May 17, 2024

Passage Read: Ecclesiastes 3-6
Meditation Verse: 4:13

Thought

This describes Saul and David well, though Solomon was not alive to see the conflict or the character of Saul. But he knew that it was because of disobedience that Saul lost the kingdom to David. It is not good to be any age and forget how to receive instruction, whether from wise men or from God. Saul was not all that old when he forgot how to receive and follow instruction. David remained teachable throughout his days. It does not go well for anyone who does not know how to receive instruction, especially from God. Of course, it does not go well for those who lack discernment and listen to the instruction of fools. To enjoy God's favor and blessing, we have to learn to listen to His instruction and the instruction of those who know Him well.

Application

I don't want to become a stubborn old fool who no longer listens to instruction, because I could lose everything I hope for. I don't want to be rejected by God in the end because I didn't care to hear and obey His voice when He spoke. That requires remaining teachable all my days, to never think I have everything perfectly or completely figured out. As clear as things may become, there is anyways room for God to reveal a little more that adjusts my thinking or my behavior. God has made things simple and clear in His word, but I am not sufficiently simple to get and understand it well. I'm still too clever and smart in my own eyes to receive as a child the teachings of God's Word, so that I trust and obey them as He intended. I still need to keep humbling myself; the more the better.