Monday, January 24, 2011

Ecclesiastes Four: Oppression, make the burdens lighter for mankind


Ecclesiastes 4:1 “So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter”.

Again, the key point one needs to make is to be careful of the opinion you formulate in a trial. This following statement "... and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter..." is not the statement of a righteous man but is the gloom observation of a sinner who has no hope. You would be wise to not agree with Solomon on this point because he negates what he already has been taught and knows about the scriptures. Even the Pentateuch itself contradicts this (Exodus 3:7; Exodus 6:5).

In actuality we could say here that Solomon is indicting himself, he was the oppressor! Compare this verse to Job 29 where Job, a man of great power and influence, said he used his power and influence to release the captive and break the bands of the oppressors. Solomon did not follow the same pattern he lacked restraint and was driven by lust and power; he ground to powder those under him. Look at this passage 1 Kings 12:4, Solomon had become a monster to those under him. He would have done well to take the advice of his father David when he said those ruling of men must be just (2 Samuel 23:2-3). I have learned over the years that God is very tuned in to how we treat others; this is especially for those in authority. Kindness, consideration and politeness to those around us (and especially those under our authority) are of great value in the eyes of the Lord. God expects us to know the burden we place upon others and where it is in our power to lighten their loads. This truth cannot be overstated, use your authority and influence to make peoples burdens lighter not heavier.

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