Wisdom brightens a person's face as it helps him overcome frustrations in life (1). The teacher brings up an example of the authority of a king. In ancient times, the king held power over the subordinate's life. And the Teacher advises us to honor that authority and follow the proper protocol when we appeal to the king. The advice may sound apprehensive. But the wisdom is to refrain from acting emotionally in the moment and instead seek the right time and course of action to address the matter (5).

We expect to see the miserable end of the wicked and the exaltation of the righteous. So, when we find the evil and righteous ending up in what they do not seem to deserve, we feel frustrated. But wisdom is living in the reverence of God instead of trying to make sense of what we receive in the world, whether good or bad (12). When we know that God is in control and has a purpose and goodwill above all our wisdom, we can find peace in him (17).


Application: Father, thank you for showing me that there is much more than our physical world. Knowing you are much bigger than what my wisdom can ever comprehend helps me to have the strength to hold on to you and live according to your will.
One Word: Justice of God is beyond our wisdom.