A Wise Child

Long ago Solomon came to understand that two is better than one, and three is much stronger.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken. [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 KJV]

Mankind has created a great many tools to help get work done. From a couple of pieces of flint and a spear used to provide food, we’ve grown past a wheel to carry a load to huge factories that use machines to complete work for us. Even those require men to maintain and repair. No one can endure the work alone. Solitary confinement remains a punishment. It is very important who is selected to create that strong cord.

Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. [Ecclesiastes 4:13 KJV]

Accepting admonishment requires at least two – one to do the admonishment and one to receive it. I believe this verse truly belongs following verse 12. There is a good message here for those who need admonishment to return their lives to a workable solution.

We’ve often seen in the entertainment and sports world people who have come into great fame and/or wealth. Very quickly they are surrounded with others tagging along for handouts. The word that comes to mind is sycophant – one who uses compliments to gain favor or gain through the powerful. Perhaps that should truly be ‘psycho fan.’

A poor and wise child has nothing to offer such people, but an old and foolish king – or singer, or athlete, or executive, or politician, or preacher – can fall prey to those who constantly tell them “Rules are for others. You can do anything money can buy.” One of the saddest example is Michael Jackson. It is easier to insulate with sycophants than it is to hear those around who would admonish.

When Roman conquerors returned to the city in parades, there would be a slave standing in their chariot who whispered in their ear “Momento mori.” “Remember you are mortal.” In a couple of cases, those generals forgot to heed that admonishment. Caesar Augustus, made into a child of the gods. The lives of following emperors were no more fortunate than some of our headliners today. Instead of drugs and infidelity, though, they were brought down by physical opposition.

Where can we find that “poor and wise child” in us in order to stay better? Heeding the wisdom of the ages, the book that carries these verses. The book that teaches It is more blessed to give than to receive. [Acts 20:35 KJV] The book that tells us For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [John 3:16 KJV] The book that shows in many ways we need to be that wise child.

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. [Matthew 18:1-4 KJV]