There are good nuggets in this chapter, and I want to mention five of them that spoke to me. The first is found in verse 3. “Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything.” We all have a tendency sometimes to respond too quickly.
James, the natural brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, tells us much about the use of the tongue. James deals with the tongue in chapter 1 verses 19-20, 26. In chapter 3, James really gets into the problem of the tongue with several illustrations, but his answer to this problem is found in verses 17-18. “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all a pure and full of quiet gentleness. Then it is peace-loving and courteous. It allows discussion and is willing to yield to others; it is full of mercy and good deeds. It is wholehearted and straightforward and sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.”
Second, Solomon deals with our attitudes toward wealth. “Some rich people are poor, and some poor people have great wealth.” (Verse 7). If a person has great wealth but has no real friends or happiness in life, his wealth does him little good. However, a poor person who has good friends and enjoys life has the important things in life. Then, Solomon adds, “Being kidnapped and held for ransom never worries the poor man! (Verse 8).
Third, Solomon speaks to many people who have struggled all their lives just to make ends meet. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy.” (Verse 12). Many people work 40 or more years hoping to retire and spend their retirement years doing what they we not able to when they were younger, but those dreams never materialized. Others are blessed in ways that allow them to see their dreams. Only the Lord knows why.
Fourth, Solomon writes, “Despise God’s Word and find yourself in trouble. Obey it and succeed.” (Verse 13). We can read through the Bible every year and learn something new, but it is better to also meditate on sections of God’s Word. Reading books of Scripture chapter by chapter asking God to show you things you have never seen before will open and change your heart. But many Christians never open their Bible except maybe in church. That is what is meant by despising God’s Word.
Finally, Solomon points to the end of life. “When a good man dies, he leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren.” (Verse 22). There are several things a grandparent should leave to his grandchildren. One thing we should leave is our Christian faith. Christians should hold to the promise Paul declared to the Philippians jailer; “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and your entire household.” (Acts 16:31).