Much Study

Ecclesiastes 12:12b
“Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”

There is a time and a place to defend your faith. Scripture tells us that we are always to be ready to give that defense to someone who asks us the reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15). But what if the questioner is not interested in asking about the hope?

I remember thinking that I had to give an answer to everyone regardless of their attitude. I soon learned, however, that not everyone is humble enough to receive the answers that we might give. On one occasion, a questioner online said that there were millions of contradictions in the Bible. I asked him to name just three. He posted 45. I spent several hours researching each of these alleged contradictions and posted a reasonable answer to every single one. In less than a minute, he posted that my comments were nonsense. He had not had sufficient time even to read the first answer, let alone the other 44.

Perhaps the amount of study was wearisome. It was certainly helpful to me, but not to my questioner, who had a closed mind.

There are many well-researched books about these alleged contradictions. I have even contributed to one myself. Of the making of these sort of books, there seems to be no end. The writer of Ecclesiastes noted that “much study is a weariness of the flesh”. Without reference to God, our study does become wearisome. But if it points humble hearts to God, then it is one of the most important things we can do.

Help me to show myself approved, Lord God. Help my study not to be wearisome, but to bring honor and glory to Your Name. Amen.

Author: Paul F. Taylor

Ref: Ham, K. (ed. 2010), Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 1, (Master Books). Image: Adobe Stock Images, licensed to author.