What Good Have I Done?

 

King Solomon, painting by ChatGPT

Introduction

Proverbs and Ecclesiastes are books of wisdom in the Old Testament, but they approach wisdom from different directions.

Proverbs teaches practical principles for living faithfully and wisely. Most of the book is associated with Solomon, although some sections were written or collected by others. Its short sayings compare wisdom with foolishness, righteousness with wickedness, diligence with laziness, and humility with pride. Proverbs teaches that true wisdom begins with reverence for God and is demonstrated through everyday choices.

Ecclesiastes is traditionally associated with Solomon and is narrated by “the Preacher.” It examines life through the eyes of someone who has pursued knowledge, pleasure, wealth, work, and achievement but discovered that none provides lasting meaning by itself. Its repeated word “vanity” means something fleeting, temporary, or difficult to grasp. Ecclesiastes ultimately teaches that life becomes meaningful when we receive it as a gift from God, live responsibly, and remember our Creator.

Memorable Verses from Proverbs

Proverbs 1

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
—Proverbs 1:7

“My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.”
—Proverbs 1:10

Wisdom begins with humility before God. We must also learn to resist people who invite us to compromise our values.

Proverbs 2

“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
—Proverbs 2:6

“Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.”
—Proverbs 2:9

Wisdom is something we seek diligently, but it is ultimately given by God. It helps us recognize both good paths and dangerous ones.

Proverbs 3

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
—Proverbs 3:5

“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
—Proverbs 3:6

“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.”
—Proverbs 3:13

“Whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”
—Proverbs 3:12

Trusting God does not mean that we stop thinking. It means recognizing the limits of our understanding and allowing Him to guide and correct us.

Proverbs 4

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
—Proverbs 4:7

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”
—Proverbs 4:23

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”
—Proverbs 4:18

Our direction in life is shaped by what we allow into our hearts and minds. Spiritual growth often comes gradually, like increasing morning light.

Proverbs 15

“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
—Proverbs 15:1

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”
—Proverbs 15:13

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
—Proverbs 15:22

Words can either calm conflict or intensify it. Wise people control their responses and welcome trustworthy counsel.

Proverbs 16

“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”
—Proverbs 16:3

“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.”
—Proverbs 16:18

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
—Proverbs 16:24

“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.”
—Proverbs 16:32

Real strength includes humility, self-control, and the ability to use words that heal rather than harm.

Proverbs 22

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.”
—Proverbs 22:1

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
—Proverbs 22:6

“He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
—Proverbs 22:9

Character is more valuable than wealth. Parents influence children through consistent teaching and example, while generosity demonstrates genuine discipleship.

Proverbs 31

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.”
—Proverbs 31:10

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
—Proverbs 31:26

“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.”
—Proverbs 31:30

The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is capable, industrious, generous, spiritually grounded, and trusted by her family. Her example applies broadly: lasting worth comes from character and devotion to God rather than appearance or public attention.

Memorable Verses from Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 1

“Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.”
—Ecclesiastes 1:2

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be.”
—Ecclesiastes 1:9

Earthly accomplishments are temporary. Human beings often repeat the same ambitions, mistakes, and struggles from one generation to another.

Ecclesiastes 2

“Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought…and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit.”
—Ecclesiastes 2:11

“There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour.”
—Ecclesiastes 2:24

Pleasure, possessions, and achievement cannot provide permanent fulfillment. Nevertheless, everyday work and simple blessings can be gratefully received as gifts from God.

Ecclesiastes 3

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:1

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:4

“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time.”
—Ecclesiastes 3:11

Life contains contrasting seasons. Faith helps us accept that sorrow and joy, beginnings and endings, all have a place in God’s larger plan.

Ecclesiastes 11

“Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.”
—Ecclesiastes 11:1

“He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the clouds shall not reap.”
—Ecclesiastes 11:4

“In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.”
—Ecclesiastes 11:6

Waiting for perfect conditions can prevent us from accomplishing anything. We should act faithfully, work diligently, and accept that we cannot control every outcome.

Ecclesiastes 12

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.”
—Ecclesiastes 12:1

“Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”
—Ecclesiastes 12:12

“Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
—Ecclesiastes 12:13

The final chapter brings the book’s message into focus: remember God before age and declining strength arrive. Knowledge and achievement have limits, but reverence for God and obedience to His commandments give life lasting direction.

What We Can Learn from These Readings

1. Wisdom begins with God. Intelligence and experience are valuable, but spiritual wisdom begins when we humbly acknowledge the Lord.
2. Trust God when we cannot see the whole path. We can make thoughtful plans while recognizing that God understands circumstances and consequences that we cannot see.
3. Our words have power. A soft answer, pleasant words, and “the law of kindness” can calm anger, strengthen relationships, and encourage others.
4. Character matters more than status or wealth. A good name, integrity, generosity, humility, and self-control have more lasting value than possessions or recognition.
5. Life contains different seasons. There are appropriate times for grief, celebration, work, rest, holding on, and letting go. A difficult season is not necessarily permanent.
6. Earthly success cannot satisfy every spiritual need. Pleasure, wealth, education, and accomplishment are temporary when separated from God and a larger purpose.
7. Enjoy ordinary blessings. Food, family, meaningful work, laughter, and companionship are not insignificant; they are gifts from God.
8. Do not wait for perfect conditions. Faith requires action even when the future remains uncertain.
9. Remember the Creator throughout life. Ecclesiastes does not end in despair. It concludes that reverence for God and obedience to His commandments provide the stable foundation that worldly success cannot supply.

Together, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes teach a balanced message: seek wisdom, make righteous choices, work diligently, speak kindly, accept life’s changing seasons, enjoy God’s gifts, and keep an eternal perspective.

Labels: diligence, eternal perspective, humility, kindness, life’s seasons, meaningful work, righteous living, self-control, trust in God, Wisdom

// posted by John Fisher @ September 12, 2026 0 Comments