Building a Life on Solid Ground: Timeless Wisdom from Solomon and Real-Life Lessons

Some build their lives on stilts.

When we lived on the Texas Gulf Coast, many built houses on stilts to avoid the havoc of hurricanes. The main house was elevated and eligible for insurance, whereas the space underneath was not. I found it odd to place all your hope on lumber to support what was important, no matter how strong.

In contrast, consider the seawall in Galveston. After the devastating 1900 hurricane, town leaders built a massive concrete wall to keep water out, which was finished in 1904. This wall symbolized a need for a stable, long-term solution to prevent disaster.

So, the question arises: “Is your life built on sticks or stability?”

Many seek the latest technique or tip, trying TikTok fads or time-saving hacks. However, true stability can be found in an ancient, often overlooked book with a dark tone. Solomon, the wisest man of his time, wrote Ecclesiastes, where he saw little value in what men typically cherish.

Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, is described in 1 Kings:

“For he was wiser than all other men, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol, and his fame was in all the surrounding nations. He also spoke 3,000 proverbs, and his songs were 1,005. He spoke of trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, and birds, and of reptiles, and fish.” (1 Kings 4:31–33, ESV)

The queen of Sheba traveled a thousand miles to witness his wisdom firsthand, declaring that “the half had not been told.”

Yet, in his old age, Solomon saw the futility in much of what he once valued. His experiences offer timeless lessons on what makes life worthwhile.

Some call it happiness, others fulfillment. Solomon speaks to living life free from anxiety and worry. What does Solomon say about building a stable life?

Stop Listening to What Everyone Says

“Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.” (Ecclesiastes 7:21, ESV)

Critics come and go. Some people have no control over their words. While words can sting, this only happens if we listen to them. Recognize that not all opinions matter. Let go of harmful words, for they carry no weight if we don’t give them power.

Life is Now, Not Later

“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” (Ecclesiastes 11:6, ESV)

Procrastination, the habit of delaying actions, is a scourge of our time. Many wait for the perfect moment, but you never know what tomorrow holds. Act now, lest tomorrow steal your opportunity. Remember Mark Twain’s advice: “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”

Avoid Extreme Thinking

“Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?” (Ecclesiastes 7:16–17, ESV)

Extreme thinking attracts attention but seldom leads to lasting results. Avoid an “all or nothing” mentality. Measure the opinions you encounter and remain skeptical of dogmatism. Balance is key; recognize that you could be wrong.

Focus on Keeping Your Reputation Spotless

“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1, ESV)

Many focus on their public image, promoting their “brands” without considering the person behind the image. Jesus condemned the Pharisees as hypocrites for caring more about appearances than integrity. Strive to be a better person, not just to present a better image.

These four principles can transform anyone’s life. For the young, heed this wisdom early. For those older, it’s never too late to start.

Remember, others will remember the person, not the persona. Is your life built on sticks or stability?