One cannot beat crafting a life based on biblical principles. But occasionally I come across something that gives me pause. Like this bit of advice from Solomon:

Frustration is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.

I experience both frustration and laughter, and I know which one I prefer. This musing sounds less like a vibrant young king and more like a dour old man, which is what Solomon became.

However, his thoughts on investing remain spot-on:

Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land.

Like financial counselors today, the richest man in the ancient world encouraged his readers to diversify. Sound advice from a long-term creator of wealth, a man who developed numerous construction projects and sent ships trading across the seas.

Diversify yes, embrace frustration in order to promote heart health not so much. Solomon turned from the Lord in the latter years of his kingship, allured by wealth and wives. I read these musings to gain wisdom, but also to notice where a life of indulgence leads.

Take the old man’s advice to heart, but flag his pursuit of pleasure as a warning.

Ecclesiastes 7 & 11 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Tita