Ecclesiastes 7:7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad
Apr 10, 2020 10:12:53 GMT -5
Post by Radrook Admin on Apr 10, 2020 10:12:53 GMT -5
How indeed does oppression make a wise man mad or foolisgh? Below is a brief explanation followed by two examples.
Ecclesiastes 7:7
Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad
Which is to be understood either passively, when he is oppressed by others, or sees others oppressed; it raises indignation in him, disturbs his mind, and he is ready to pass a wrong judgment on the dispensations of Providence, and to say rash and unadvised things concerning them, ( Psalms 73:2 Psalms 73:3 Psalms 73:12-14 ) ; or actively, of oppression with which he oppresses others; when he gives into such measures, his wisdom departs from him, his mind is besotted, he acts the part of a madman, and pierces himself through with many sorrows.
www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/ecclesiastes-7-7.htm
www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/ecclesiastes-7-7.htm
One prominent example of how oppression can lead someone wise to behave foolishly is that of Peter during the night of Jesus’s arrest. First he lopped off someone’s ear. Next he exposed himself unnecessarily to danger by following the arresting mob. Then he denied knowing Christ. Normally he would not have done such a things. But the accumulation of oppressive incidents that night led him to behave unwisely.
Then we have Lot after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah becoming drunk. Normally, Lot, a man of God, would have not been in that vulnerable condition. But seeing his wife turned into a pillar of salt, the devastation that surrounded him, and all his former neighbors go up in flames. That as well as having his guests threatened with sodomy, led him to do such a foolish thing in order to alleviate his distress.
It is simply a part of being human to react that way sometimes when the pressure becomes too hard to bear. That’s where seeking forgiveness from God comes in and we are assured that in the name of Jesus if we ask for such forgiveness we will receive it.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.