How to Become the Smartest Person in the World

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecc. 12:13-14

There Was This Guy -- the smartest man in the world, who was on a small plane with four other passengers, flying over the Rockies. The other passengers were a doctor, a politician, a minister, and a college student. And, of course, there was the pilot. Things were going along smoothly when a sudden blast of air forced the plane upwards, and then caused it to stall. Beads of sweat formed on the pilot’s brow as he tried to restart the engine -- to no avail. He turned to the passengers and said, “We have six people on board, but only five parachutes. I must take one of them because my large family needs their father.” And with that he grabbed a parachute and jumped. The politician said, “The country needs me now more than ever,” and he, too, grabbed a chute and jumped. Then the doctor said, “I have many, many patients who desperately need me. I must have one of the parachutes.” So he grabbed another pack and jumped. The smartest man in the world said, “I am brilliant beyond my years. I know everything about anything; and am on the verge of some of the greatest discoveries and the most amazing breakthroughs in history. Certainly the world needs me more than ever!” And so he grabbed a pack and jumped. Leaving only one parachute between two remaining passengers. The minister turned to the student and said, “Young man, I’ve lived a full and meaningful life. I’m ready to meet my Maker. You take the last parachute and go.” The student calmly replied, “Oh I don’t think that’s necessary, Pastor. You see, the smartest man in the world just jumped out of the plane with my back pack!”

All of us have at times have made unbelievably stupid mistakes – regardless of how smart we think we are. Life is like that. No one walks on this earth without stumbling from time to time. Aren’t you glad that others don’t know about many of the blunders in your life? But of course we know there is One who does know about every mistake and every sin in our life. Everything that is known and everything that is hidden. He is the One who sovereignly watches over every moment of our life. The One to whom we will ultimately answer. The verse above reminds us that one day every deed whether good or evil will be brought under His judgment. So it is a very smart person who lives day to day mindful of the way he conducts himself.

Now the interesting thing about these verses is that it was written by a man who really was the smartest man in the world. The Bible tells us that King Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. Not only was he the wisest man but he was also the wealthiest man who ever lived. As such he had the ability to pursue every endeavor that attracted his attention. Solomon tasted everything this world has to offer. And consistently time after time – no matter what he explored - he was left with the same discovery. No matter what he did, it did not add any real significance to his life.

In a way, Ecclesiastes is one of the most depressing books in the Bible. It starts with the statement that everything in life is meaningless – utterly meaningless! And that’s the high point of the entire book. It’s all down hill from that point on as Solomon explores the significance of obtaining wisdom, chasing after pleasure, the value of work, building great projects, planting vineyards gardens and parks, amassing silver and gold. After he indulges himself in each one of these pursuits he comes to the conclusion: “Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.” In other words, “I’ve done everything possible to try and fill the hole in my life. And nothing works! I still feel miserable! I still feel like I’m missing something!” If that’s the best answer the smartest man in the world comes up with – I’m in trouble.

But Solomon does make a great discovery after indulging himself in everything the world has to offer. Significance and meaning in life may not be found in worldly pursuits, but it is found in living in a right relationship with God. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Solomon says, “Here’s the bottom line, to everything I’ve been saying.” “The only worthwhile pursuit that will not end in potential disappointment is having a personal relationship with God.” So smarten up and make sure you don’t spend your life chasing after the wind. Chase after your Savior and he will not disappoint you.

Thankful for all you wise people,
PT