In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:15–8:1, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s counsel on how godly wisdom brings balance to a life that often feels unfair, confusing, or unpredictable. Solomon observes that righteous people sometimes die young while the wicked seem to live long, reminding listeners that life doesn’t always “play by the rules” and must be viewed through God’s sovereignty. Davey shows how Solomon warns against two self-centered extremes—self-righteous pride and self-destructive wickedness—and urges a humble walk with God instead. Wisdom, Solomon teaches, is stronger than political power and shapes behavior in four ways: it rejects perfectionism by acknowledging that no one is sinless; it refuses to be paralyzed by criticism, remembering both our limitations and our own faults; it recognizes the limits of human intellect, since even the wisest people “paddle in the shallows” of God’s vast knowledge; and it resists hedonism, exposing the emptiness of pursuing pleasure rather than holiness. Davey notes that Solomon himself sought satisfaction in a thousand relationships but found none of them capable of giving what only God could provide. As Solomon concludes, godly wisdom makes a person unique, equips them to make discerning decisions, and softens their attitude and demeanor—changing even the hardness of their face. Davey closes by urging believers to seek true wisdom from God, who alone is perfect, all-knowing, gracious, and able to satisfy the searching heart.
The Balance and Behavior of Wisdom
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