Ecclesiastes 7:19-24

Righteousness does not always protect from adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:15-16), but wisdom will help guard us against it (Ecclesiastes 7:19).

"Wisdom is not the knowledge of accumulated facts but the inner strength that comes from a God-instructed conscience." [Note: J. S. Wright, "Ecclesiastes," p. 1176.]

Wisdom is necessary because righteousness does not protect completely (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Solomon illustrated the fact-in Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 -that no one is perfectly righteous. If you think you are perfect, just ask those closest to you if you are (Ecclesiastes 7:21). If people are honest with themselves, they will admit that they are not perfect (Ecclesiastes 7:22).

"In itself, 21 f. is excellent advice, since to take too seriously what people say of us is asking to get hurt, and in any case we have all said some wounding things in our time." [Note: Kidner, p. 69.]

Wisdom also has its limitations. It is not a completely reliable shield against adversity (Ecclesiastes 7:23-24). Even Solomon with all his wisdom could not ward off all adversity. He did not have sufficient wisdom to do this, and no one else does either.