“This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.”
(Ecclesiastes 9:3)
Ecclesiastes 9:3 exposes the heart’s natural state, which is full of evil and madness. And yet Solomon’s request for an understanding heart (1 Kings 3:5, 9, 12) shows us the path to godliness. Because a heart aligned with God’s wisdom is light to the soul, without which, as Isaiah 29:13 warns, “This people draw near me with their mouth… but have removed their heart far from me.” And yet James assures us that “if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5) which calls us to seek divine guidance in order to purify our hearts.[1]
A pure heart is one that aligns with God’s Word, and therein find favor and peace, as Psalm 84:5 declares, “Blessed are they in whose heart are the ways of them, who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well.” And God’s law within me, as Proverbs 2:10 states, makes wisdom pleasant, guides my steps (Prov. 6:22), and brings peace (Prov. 3:2). Jeremiah 29:13 also assures me that “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
The righteous man’s reflection, “I had rather overcome my own mind than all my enemies; and I would I were secure of myself, all the powers of hell cannot overcome me, nor make me unhappy if my own affections betray me not,” highlights the wisdom of self-mastery. But I must seek God’s wisdom as found in His Word if I am to rid my heart of deceit and align it with His truth, as Psalm 40:8 affirms, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.”
Only the heart governed by God’s Word is able to realize true blessing, and my faith must stay rooted in divine wisdom if my life is to reflect the purity and holiness of Christ. This requires daily surrender, seeking God’s grace to purify my affections and guide my life … and continually ensuring that my heart remains a sanctuary of His truth.
Contemplations:
- The importance of an understanding heart. Solomon’s request to receive a wise and understanding heart in 1 Kings 3:5, 9,12 reveals the value of wisdom. But do I make a practice of seeking God’s wisdom, as James 1:5 urges: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God,” or do I tend to trust my own? I must pray for a heart aligned with His truth.
- The deceptive nature of outward appearances. Isaiah 29:13 warns against hollow worship. I must therefore seek integrity in my worship and ensure that my faith is authentic through God’s Word.
- The consequences of a wayward heart. Ecclesiastes 9:3 and Proverbs 28:26 reveal the evil nature of the heart. And because of this fact, if I choose to rely on my own judgment it is the height of folly. So Lord, help me instead to rely wholly on You and Your guidance.
- The blessings of a pure heart. Psalm 119:11 and Psalm 84:5 promise strength and joy through God’s Word. I know that if I hide His Word in my heart that I will discover His wisdom, which leads to peace and righteousness.
Prayer (Adoration):
O Lord, You are the God of infinite wisdom, whose Word purifies the heart. I worship You for Your truth, which guides and sanctifies, as Psalm 119:11 declares: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee,” and for Your wisdom which transforms my soul.
I adore You for Your goodness to the pure in heart, as Psalm 84:5 proclaims: “Blessed are they in whose heart are the ways of them, who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well.” Your Word brings peace (Prov. 3:2) and light (Prov. 6:22), guiding me to seek You with all my heart (Jer. 29:13).
Your wisdom also exposes my foolishness, as Proverbs 28:26 warns: “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool,” yet Your grace renews me. Thank You for giving me a heart conquered by Your truth which is more glorious than earthly victories, as the righteous man declared: “I had rather overcome my own mind than all my enemies; and I would I were secure of myself, all the powers of hell cannot overcome me, nor make me unhappy if my own affections betray me not.” You are my light, my strength, my King, and I bow in awe of Your transforming love.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for Ecclesiastes 9:3:
Eccl. 8:11, Gen. 6:5, Ps. 51:5, Rom. 1:29, Titus 3:3.
[1] Richard Allestree, The Government of the Thoughts a Prefatory Discourse to The Government of the Tongue (London: R. Smith for Richard Cumberland .., 1694), 10.
