Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 
Day 
Day 10

"I communed with my heart"

Text: Ecclesiastes 1:16

SUITABLY QUALIFIED

The Preacher braced himself to undertake the task of understanding life. He was candid about his ability to do research in the subject that he had chosen.

“I communed with my heart, saying,
‘Look, I have attained greatness,
and have gained more wisdom
than all who were before me in Jerusalem.
My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.'”
Ecclesiastes 1:16

1. “I communed with my heart”

a) There were no universities in the days of King Solomon.
b) There were no supervisors or mentors with whom he could consult.
c) Solomon chose to “commune with his heart”.
i) Candidly rather than dishonestly.
ii) Earnestly rather than casually.
d) He felt that he was qualified to attempt this research.

2. His Topic for research

To understand the burdensome task that God had given to the sons of man.
(Ecclesiastes 1:12)

3. Qualifications (Self-determined)

a) He had attained greatness.
b) He had gained much wisdom.
i) Comparatively
ii) More than other people in Jerusalem.
c) Understanding
i) Great wisdom
ii) Knowledge

THE WISDOM GOD GAVE TO SOLOMON

It was the LORD who gave the wisdom that made Solomon truly wise.

“The speech pleased the Lord,
that Solomon had asked this thing.
Then God said to him:
‘Because you have asked this thing,
and have not asked long life for yourself,
nor have asked riches for yourself,
nor have asked the life of your enemies,
but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice,
behold, I have done according to your words;
see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart,
so that there has not been anyone like you before you,
nor shall any like you arise after you.
And I have also given you what you have not asked:
both riches and honour,
so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.
So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments,
as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.'”
1 Kings 3:10-14