Q: In Ecclesiastes 7:8 it says, “The end of a thing is better than the beginning thereof.” How can one finish better than he started? —Okeleye
A: In these words found in Ecclesiastes, a book of Solomon’s wisdom literature, we find him emphasizing our need to patiently complete the projects before us. Sometimes a great start toward accomplishing something results in us becoming proud and boastful. But, in the end, that project that started out so well ends in failure because we stopped humbly moving forward in God’s power and sovereignty, and started to be filled with self and pride. So it’s much more important to God that we complete what we start with wisdom and patience, not how flashy or celebrated the start of the project might have been. I like how the New Living Translation puts it: “Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). By seeking God’s wisdom and patiently moving forward in His power, we can finish projects and life in a way that brings glory to Him. —Tom Felten
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daisymarygoldr on February 7, 2012 at 2:04 am
Here, there is a very vital lesson here for our spiritual life. It is not the beginning but finishing— that really matters. We can all start a marriage with a big fat wedding. But it is far better to remain married through thick and thin and be faithful till the very end.
The same is true of the Christian life. All start out with lots of good intentions. But many abandon their faith by falling to the lure of false teaching, love of money and lust of the flesh. So, how can one finish better than he started?
Look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith. No matter how far one strayed away it is not too late to turn around. Every time we fall, it is important to get up and keep running. When people hurt us in Church, we need to get over it and keep on loving others as long as life lasts. Then we will not become spiritually dull and indifferent (Hebrews 6:11-12).
Don’t get depressed or feel lonely when life becomes too dark. There are many out there who had to endure much worse. Draw close to those who are spiritually strong. Hang in there and don’t drop out. Be disciplined and persevere, despite the difficulties. Following through helps develop patience and humility in our character.
We must lift up our eyes to the eternal to have the right perspective. This life is worth nothing to us unless we use it for finishing the work assigned us by the Lord Jesus. To finish better one need not be smart or perfect. Remember, finishing determines how faithful we are— it is the proof of our fidelity and love for Jesus Christ.
AManofGod on February 7, 2012 at 11:41 am
This post brings back memories of the great speech in the film “Courageous” where the father tells his son how important it is that he finishes better than he started. This is so meaningful to me but it also leads to the disucssion of what happens when we start well and falter…..can we regain our “footing” and finish better after we stumble?
I like to use King David as an example of a man who stumbled. He fell to temptation, lust, desire and to self. He was a a murderer, an adulterer a lustful man and a liar to boot! (See 2 Samuel). Even after all this God called him “a man after His own heart!” How can this be? When David realized the level of his sins he knew what he had to do; SEEK GOD’S GRACE, MERCY AND FORGIVENESS! We cannot undue the sins we commit but through the blood of Christ we can be made righteous! David knew that…..and we must learn that too.
Only through God can any of us truly finish better than we started.
AManofGod
tom felten on February 7, 2012 at 1:18 pm
David’s poignant words in Psalm 51:10 say it all, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” The king had failed big-time, but God’s grace was sufficient to restore David as he came before God in brokenness and repentance.