November 29, 2020
The title of the book in the Old Testament we refer to as Ecclesiastes comes from the Septuagint (LXX) which uses the Greek word ekklesiastes. The word means “preacher” and refers to the one who gathers an assembly of people and speaks to them. Solomon is accepted as the author of Ecclesiastes by most scholars. In the first verse he refers to himself as “the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” Additionally, he says he is, “king over Israel in Jerusalem” (1:12), and “besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge.” (12:9). Solomon was known as the son of King David (1 Kings 3), the third king over the united kingdom of Israel, and for unmatched wisdom in the land (1:16). The book can be dated around 930 B.C. because it was most likely composed in Solomon’s latter years.
Even though Solomon did not initially ask for long life, wealth, or the death of his enemies, but for wisdom to govern the people of Israel, God granted both. However, even though he knew better, he acted foolishly by taking many wives and worshipping other gods. He became selfish and apathetic towards God. Ecclesiastes is autobiographical as the old king reflects on his many foolish decisions and empty pursuits. He concludes that life without God and the pursuit of pleasure is all “vanity.” He warns subsequent generations to avoid the same mistakes he made and that a life lived without God is futile and meaningless.
Ecclesiastes 5
Fear God
1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.
4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear.
The Vanity of Wealth and Honor
8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. 9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.
10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.
13 There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14 and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16 This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? 17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.
18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- Solomon admonishes us to not be flippant with God and to always approach him with reverence and respect. What are some ways that we might carelessly fail to show God the respect due him?
- Don’t make hasty promises to God. Remember the words of Jesus when he said, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” (Matthew 5:37). Don’t use many words (v. 4) or approach God without thought.
- We must be sure to not break our promises to God (v. 4). Have you ever desired something in your life so badly that you made promises to God without considering all the ramifications?
- We often long for riches but fail to remember that sleeplessness (anxiety), pain, and fear can often accompany wealth, and poor business decisions can cause it all to slip away.
- However, riches gained with the proper perspective and reverence for God can bring joy and can be viewed as a gift from God (vv. 18-19).
- Laboring for God can bring joy to the heart (v. 20). Have you ever experienced the difference between laboring from selfish motives and personal gain verses working for the express purpose of pleasing God?
Prayer: Thank you Lord for the life you have given me. Through ups and downs and painful days, my heart is grateful for all you have done. Help me Holy Spirit to never be careless with the blessings God has given me, and to never be rash with words and promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all that I have…a home, a job, children, grandchildren and good health, a wonderful church family and friends. What more could I ask for? You have supplied all of my needs as you have promised. Please help me to be content and not have any vanity or desire to seek more. I want to live for you all the days of my life. Guide me in the paths you have laid out for my service . It is definitely more blessed to give than receive . In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
LORD, forgive me for I am such a sinner. Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to ransom my soul.
I surrender all.
In your will, use me this day to help others.
Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer.
Amen
Lord, thank you for providing above and beyond what I deserve. I pray that you will continue to give me a more generous heart, to share my life, my time, talent and treasure, to bless others with all you have given me.
V – 4. I made a vow to God the night I was saved 66 years ago in a tent meeting in a corn field out side of Bel Air, MD. I vowed never to consume alcoholic beverages, a vow that I have never broken. Evangelist Oliver B. Greene preached on the evils of alcohol. I heard that message, made my covenant, kept it and was never tempted to break it one time. I did business with God that night and He has empowered me to live my life without it. Glory to God and Him alone.