December 3, 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 9
Death Comes to All
1 But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him. 2 It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. 4 But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.
Enjoy Life with the One You Love
7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Wisdom Better Than Folly
11 Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. 12 For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.
13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. 14 There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 15 But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.
17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- God will judge correctly in the final day because he recalls perfectly and there will be no inequities. We can give thanks that our God is perfectly accurate in his judgements.
- The same events happen to the righteous and the wicked, but they are handled differently based on a relationship with God. God never promised that all problems would go away, and life would be easy. However, he has promised us his presence and care in the difficult times. In Matthew 11:8 Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
- Sometimes godly wisdom will not be appreciated in this world. We would do well to consider the wisdom of those who have lived many years and learned from this life. But sometimes the wisdom of our elders is taken for granted or easily dismissed.
- Consider the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
- James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Prayer: Holy Spirit, I pray for your wisdom and for insight to this life. Help me to live godly and prudent, and to not be deceived by the evil one. Help me to understand your ways and to walk in them. Lead me in the way everlasting and to keep the narrow path. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The message for today, seek wisdom above else. From where does wisdom come? Jesus, seek Him.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Yes,thank you for all of your wisdom. I lean on you daily for understanding and leadership. I know you know what is best for me and what lies ahead. Please guide me in the paths that you have laid out for me so that I will make choices pleasing to you. Help me each and everyday as I endeavor to live for you and work through me and use me as an instrument for your glory. Open my eyes and ears that I may see and hear from you. In Jesus’ most precious name. Amen.
Dear Lord, lead us in the way everlasting and help us keep to the narrow way that leads to you and eternal life. We pray for all your saints that you keep us all from being deceived in this last hour. Thank you. Dear Lord Jesus for your might and power that saves us. We love you Lord and we wait for your Glorious appearing???
In Jesus Almighty name we pray Amen!
Heavenly Father,
May I praise your Holy Name all through this day.
May I see you in all that I encounter acknowledging your glory and majesty.
As I rise to face this day, may I plant my feet on the rock of your salvation, I cry out for more of your Holy Spirit to enable me to accomplish your purpose in my life today.
Father, I have breath in my lungs today and my heart is beating strong. May I be found worthy of another day this side of glory.
I lift up my family and friends before you. Comfort, heal, provide, guide, and for some, may today be the day they accept your son and your free gift of eternal salvation.
Now, together LORD, let’s be going and kick on the gates of hell seeking to save one more for your son, Jesus Christ.
For it is in name I pray,
Amen
Beautiful words Terry
How comforting it is to know that I am in God’s hands.
Because life is more than this experience we are living now, help me be more sensitive and anchor everything in this life, good and bad, to that fact my soul will continue in God’s presence in eternity. I pray that my eternal future though, will not lead me to minimize this life, but to be fully present in the moments God gives me here and now. In Jesus’ name I pray.