Title: When wisdom is tested.

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Scripture focus: Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. Ecclesiastes 7:7  KJV 

Devotion: Life can test even the strongest believer. When we witness injustice or become victims of oppression, our hearts can become overwhelmed with anger, frustration, and discouragement. Ecclesiastes 7:7 reminds us, “Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart” (KJV). This verse reveals two dangers that can derail a person from walking in wisdom: the bitterness caused by oppression and the corruption caused by dishonest gain.

Oppression has a way of stirring deep emotions. A wise person who repeatedly experiences unfair treatment or sees others suffer may become angry and tempted to question God's justice. Yet Scripture encourages us not to allow anger to control us. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26). While God understands our pain, He calls us to trust Him as the righteous Judge. “Do not say, ‘I will avenge this evil!’ Wait on the Lord, and He will save you” (Proverbs 20:22). Rather than letting oppression drive us into despair or resentment, we can bring our burdens to God, knowing that He sees every injustice and will act in His perfect time.

The second warning concerns the “gift,” referring to a bribe or dishonest gain. Such gifts may seem beneficial in the moment, but they silently erode integrity and distort judgment. As Exodus 23:8 declares, “Thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.” When we allow greed or personal advantage to influence our decisions, our hearts become compromised, and our ability to discern right from wrong is weakened. God desires truth and uprightness in the inner person, valuing character above temporary profit.

As followers of Christ, we are called to guard both our emotions and our integrity. Let us not allow oppression to fill our hearts with bitterness, nor let the lure of dishonest gain corrupt our judgment. Instead, may we trust God's justice, walk in righteousness, and seek wisdom that comes from above, which is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated” (James 3:17).

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to remain steadfast when faced with injustice and suffering. Guard my heart from anger, bitterness, and the temptation of dishonest gain. Give me wisdom to trust Your justice, courage to do what is right, and grace to maintain integrity in every circumstance. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Share your thoughts on this here and please feel free to share this with your contacts. ©Dr Joel Olanrewaju gbemide09@gmail.com.

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