Wisdom Meaningless as Folly

Is it possible? Can wisdom be as meaningless as folly?

The wisest man in the world said the two share the same destination: meaningless.

But you say…how can Solomon contradict himself? Wasn’t he the author of the book of Proverbs?

He was.

But you say…isn’t Proverbs all about wisdom and obtaining it?

Yes, it is.

Frustrated you say… how could the wisest man in the world reverse himself? Isn’t he disagreeing with himself?

No, he is not.

You say…I’m totally confused. Explain how Solomon can make wisdom supreme in Proverbs and then in the very next book of the Bible, Ecclesiastes he calls wisdom meaningless.

Try this. Solomon is right in both. He plainly writes the purpose of Proverbs is for gaining wisdom. In chapter 4, he even writes that we are to “get wisdom at any cost.” Then Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. He was older, more experienced. In this Bible book, Solomon states both the wise and the fool share the same fate. Therefore, wisdom, like foolishness is meaningless. “For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark. Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate.” Ecclesiastes 2:14

You say… I am afraid to ask…but, what is the fate shared by the wise and the foolish?

Brace yourself. He means we all will die-wise or foolish.

You say…I knew you were going to say that. Can’t you give me some hope?

Sure…let’s take it from Solomon. Hope comes from God. It is His gift to us. God gives meaning to life. Solomon explains it this way:

“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Some day the life you and I live will cease. We do not know the day. God does. All of the earthly things we put our hope in, including wisdom are meaningless. Hope placed in God alone is real hope. God is the source of hope…

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 5:13

There is hope, as sure as fall follows summer-without fail. God orders it. He also gives humans hope.