This post is Day 17 in a series of studies about “The Weather”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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The Weather – Day 17

In long ago days it was essential to understand what the weather was going to do. In order to plant the right things at the right time, and to take the right precautions to stop crops being ruined by extreme weather, understanding the message in the sky was very important.

Ecclesiastes 11:4

Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap.

The Thought

The book of Ecclesiastes was written mostly by King Solomon, King David’s son. It is similar in many ways to the book of Proverbs, which he also wrote the majority of. Both books are full of wise sayings. Some of these sayings sound amusing in our day, but many are still good advice! We must remember that they were written hundreds of years before anything was motorised and while modern technology was still just a dream in God’s mind.

Both the wind and the clouds can be interesting phenomena to watch. Farmers today, both professional and amateur, still take note of the weather patterns. In long ago days it was essential to understand what the weather was going to do. In order to plant the right things at the right time, and to take the right precautions to stop crops being ruined by extreme weather, understanding the message in the sky was very important.

There can be lots of spiritual messages for us there too if we listen to the Lord and ask Him to help us understand!

But if the farm labourer watched the wind and clouds all day, not making any firm decisions, that would become laziness. Both Proverbs and Ecclesiastes have much advice to give to those who are idle.

Anything that distracts us from what we should be doing is not a good idea. Self discipline is an important character for all believers to develop!

Action

If you live in an area where they are evident, then take some time to look at the clouds and watch the wind today.

Ask yourself how disciplined you are about essential things.

Ask yourself how you prioritise things including prayer times and Bible study.

Read more of Ecclesiastes and let it challenge you.

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