The Failure of Human Wisdom

KEY VERSE: “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” —Ecclesiastes 1:14

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 1:2-8, 12-17

THROUGHOUT THE TWELVE chapters of this unique book of philosophy, the writer sees every phase of life as experienced by fallen man to be “vanity and vexation of spirit.” If Solomon were living today he would no doubt reiterate the words of our text as he gazed out upon the world. In spite of many attempts at improvement since his day, the world has not changed in this respect. It is, overall, still a place of vanity and vexation of spirit.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 15:4, makes the following significant statement, “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” He here recognizes an important fundamental truth respecting the Bible; namely, that it presents to the enquiring mind a comprehensive and harmonious picture of God’s great plan for human salvation, and that the things which happened aforetime were not merely observations to be read with casual interest, but were lessons fraught with meaning for those who would come after them.

To those who study the Scriptures carefully, the prophetic import of the apostle’s words is clearly discernible. The present time is seen to be the dissolution of a world system which has grown up since the fall of Adam, and has been consolidated into an empire of evil under the direct control of Satan, the prince of this world.” Under his influence the world has indeed been a place of vanity and vexation of spirit for all mankind.

Today we are experiencing the climax of this evil world’s history and amidst the perplexity and confusion of mind there appears to be a marked absence of spiritual guidance from leaders of religious thought in all denominations. The thinking man, be he a recognized church member or not, rightly looks to such leaders for guidance in these critical days; but so far from receiving comfort and encouragement, he finds conflicting theories and outworn dogmas, while failing religious standards add to his perplexity and to an increasing fear of what the future may hold.

The great statesmen of our generation have been unsure of what lies before them, as their public utterances so often denote. In a speech to the House of Commons, Sir Winston Churchill once had this to say: “It does not matter so much to old people; they are going soon anyway. But I find it poignant to look at youth in all its activities and ardor, and most of all to watch little children playing their merry games, and to wonder what would lie before them if God wearied of mankind.”

Although these words were spoken thirty-five years ago, there is no reason to suppose that Sir Winston would have less cause for uneasiness today. The shape of things to come, as patterned over the ensuing decades has certainly not eased the anxiety of those who have serious doubts respecting the ability of mankind to solve the problems of a degenerating society.

But Solomon said, “God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”—Eccles. 12:13,14

Has God wearied of mankind? No indeed Mankind as a whole may have wearied of God; that is, those among mankind who have no real knowledge of him. But divine love and mercy are infinite. As with his rebellious people of old, so with the poor groaning creation in its entirety. The chastening experiences of the time of trouble marking the end of this present evil world are but the precursor of the “new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness”—new powers of spiritual control and new powers of earthly control—when all authority under God will be invested in Christ Jesus and his glorified church.—Rom. 8:22; Gal. 1:4; II Pet. 3:13

There is much to distress mankind in these days, but to those who rest their faith in God’s Word the way is clear and the end sure. To such, the realization of his abiding faithfulness brings a peace and joy which passes all human understanding. Behind the scenes of man’s feverish activity the divine purpose is being fulfilled in stately steppings which will, before long, bring true happiness and life everlasting to all who will obey the righteous laws of his coming kingdom.

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