Righteous Reasoning

 “Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason, And a bribe debases the heart. For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.” Ecclesiastes 7:7, 12 NKJV

Knowledge is power, irrespective of the power in focus among the following ascending orders (1) material power; (2) mental power; and (3) inspirational power. While the base knowledge for material power increases wealth, riches, and fame, it readily disposes of its occupiers of decency and decorum, leading the heart into recklessness and insensitivity to the plights of the poor. Likewise, the higher order knowledge for mental power increases wisdom and the intelligence of its occupiers for defense against injustice and oppression. Unfortunately, without the knowledge of God and access to His righteousness, both the material and mental power become a trap for the occupiers’ distraction and destruction. The preacher’s declaration that “the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it” agrees with Christ’s exhortation about the righteous reasoning that “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent (John 17:3)”. Therefore, the excellence of knowledge in our career, family, and social relationships is simply the promotion of God and His righteousness; any deviation from this fact is unrighteous reasoning.