“The wise man’s eyes are in his head…” (Ecclesiastes 2:14). This is certainly one of the interesting statements made by Solomon. At first we might respond “of course they are in his head! Where else would they be?” However, Solomon was saying more than a given physiological fact. Notice some significant truths.
Wise men have prepared their minds so that their eyes can see. In Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman crying out in the streets, looking for someone to listen to her (1:20-33). In Ecclesiastes, Solomon said he “set his mind to know wisdom” (1:17). Wisdom comes from study, learning, observation and experience. Wise men and women become wise because they use their lives to learn. Today’s world seems to be dominated by fools. Numbers abound of those who have not prepared their minds. Therefore, they are blind.
Wise men use their eyes to prepare for coming events and problems. Solomon noted that wisdom will not keep one from death (1:16). Therefore, he needs to live in such a way that recognizes this inevitable end. Equally, a wise man “knows the proper time and procedure” (8:5). He is certainly aware of the pitfalls of not knowing the world environment around him—including the social, economic and political environment. Wisdom today enables one to see that dishonesty and deceit will not ultimately help the deceiver. Wisdom allows him to see that riches will not provide the happiness or peace that he needs, but can bring destruction (1 Timothy 6:7-10).
Wise men use their eyes to choose the right path. Solomon “saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness” (2:13). He noted that “the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors” (7:12b) and that “a wise man’s heart directs him toward the right” (10:2a). The world must not be the standard-setter for the wise man. He knows better than to be “conformed to the world” (Romans 12:1-2). The wise see beyond the supposed “foolishness of the cross” (1 Corinthians 1:18) and see in it the wisdom of God. They also see the manifold wisdom of God in the church (Ephesians 3:10).
Wise men use their eyes to see that they will never know it all. Solomon, who was blessed with divine wisdom, recognized this truth (8:16-17). When men think they “have arrived” and that they no longer need God’s council, direction and wisdom, they are fools (Jeremiah 10:23). Wise men turn to God, study His Word and prepare for Judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
Paul asked “where is the wise man?” (1 Corinthians 1:20). He could have asked, “Do you have eyes in your head?” Let’s hope we do.
