able to find my greater something.

someday; somewhere.

away from all the negative thoughts;

limits i've set;

dreams labelled "imaginations";

expectations;

when I chose to believe all of His promises, cause God only wants the best.

but I will find it.

#574

Maybe some there; I too will be able to find my greater something.

someday; somewhere.

away from all the negative thoughts;

limits i've set;

dreams labelled "imaginations";

expectations;

when I chose to believe all of His promises, cause God only wants the best.

but I will find it.

#573, To the most beautiful person in my life.

Mom, No one defines beauty from how you look. But even if they did, I think you look beautiful inside out. You have the most beautiful soul ever, always giving and serving others. You gave up your successful career and chose to take care of us instead. When we know we've disappointed you, yet you still choose to look at the good things we have done instead.

To me, you have always been there for me. Specially when everyone is not. You will always tell me that everything will turn out fine, but even better- you always prayed for me. For every single one of my races, tests, not matter how small and of course exams. Be it a short prayer in the car or before my warm up; you are always there to remind me to be grateful for my success. Grateful to God. And I can never thank you enough.

You made this trip possible. And your persuasion to make us spend a little more for a family trip was worthwhile, as none of us could have imagined it would be our last family trip. For now till Kor and I get home. You spent hours poring over deals that are offered and you chose the best. So thanks to you, it was possible.

You and dad, drove all the way, to see me run in Kuantan even though you had something on the next day. You came to almost all  my races. If not; you would be praying. Mom, you're the only one that will care for my blisters, try to find a doctor, take me to clinics. And I know I haven't been healthy, first the leg cast, then the back problem. But you brought me through it all. You're the one that would hunt for energy bars before MSSS/MSSM throughout Subang. When you were fasting you came nevertheless. Don't even begin the countless times you've drove me to training, but you never complained. You made sure I was comfortable when I was away- buying me good food. Making sure I take my vitamins etc. 

I owe this award to you. For telling me not to give up in my PMR. Always encouraging me to pursue running no matter how many times I have called it quits. And yes, I have wanted to stop running countless times. You have reminded me how faithful God has been in my life and if He gave me the talents, He would make a way. True enough, thanks to you, I made it to SUKMA. 

Going down the road, I owe so much to you, Ma. But I wish I could have relived everything again, just because I feel I never thanked you enough. You are one of the kindest souls that will listen to all my complains, and pray for my problems. You stood by me when I had no friends, in a new school when everything changed, when I complained about teachers, coaches, teammates. Besides, you also never fail to remind me to always seek God in everything.

Honestly- I miss my best friend Ma, you. We would cry over tea the first few months Kor left. No one understands me quite as well as you. I miss having tea with you, going for coffee. Driving you guys out to eat. And I could go on and on... but;

10 A wife of noble character who can find?

    She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

    and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

    all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

    and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

    bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

    she provides food for her family

    and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

    her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

    and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

    and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

    and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

    she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,

    but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

Proverbs 31

You are the most superbestfantasticfabulousbeautifulamazingkindwonderfulcaringlovingGodfearing mom one could ever have, and I should be so blessed to call you "Mom"

I love you, Happy Mother's Day!

#573, To the most beautiful person in my life.

Mom, No one defines beauty from how you look. But even if they did, I think you look beautiful inside out. You have the most beautiful soul ever, always giving and serving others. You gave up your successful career and chose to take care of us instead. When we know we've disappointed you, yet you still choose to look at the good things we have done instead.

To me, you have always been there for me. Specially when everyone is not. You will always tell me that everything will turn out fine, but even better- you always prayed for me. For every single one of my races, tests, not matter how small and of course exams. Be it a short prayer in the car or before my warm up; you are always there to remind me to be grateful for my success. Grateful to God. And I can never thank you enough.

You made this trip possible. And your persuasion to make us spend a little more for a family trip was worthwhile, as none of us could have imagined it would be our last family trip. For now till Kor and I get home. You spent hours poring over deals that are offered and you chose the best. So thanks to you, it was possible.

You and dad, drove all the way, to see me run in Kuantan even though you had something on the next day. You came to almost all  my races. If not; you would be praying. Mom, you're the only one that will care for my blisters, try to find a doctor, take me to clinics. And I know I haven't been healthy, first the leg cast, then the back problem. But you brought me through it all. You're the one that would hunt for energy bars before MSSS/MSSM throughout Subang. When you were fasting you came nevertheless. Don't even begin the countless times you've drove me to training, but you never complained. You made sure I was comfortable when I was away- buying me good food. Making sure I take my vitamins etc. 

I owe this award to you. For telling me not to give up in my PMR. Always encouraging me to pursue running no matter how many times I have called it quits. And yes, I have wanted to stop running countless times. You have reminded me how faithful God has been in my life and if He gave me the talents, He would make a way. True enough, thanks to you, I made it to SUKMA. 

Going down the road, I owe so much to you, Ma. But I wish I could have relived everything again, just because I feel I never thanked you enough. You are one of the kindest souls that will listen to all my complains, and pray for my problems. You stood by me when I had no friends, in a new school when everything changed, when I complained about teachers, coaches, teammates. Besides, you also never fail to remind me to always seek God in everything.

Honestly- I miss my best friend Ma, you. We would cry over tea the first few months Kor left. No one understands me quite as well as you. I miss having tea with you, going for coffee. Driving you guys out to eat. And I could go on and on... but;

10 A wife of noble character who can find?

    She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her

    and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,

    all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

    and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

    bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night;

    she provides food for her family

    and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

    out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;

    her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,

    and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff

    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

    and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,

    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,

    and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;

    she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,

    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

    and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;

    her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things,

    but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,

    and let her works bring her praise at the city gate

Proverbs 31

You are the most superbestfantasticfabulousbeautifulamazingkindwonderfulcaringlovingGodfearing mom one could ever have, and I should be so blessed to call you "Mom"

I love you, Happy Mother's Day!

#572 ELECTIONS

Change may be in the hearts of all citizens; hence this does not mean by the opposition not being authorities a sign of failure. But instead, the dream and unity of everyone in this season should be something to always be grateful to God for.

No matter what comes next, whether Malaysia becomes more corrupted or the other way; God knows best.

Let's all stop using our human strength and minds; getting angry over what can't be saved. They recount the votes, they are responsible. We can always get down on our knees and pray. Remembering that prayer moves mountains, and faith a size of a mustard seed is enough.

Dear God,

All we need is faith, and hope in our prayers. Grant us favor tonight, so we may have a better tomorrow. But nevertheless thank You for all the countless blessings You've poured on beloved Malaysia.

Amen.

#572 ELECTIONS

Change may be in the hearts of all citizens; hence this does not mean by the opposition not being authorities a sign of failure. But instead, the dream and unity of everyone in this season should be something to always be grateful to God for.

No matter what comes next, whether Malaysia becomes more corrupted or the other way; God knows best.

Let's all stop using our human strength and minds; getting angry over what can't be saved. They recount the votes, they are responsible. We can always get down on our knees and pray. Remembering that prayer moves mountains, and faith a size of a mustard seed is enough.

Dear God,

All we need is faith, and hope in our prayers. Grant us favor tonight, so we may have a better tomorrow. But nevertheless thank You for all the countless blessings You've poured on beloved Malaysia.

Amen.

GE 13.

Lately,

I have been a little bit selfish and prayers have been revolving around me and myself heh. I never pray enough for the country, but today, a day before elections. I would just dedicate this post, to God. As a prayer, for the nation.

Dear God, 

Thank you for the many years of protection and blessings that you have poured out on Malaysia. Protection from natural disasters, diseases and so much more. As the people, we ask for Your forgiveness fro taking what we have for granted  help us all to instead whisper words of gratitude instead of murmuring complains all the time. Even as the results of the election will be out soon enough, I pray that the whole process will be smooth. And that this time, votes will be counted justly. Thank you for Your plans and purposes for this beloved country. Your will be done on Malaysia, and we surrender the ultimate fate of our nation; into Your loving hands. 

In Jesus MIghty Name,

Amen.

MUM TIFF AND SAMANTHA ARE HERE to vote, and visit me, and mama too. I LOVE MY FAMILY, really. I missed them so so so much. Will update soon, but here's a thing to ponder on: WHAT HAVE YOUR THOUGHTS BEEN ABOUT LATELY?

YEAP I'M THINKING TOO

#571 Imagine dragons

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sENM2wA_FTg]

This song, reminds me of Tiff. My best bud. I miss her.

But school life is getting easier to cope with, all I do is study, not to brag, or anything, but only dumb people do that. Ha, not saying I am, BUT IT AIN'T EASY. I need strength, in everything I do. Only leaning on God. With all happening around me, people just dying, on the streets, bombs, murders. Got me thinking again, what am I living for?

I just hope the answer can really and sincerely be for God.

When it comes to these matters, there's so much to say, so much to think. And today I had a great deal of time thinking about it. The recent bombings in Boston, a friend's mom's passing (due to robbery Read more here) life seems so fragile. And in Psalms 37:2 it goes like this "For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither."

So again, I ask, what am I living for?

#foodforthought

ps/ family is coming over in 10 days!

#571 Imagine dragons

This song, reminds me of Tiff. My best bud. I miss her.

But school life is getting easier to cope with, all I do is study, not to brag, or anything, but only dumb people do that. Ha, not saying I am, BUT IT AIN'T EASY. I need strength, in everything I do. Only leaning on God. With all happening around me, people just dying, on the streets, bombs, murders. Got me thinking again, what am I living for?

I just hope the answer can really and sincerely be for God.

When it comes to these matters, there's so much to say, so much to think. And today I had a great deal of time thinking about it. The recent bombings in Boston, a friend's mom's passing (due to robbery Read more here) life seems so fragile. And in Psalms 37:2 it goes like this "For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither."

So again, I ask, what am I living for?

#foodforthought

ps/ family is coming over in 10 days!

GE 13.

Lately,

I have been a little bit selfish and prayers have been revolving around me and myself heh. I never pray enough for the country, but today, a day before elections. I would just dedicate this post, to God. As a prayer, for the nation.

Dear God, 

Thank you for the many years of protection and blessings that you have poured out on Malaysia. Protection from natural disasters, diseases and so much more. As the people, we ask for Your forgiveness fro taking what we have for granted  help us all to instead whisper words of gratitude instead of murmuring complains all the time. Even as the results of the election will be out soon enough, I pray that the whole process will be smooth. And that this time, votes will be counted justly. Thank you for Your plans and purposes for this beloved country. Your will be done on Malaysia, and we surrender the ultimate fate of our nation; into Your loving hands. 

In Jesus MIghty Name,

Amen.

MUM TIFF AND SAMANTHA ARE HERE to vote, and visit me, and mama too. I LOVE MY FAMILY, really. I missed them so so so much. Will update soon, but here's a thing to ponder on: WHAT HAVE YOUR THOUGHTS BEEN ABOUT LATELY?

YEAP I'M THINKING TOO