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Ecclesiastes Lesson Twenty

Ecclesiastes Lesson Twenty: Ecclesiastes 11:1-10 – Invest in Life

Send your bread on the surface of the waters, 

for after many days you may find it. 

2 Give a portion to seven or even to eight, 

for you don’t know what disaster may happen on earth. 

3 If the clouds are full, they will pour out rain on the earth; 

whether a tree falls to the south or the north, 

the place where the tree falls, there it will lie. 

4 One who watches the wind will not sow, 

and the one who looks at the clouds will not reap. 

5 Just as you don’t know the path of the wind, 

or how bones develop in  the womb of a pregnant woman, 

so you don’t know the work of God who makes everything. 

6 In the morning sow your seed, 

and at evening do not let your hand rest, 

because you don’t know which will succeed, 

whether one or the other, 

or if both of them will be equally good. 

7 Light is sweet, 

and it is pleasing for the eyes to see the sun. 

8 Indeed, if a man lives many years, 

let him rejoice in them all, 

and let him remember the days of darkness, since they will be many. 

All that comes is futile. 

9 Rejoice, young man, while you are young, 

and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. 

And walk in the ways of your heart 

and in the sight of your eyes; 

but know that for all of these things God will bring you to judgment. 

10 Remove sorrow from your heart, 

and put away pain from your flesh, 

because youth and the prime of life are fleeting. (HCSB)

I’ll be splitting this lesson into two parts.

  • Live by faith – verses 1-6.
  • Life is a gift, so enjoy it – verses 7-10.

Live by Faith

  • None of us will ever experience perfect circumstances throughout our lives. Still, we need to obey and trust God for the results.
  • If we wait for the perfect opportunity, it may never come, and life will pass us by.
  • The author uses two points to illustrate living by faith: a merchant sending out his ships and a farmer sowing seeds. In both cases, faith is needed since neither can control the circumstances surrounding their endeavors.
    • Merchant ships.
      • The phrase “Send your bread on the surface of the waters” is better understood as sending your grain on ships to other countries for trade.
      • Often, it would be months before the ships would return with their cargo. But, when they did return, the merchant’s patience would be rewarded with precious cargo or gold.
      • Verse two alludes to the fact the merchant would spread their cargo over several ships and not “putting all his eggs in one basket.”
      • But it can also mean that wealthy people should use their resources to help as many people as possible.
      • The phrase “You don’t know,” which appears three times in this section, is key.
        • We are ignorant of our future, but we can’t allow that ignorance to make us so fearful that we become careless or paralyzed.
        • It should make us careful when we plan and execute our plans.
    • Farmers.
      • Farming has always been challenging work, and this was especially true in biblical times in the Holy Land.
        • The soil was often rocky.
        • The farmers depended on early and late rains to grow their crops.
        • Weather prediction was an unknown science at the time, and the farmer was at the mercy of nature.
      • Verse three contrasts clouds and trees.
        • Clouds are constantly changing, and the hope is they will bring much-needed rain, but they also mean disasters can occur.
        • Trees are permanent. They stand in the same place unless a storm knocks them over. If they’re knocked over, they lie and rot.
    • The ships may encounter bad weather or be attacked by pirates, resulting in a loss to the cargo.
    • The farmer could encounter stormy weather or insects, both resulting in the loss of crops.
    • They’d never rise from their chair if both waited for the ideal time to conduct business.
    • Life always has a certain amount of risk, and that’s where faith allows us to overcome the hesitation to take action.
  • Verse four once again admonishes us not to wait for the perfect conditions, which will never happen anyway!!
    • The winds and clouds will constantly be changing and seldom ideal.
    • Those who look for an excuse to avoid activity will always find one that is suitable.
    • Life is an adventure. 
    • We must step out in faith, even when the circumstances seem less than ideal.
  • Verse five reminds us we’ll never know or understand the plans of God.
    • We won’t understand “the path of the wind” or how a baby is formed in the womb.
    • God has a time and purpose for everything.
    • We need to live by faith in His Word.
    • We also see a parallel with Jesus’ words to Nicodemus. John 3:8 The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
  • Verse six is a reminder to use each day wisely.
    • Don’t be lazy and sleep in. Get up and get to work.
    • Work with effort until the evening.
    • Ephesians 5:15-17 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.
    • We need to trust God to bless at least some of our tasks. 
    • The closer we walk according to His plan, the more our work will be blessed.
    • But, also remember there are times we may not see the fruit of our work until later, or possibly even after we pass from this life. 
  • Life is an adventure of faith.
    • Each of us is like a merchant investing today in what will pay dividends tomorrow.
    • If we are consumed by worry and fail to take action, we will never accomplish anything.
    • Trust in God requires a call to action.
    • Our commitment must be wholehearted and ungrudging.
    • The famous concert pianist Arthur Rubinstein once said, “Of course, there is no formula for success except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings.”

Life is a Gift, So Enjoy It

  • This is the sixth and final admonition from the author that we accept life as a gift and learn to enjoy all that God shares with us.
    • Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work.  I have seen that even this is from God’s hand.
    • Ecclesiastes 3:12-15, 22 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. 13 It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. 14 I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him. 15 Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. God repeats what has passed…I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities because that is his reward. For who can enable him to see what will happen after he dies?
    • Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. 19 God has also given riches and wealth to every man, and He has allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, 20 for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.
    • Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I commended enjoyment because there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself, for this will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. 
    • Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works. 8 Let your clothes be white all the time, and never let oil be lacking on your head. 9 Enjoy life with the wife you love all the days of your fleeting life, which has been given to you under the sun, all your fleeting days. For that is your portion in life and in your struggle under the sun. 10 Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength, because there is no work, planning, knowledge, or wisdom in Sheol where you are going.
  • We need to live with an attitude of rejoicing.
    • We should anticipate each new day and accept it as a gift from God.
    • Deuteronomy 33:25 May the bolts of your gate be iron and bronze, and your strength last as long as you live. 
    • Enjoy each day, even those that present a challenge or may seem difficult.
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always! 17 Pray constantly. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 
    • Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
    • This attitude is especially true the younger you are.
      • Take advantage of the days of your youth.
      • As we get older, our bodies weaken, and our minds dim; we cannot accomplish or enjoy life as much as we used to.
      • At the same time, being youthful isn’t a free license to live in a manner contrary to God’s teaching and follow our internal sinful desires.
      • Mark 7:20-23 Then He said, “What comes out of a person—that defiles him. 21 For from within, out of people’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, 22 adulteries,  greed,  evil actions, deceit, promiscuity, stinginess,  blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a person.”
      • The author reinforces this point at the end of verse nine, “But know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment.”
    • In the final verse of this lesson, the word “sorrow” in the original Hebrew has the following meanings: anger, bitterness, grief, indignation, or provocation.
      • If we are living in alignment with God’s will, we should have the peace of God in our hearts. Philippians 4:6-9 Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,  whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things. 9 Do what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
      • Life is all too short, which we often don’t realize until we get older. There’s no reset button on our lives.
      • The best way to have a happy adult life and contented old age is to get a good start early and avoid the things that will bring trouble later in life.
      • Young people who take care of their minds and bodies, avoid the destructive sins of the flesh, and build good habits of health and holiness will have a better chance for happy adult years than those who “sow their wild oats” and pray for a crop failure.
      • Charles Spurgeon once said, “Youthful sins lay a foundation for aged sorrows.

Applications

  • Live in obedience to God’s Word. When we do this, it doesn’t mean we won’t have tough times or face trials. It does mean that as we face these challenges, walk by faith, and place our trust in God, He will see us through to the end of these trials. Sometimes, we face trials to grow our faith or to prepare us for future Kingdom work. 
  • Don’t wait for our perceived “perfect time.” Often, the perfect time will never happen, and we’re left at the starting line of life, wondering why we’ve missed out on opportunities. Life is not risk-free. At the same time, we need to balance risk-taking and risk mitigation. Being foolish is not being faithful. 
  • Make the most of your time each day. As we get older, we often regret not making the most of our time when we were younger. It’s impossible to reset the “clock of life.” 
  • Enjoy life and rejoice in what God has given you. For each person, it’s different. Yet, regardless of our circumstances, we should rejoice as we walk in obedience to God, knowing that when we place our faith in Christ, our eternal future and everlasting rejoicing are made secure.
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Ecclesiastes Lesson Nineteen

Ecclesiastes Lesson Nineteen: Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 – Wisdom Preferable to Folly

 Dead flies make a perfumer’s oil ferment and stink; 

so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. 

2 A wise man’s heart goes to the  right, 

but a fool’s heart to the left. 

3 Even when the fool walks along the road, his heart lacks sense, 

and he shows everyone he is a fool. 

4 If the ruler’s anger rises against you, don’t leave your place, 

for calmness puts great offenses to rest. 

5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, an error proceeding from the presence of the ruler:

6 The fool is appointed to great heights, 

but the rich remain in lowly positions. 

7 I have seen slaves on horses, 

but princes walking on the ground like slaves. 

8 The one who digs a pit may fall into it, 

and the one who breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. 

9 The one who quarries stones may be hurt by them; 

the one who splits trees may be endangered by them. 

10 If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, 

then one must exert more strength; 

however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success. 

11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, 

then there is no advantage for the charmer. 

12 The words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, 

but the lips of a fool consume him. 

13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, 

but the end of his speaking is evil madness. 

14 Yet the fool multiplies words. 

No one knows what will happen, 

and who can tell anyone what will happen after him? 

15 The struggles of fools weary them, 

for they don’t know how to go to the city. 

16 Woe to you, land, when your king is a youth 

and your princes feast in the morning. 

17 Blessed are you, land, when your king is a son of nobles 

and your princes feast at the proper time— 

for strength and not for drunkenness. 

18 Because of laziness the roof caves in, 

and because of negligent hands the house leaks. 

19 A feast is prepared for laughter, 

and wine makes life happy, 

and money is the answer for everything. 

20 Do not curse the king even in your thoughts, 

and do not curse a rich person even in your bedroom, 

for a bird of the sky may carry the message, 

and a winged creature may report the matter. (HCSB)

I’ll be dividing this lesson into five segments.

  • Introduction – verses 1-3.
  • The foolish ruler – verses 4-7.
  • Foolish workers – verses 8-11.
  • Foolish talkers – verses 12-15.
  • Foolish officers – verses 16-20.

Introduction

  • In Ecclesiastes 7:1, the writer says, “A good name is better than fine perfume.”
  • Now, he shows that a good name can be easily lost.
    • How often have we seen or read about someone well-respected who chooses the wrong words or comments that offend a group of people? Almost instantaneously, they have lost their good reputation. They have a “dead fly in their perfume.” 
    • Or one foolish act or decision causing the same result.
    • There’s a saying that “one aw shucks does away with a lot of atta boys.”
  • Why are some people wise and others foolish? It’s connected with their heart.
    • The wise person chooses the right direction.
    • The foolish person chooses the wrong direction.
    • Our heart will guide us for both right and wrong.
  • In the ancient world, the right hand was the place of power and honor, while the left represented weakness and rejection.
    • Matthew 25:33-34 He will put the sheep on His right and the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
    • Many people also considered the left side to be unlucky.
  • Since a foolish person doesn’t have wisdom, they are attracted to the wrong or left side.
  • Even if the foolish person walks along the road, they’ll gravitate to the wrong side, showing everyone along the path that they are foolish.

Foolish Ruler

  • In this section, the terms fools, slaves, rich, and princes don’t refer to social status. They refer to moral character.
    • The fools and slaves are not worthy of advancement.
    • The rich and princes are people who possess noble character.
  • If anyone needs wisdom, it’s the ruler of a nation.
    • When God asked Solomon what gift he wanted, the king asked for wisdom.
    • President Lyndon Johnson once said, “A president’s hardest task is not to do what’s right, but to know what’s right.”
  • The picture painted in this section is of a proud ruler who is easily angered and takes out his anger on the attendants around him.
    • If a person can’t control themselves, how can he hope to control his people?
    • Proverbs 25:28 A man who does not control his temper is like a city whose wall is broken down.
    • At the same time, just because the ruler acts like a fool doesn’t mean the attendants must follow suit.
      • That’s the worst thing you can do. Ecclesiastes 8:3 Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants.
      • It’s better to exhibit wisdom and patience. Proverbs 25:15 A ruler can be persuaded through patience, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.
  • There is a thing called righteous anger that sometimes does need to be displayed.
    • Ephesians 4:26 Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.
    • However, we must be careful that righteous anger isn’t confused with jealousy and malice.
    • Not every religious crusader is motivated by love for God or obedience to Scripture.
  • At the same time, rulers need to execute sound decisions.
    • If the ruler lacks character and courage, he will put fools in high positions in the government while placing more qualified people in lower offices.
      • Proverbs 19:10 Luxury is not appropriate for a fool — how much less for a slave to rule over princes!
      • Proverbs 30:21-22a The earth trembles under three things; it cannot bear up under four: 22 a servant when he becomes king.
    • The story of Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12:1-24 is a great example.
      • He ignored the advice of the wise counselors.
      • Instead, he listened to the foolish advice of his young friends.
  • The best rulers and leaders are tough-minded but tenderhearted, who put the best people in the right positions and don’t apologize for it. 

Foolish Workers

  • Admittedly, this section has perplexed scholars regarding its meaning.
  • Was the writer saying that every job has dangers associated with it?
    • Why did he take so much space to illustrate the thought if this was the case?
    • The theme is folly, but he wasn’t teaching that hard work was folly because you might get injured.
    • Throughout Ecclesiastes, the author has emphasized the importance of honest work and the joy it brings.
  • There are two primary schools of thought.
    • The first describes people who attempted work and suffered because they were foolish in how they did their work.
      • A man digs a pit, maybe a well or a place to store grain, and doesn’t take proper precautions and ends up falling into it.
      • Another man breaks through a wall, only to be bitten by a snake.
        • Snakes often hide in crevices or cracks.
        • Not taking care to make sure there weren’t any snakes hiding where work was being done is being foolish.
      • Careless workers can be injured cutting stones or splitting tree logs.
    • Verse ten could be summarized by the thought, “Work smarter, not harder.”
      • A man attempts to cut down trees or cut the tree into logs.
      • However, his ax head is dull.
      • The wise worker would stop and sharpen the ax before proceeding, making his job easier.
      • The foolish worker would blindly trudge ahead, using a dull ax, expending more energy and taking more time.
  • The second line of thought is that the author is using two pairs of aphorisms to talk about political counselors.
    • The first pair, in verses 8-9, concerns the instabilities of political life.
      • Verse 8 is talking about those who plot evil against others. Often, their plans backfire.
      • Verse 9 talks about those who are engaged in legitimate activity and being hurt in the process. Even those who serve fairly and justly can see their efforts blow up in their face.
    • The wise counselor can avoid these negative outcomes.
      • By avoiding wasted effort – verse 10.
      • By avoiding personal danger – verse 11.

Foolish Talkers

  • The Book of Proverbs contains many references to the speech of fools. In this section, the author points out four characteristics of foolish speech.
  • There are destructive words – verse 12.
    • A wise person will speak gracious words suited to the listener or the occasion.
      • Proverbs 10:32a The lips of the righteous know what is appropriate.
      • Proverbs 25:11 A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray.
    • Destructive words are compared to weapons of war, fire, or a poisonous beast.
      • Proverbs 25:18 A man giving false testimony against his neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
      • James 3:5-6 So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things.  Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. 6 And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
      • James 3:7-8 Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
    • We hurt ourselves the most when we use destructive words.
      • Proverbs 13:3 The one who guards his mouth protects his life; the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.
      • Proverbs 21:23 The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
  • There are unreasonable words – verse 13.
    • As soon as a person opens their mouth, you can tell they have no idea what they are talking about.
    • Often, the longer these individuals talk, the crazier they get.
    • Titus 1:10a For there are also many rebellious people, full of empty talk and deception.
    • The Jewish writer Shalom Aleichem said, “You can tell when fool speaks: he grinds much and produces little.”
  • There are uncontrolled words – verse 14a.
    • A foolish person is full of words without realizing they are saying nothing of substance.
    • Proverbs 10:19a When there are many words, sin is unavoidable.
    • A person who can control their tongue can control their entire body. James 3:1-2 Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment, 2 for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says,  he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.
  • There are boastful words – verses 14b-15.
    • Foolish people talk about the future as if they know what will occur or if they can control the outcome.
    • Proverbs 27:1 Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.
    • There’s even a bit of humor here.
      • The fool boasts about their future plans.
      • They wear out others with their boastful talk.
      • But the fool can’t even find their way into the city.
      • Since roads were marked in Bible times with the names of cities, a traveler could easily find the right path. Yet, the fool is so busy talking about the future they can’t find their way in the present.

Foolish Officers

  • The author now talks about the folly of officers working under rulers. He lists four characteristics of these foolish men.
    • They engaged in indulgence – verses 16-17.
      • If the leader is immature, those they place around themself will reflect that immaturity.
      • The immature subordinates will take advantage of the situation for personal gain.
      • If the leader is of a noble character, they will surround themself with noble subordinates who place the good of the country first.
      • True leaders use their authority to build the nation.
      • Officeholders use the nation’s resources to build their authority and personal gain.
      • The appointment of an immature leader can be viewed as God’s judgment. Isaiah 3:1-5 Observe this: The Lord God of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and from Judah every kind of security: the entire supply of bread and water, 2 the hero and warrior, the judge and prophet, the fortune-teller and elder, 3 the commander of 50 and the dignitary, the counselor, cunning magician,  and necromancer. 4 “I will make youths their leaders, and the unstable will govern them.” 5 The people will oppress one another, man against man, neighbor against neighbor; the youth will act arrogantly toward the elder, and the worthless toward the honorable.
    • They were incompetent – verse 18.
      • The foolish officers were so busy with enjoyment that they had no time to do their work.
      • Both the buildings and the organization began to crumble.
      • Proverbs 18:9 The one who is truly lazy in his work is brother to a vandal.
      • Immature people enjoy the privileges and ignore the responsibilities.
      • Mature people see responsibilities as privileges and use them to help others.
    • They were indifferent – verse 19.
      • The personal philosophy of the foolish officers is captured here.
        • Eat all you can.
        • Enjoy all you can.
        • Get all you can.
      • They are indifferent to the responsibilities of their office or the needs of the people.
      • 1 Timothy 6:10a For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.
    • They practiced indiscretion – verse 20.
      • Even when we can’t respect the person in the office, we must respect the office. 
      • Romans 13:1-7 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities,  for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. 4 For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. 6 And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks.  7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes, tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect,  and honor to those you owe honor. 
      • Regardless of how careful a person thinks they are, when evil words are spoken, there is a great likelihood that the message will be passed. This is especially true when the one passing the message thinks they can profit from sharing it.

Applications

  • Walk in wisdom. While this may seem like common sense, in today’s world, it gets harder each day. What the world views as wisdom, Scripture would say, is foolishness. At the end of our days, we won’t answer to family, friends, or co-workers about our decisions. We’ll answer to the God of the universe. What will He say about our choices?
  • Give your work an honest effort. Do your best, plan carefully, and give God the glory.
  • Watch what you say. Once the words have left your mouth, putting them back is impossible. You can hurt others, yourself, or the situation you’re talking about. 
  • Always act with integrity. People may not be watching, but God observes everything you do. What would He say about your actions?
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Ecclesiastes Lesson Sixteen

Ecclesiastes Lesson Sixteen: Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 – Reverence for God

In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place,  and they were praised in the city where they did so. This too is futile. 11 Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly,  the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit crime. 12 Although a sinner commits crime a hundred times and prolongs his life,  yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before Him. 13 However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. (HCSB)

Let’s take a deeper look at this short passage.

Verse 10

  • This is one of the most puzzling verses in Ecclesiastes, and it would be foolish for anyone to claim they fully understand it.
  • The primary theme seems to be the author saying the wicked don’t get what they deserve, even in death.
  • Scripture states that even criminals and enemies should have a dignified and honorable burial.
    • Deuteronomy 21:22-23 If anyone is found guilty of an offense deserving the death penalty and is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, 23 you are not to leave his corpse on the tree overnight but are to bury him that day, for anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse.  You must not defile the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.
    • Joshua 8:29 He hung the body of the king of Ai on a tree until evening, and at sunset Joshua commanded that they take his body down from the tree. They threw it down at the entrance of the city gate and put a large pile of rocks over it, which remains to this day. 
  • The next question is, what is the location of the holy place?
    • It could refer to the burial service, the body being carried from the place of worship to the gravesite.
    • It could be interpreted as an expression of satisfaction that the wicked have departed from God’s presence. They will now await the fate they deserve. However, this interpretation is unlikely since the verse ends with“futile.”
    • The most likely interpretation is that the holy place refers to Jerusalem, where the injustice occurred. Going deeper, the author may be referring to those engaged in religious activity, yet they are empty of true religion as they deal with others.
      • James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our  God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
      • Matthew 23:27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs,  which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and every impurity.
  • The author points out that even the wicked are praised by some in the very location where they committed their atrocities.
  • We are often taught not to speak ill of those who die. Yet, it can be hard to sit and listen to praise for those whose lives don’t deserve it.
  • Maybe we attend a Christian funeral for a person who displayed no interest in the things of God.
  • However, we shouldn’t pass judgment. 
  • Instead, we should hope that the person has come to peace with God through Jesus Christ.

Verse 11

  • When we look at this verse, we see it playing out in modern society. This is especially true of what is occurring in the United States today.
  • Many people never look beyond today; they live for immediacy.
  • When we consider the question of law and order, we must ask, “What makes a person obey laws?”
    • In many cases, it’s not the moral aspect of the law.
    • Instead, it’s the threat of being punished for breaking the law.
  • If punishment is not given for breaking the law, or if it’s delayed, laws have little to no effect on society.
  • Companies and individuals act illegally simply because they know they will either get away with it or the consequences will be so minor that there is no deterrent. 
  • The root of the matter is contained in the second half of the verse, “the heart of the people is filled with the desire to commit crime.”
    • The delay or lack of punishment only encourages the wicked to commit crimes.
    • The modern-day fact is why I referenced what is occurring in the US now.
      • We constantly hear of crimes being committed, often brazenly, yet nothing is being done about it.
      • The legal system in some locations has weakened the authority of those charged with keeping and enforcing laws.
      • Additionally, some judges are making decisions that fly in the face of what the law says.
  • The very idea that a holy and righteous God allows the wicked to prosper and, seemingly, get away with the behavior has perplexed people for generations.
  • Peter captures the essence of the reason behind this apparent delay.
    • 2  Peter 3:9 The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
    • God extends grace to all people, hoping they will repent and believe the Gospel of Christ.
    • 2 Peter 3:10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.
  • We now also need to go back to another theme in Ecclesiastes: the idea of “under the sun” thinking.
    • When viewed through “under the sun” lenses, there is no justice, and life is not fair.
    • However, when wicked behavior is viewed through the lenses of eternal consequences, judgment will be meted out, and the wicked will not escape.

Verse 12

  • The beginning of verse twelve presents a challenge when the author says that a sinner commits hundreds of crimes yet prolongs his life.
  • At the same time, the author says it will go well with God-fearing people.
  • We look around the world today, either from a global perspective or a local one, and we constantly observe injustice.
  • The injustices we observe can challenge us in many different ways.
    • Do we lose faith that God will eventually judge the wicked and they’ll receive what they deserve?
    • Are we tempted to take matters into our own hands against the wicked?
    • Are we tempted to join those committing wicked acts since we see nothing of consequence happening to them, and they seem to get ahead in society?
  • Each of those reactions indicates a lack of faith and trust in God.

Verse 13

  • Instead, we must stand firm on the promise of God that sin and evil will be vanquished.
    • Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplished triumph over sin.
    • Ultimately, evil will be punished, and the righteous will be rewarded.
  • This thought is the timeless principle to carry from the Old Testament to our present age, where we live under the New Covenant.
    • The wicked are not reverent. Their actions spit in the face of an infinitely holy God.
    • On the other hand, the reverent will be rewarded for their faith.
  • So how are New Covenant people reverent?
    • By placing their faith in Jesus Christ.
    • Jesus’ command was to “repent and believe.”
    • We are to turn away from our sinful behavior and follow God’s commands contained in Scripture.
    • We are to believe what Scripture says about Jesus.
      • The Father sent him.
      • He was fully God and fully man.
      • He was born of a virgin.
      • He lived a sinless life.
      • He was crucified, died, buried, and on the third day, rose again and sits at the right hand of the Father.
      • He will one day judge each of us.

Applications

  • Respect each person who dies. They will spend eternity in one of two places: heaven or hell. Respecting them doesn’t mean we condone or applaud the actions of evil people. 
  • Don’t lose faith when we don’t see justice carried out in the manner or timeline we’d like. God has a purpose, and we display our faith by trusting He is in control.
  • Don’t try to take justice into your hands or be tempted to join the wicked in their actions.
    • Justice is the purview of God.
    • The wicked will eventually receive their condemning judgment. If we join them in their wicked pursuits, we will also face condemning judgment in the future.
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Ecclesiastes Lesson Fifteen

Ecclesiastes Lesson Fifteen: Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 – Wealth, Authorities, and Inequities

Who is like the wise person, and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom brightens his face, and the sternness of his face is changed. 

2 Keep the king’s command because of your oath made before God. 3 Do not be in a hurry; leave his presence, and don’t persist in a bad cause, since he will do whatever he wants. 4 For the king’s word is authoritative, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 The one who keeps a command will not experience anything harmful, and a wise heart knows the right time and procedure. 6 For every activity there is a right time and procedure, even though man’s troubles are heavy on him. 7 Yet no one knows what will happen because who can tell him what will happen? 8 No one has authority over the wind to restrain it, and there is no authority over the day of death; there is no furlough in battle, and wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape. 9 All this I have seen, applying my mind to all the work that is done under the sun, at a time when one man has authority over another to his harm. (HCSB)

The author now switches to discussing leaders and how their decisions, good or bad, affect those around them. Now, let’s dig deeper into this passage.

  • Verse one acts as a transition from the previous section to this one.
    • If we remember, the previous section led one to believe that chasing after wisdom was a futile exercise.
      • Verses 7:23-24 brought out this concept.
      • Now, at the beginning of chapter eight, the author hints that attaining some wisdom is possible and can lead to advantages.
    • The attainment of some wisdom can lead to influencing those who are in some type of authority position.
    • Let’s consider some biblical examples of this.
      • Joseph, contained in Genesis 41:37-45.
      • Daniel, contained in Daniel 5:29-63.
      • The Holy Spirit will fill the believer with wisdom and the right words to say.
        • Luke 12:11-12.
        • Acts 24:25.
  • Verses two to six talk about dealings with a king. A present-day interpretation/application is understanding interactions with those in positions of authority.
    • Verse two talks about following the commands and laws of government or those placed in an authority position over us.
      • Why are we supposed to do this?
        • The words “oath made before God” indicate a relationship between government and God.
        • All governments, regardless of their good or evil, have been installed because of God’s sovereign plan. Often, we don’t understand why, but there is a purpose behind it.
        • Our obedience to the secular authority verifies obedience to God.
          • Romans 13:1-7 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities,  for there is no authority except from God,  and those that exist are instituted by God. 2 So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. 4 For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. 5 Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience.  6 And for this reason you pay taxes, since the authorities are God’s public servants, continually attending to these tasks.  7 Pay your obligations to everyone: taxes to those you owe taxes,  tolls to those you owe tolls, respect to those you owe respect,  and honor to those you owe honor.
          • Mark 12:17 Then Jesus told them, “Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him.
          • 1 Peter 2:13-17 Submit to every human authority because of the Lord, whether to the Emperor as the supreme authority 14 or to governors as those sent out by him to punish those who do what is evil and to praise those who do what is good. 15 For it is God’s will that you silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. 16 As God’s slaves, live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil. 17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood.  Fear God. Honor the Emperor. 
        • This begs the question, “What should you do when the situation you find yourself in directly conflicts with Scripture?” Let’s consider some examples.
          • You work for a magazine company that begins to print pornography. The simple solution is to look for a job elsewhere, even if it causes financial hardship. 
          • The government over you, at whatever level, has decided to pass a law that endorses same-sex marriage. In this case, peaceful protesting would be allowed. The key here is that it remains peaceful and doesn’t attack the individual. Attacking another person for sinful behavior is being judgmental. Speak out against the sin, but don’t make it personal.
          • A church or denomination endorses gay or lesbian leadership. Speak out peacefully against this practice and leave the church for one that follows Scripture if it doesn’t change.
    • Let’s consider verses three to six together.
      • When we find ourselves in a situation similar to the above, we must ensure we aren’t too hasty in leaving it.
        • As long as we are “in it,” we may find opportunities to influence or change bad decisions.
        • When we remove ourselves from the situation, we may find we no longer have as much, or maybe no, influence on it.
        • Each situation is different, and we must consider how our actions could change or influence them.
        • We also need to remember that we ultimately work for God and not for the person appointed over us.
          • Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.
          • Once, I was an elder in a church, and I disagreed with how the church was being led. We weren’t doing anything against Scripture; it’s just that the lead pastor wasn’t interested in doing anything outside of our Sunday morning service. The pastor was full-time and drawing a healthy salary with additional perks. On two occasions, I seriously considered stepping down. Ultimately, the above passage and the realization that I could still be a voice to encourage additional ministry activities kept me from resigning.
      • If we remove ourselves from a position of influence, we may find that we can no longer impact the situation.
      • The author makes that point clear in verses 5-6.
        • A wise heart knows the right time and procedure.
        • For every activity, there is a right time and procedure, even though man’s troubles are heavy on him.
        • When we consider these two verses, we see that even though the situation may be unpleasant or troubling, there will be a time to speak or act against it.
        • However, we must be wise in our words, actions, and timing.
        • Being impulsive and letting our emotions control us will only worsen the situation.
        • Let’s consider four examples from Scripture.
          • Joseph didn’t reveal his identity to his brothers too soon. He wanted to make sure their hearts were right with their father and with God. Once he heard them confess their sins, he knew it was time to reveal his identity.
          • Nehemiah was burdened to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. But he wasn’t sure how the king would react to that request. So, he waited, watched, and prayed until the right time. The king granted Nehemiah’s request.
          • Daniel was a prisoner of war in a Gentile land. He refused to eat the unclean food he was given but didn’t make a scene out of it. Instead, he was gentle in his request to let the Jews experiment with a different diet. Daniel’s plan worked; he and his friends were able to stay ceremonially clean, and they were promoted to the king’s court.
          • The apostles exercised restraint when they were arrested and persecuted in Acts 4-5. They showed respect toward the authority of the religious leaders even though they had acted illegally and with prejudice.
  • Verses 7-8 act as a transition and a contrast.
    • The transition and contrast are between the powers who govern us. On the human level, it is the king, but on a higher level, it is God.
    • The “wind” in 8a represents the power of God.
    • The “day of death” in 8b is ultimately in the power of God.
    • The phrase “no furlough in battle” is under the king’s control.
    • The phrase “wickedness will not allow those who practice it to escape” should be understood to mean that no amount of scheming or cunning can save someone from the control of the governing powers.
  • Verse nine forms a bridge between the previous eight verses and what follows.
    • The author has been referring to the power of rulers.
    • He now introduces the following theme: the injustices of life by those who abuse their power.
    • We’ve previously looked at the phrase “under the sun” as being those actions under mankind’s dominion.
    • In the next section, the author will dive deeper into the idea of a human leader causing harm to those under their rule.

Applications

  • Follow the rules and laws of the land where you live. God has placed the governing authorities in place for a purpose, often a purpose we may never understand. When laws or rules we disagree with are in place, we don’t have to support them, but if we protest against them, it must be done peacefully and God-honoring. An example would be legal abortion clinics. We have an obligation to speak out against them and protest peacefully. However, physically attacking doctors or clinic workers or damaging/destroying the building is not a God-honoring solution.
  • The principle applies to our workplace. In this situation, we have the added option of leaving employment if necessary. However, a key point to consider is whether we’d have more chance of influencing matters by staying in an uncomfortable situation instead of quitting.
  • If you choose to act in either of the above situations, make sure you exercise wise restraint and even wiser timing. Don’t act on emotions. Go to God in prayer to determine the right time and method when you protest or speak out against ungodly actions, rules, or laws. Sometimes, we can do more harm than good to our Christian witness when we act inappropriately.
truthproject777

Ecclesiastes Lesson Four

Ecclesiastes Lesson Four: Ecclesiastes 2:12-16 – The Limits of Wisdom

Then I turned to consider wisdom, madness, and folly, for what will the man be like who comes after the king? He will do what has already been done. 13 And I realized that there is an advantage to wisdom over folly, like the advantage of light over darkness. 

14 The wise man has eyes in his head, 

but the fool walks in darkness. 

Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. 15 So I said to myself, “What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?” And I said to myself that this is also futile. 16 For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise man dies just like the fool? (HVSB)

In this passage, the teacher makes a comparison between wise and foolish people. He determines that there is a difference during their lifetimes, but once death overtakes them, there is no difference. Let’s peel back the layers on these verses.

  • Verse 12
    • Throughout history, discoveries and advancements have been made. Each one is in the hope that life will be made better for the current and subsequent generations.
    • However, often the subsequent generations will conduct the same experiments.
    • The worst part is repeating mistakes made by previous generations. 
    • That’s the teacher’s point when he says, “He will do what has already been done.”
    • What’s the point of chasing after wisdom and knowledge if mankind continues to repeat previously made mistakes?
    • Let’s consider this point in our personal lives or maybe with family or close friends.
      • How often do we see mistakes being repeated, even painful or stupid ones?
      • How often are we guilty of these same mistakes?
      • Why is it that we can blindly follow previous mistakes and cause great harm to ourselves or others?
    • It all comes back to the fall and the sinful nature of mankind.
      • Our focus isn’t on the things of God.
      • Our focus is on the things of the world.
  • Verse 13
    • This verse should be viewed in a two-pronged understanding.
    • It’s not just the contrast between wisdom and folly or light and darkness.
      • The wise man sees “things” and has understanding.
        • Wisdom brings illumination to situations.
        • This illumination doesn’t always avert the troubles that are coming, but it makes the wise man aware of them.
        • Because of wisdom, some trouble can be avoided or reduced.
        • In an extreme interpretation, the wise man can see when death is approaching.
      • The foolish man doesn’t see things.
        • The foolish man is walking in darkness and never sees the troubles that are coming.
        • The foolish man walks blindly into the troubles.
        • Death will catch the foolish man unaware.
    • When we think about the New Testament, the gospels, and Jesus, we see an identical comparison.
      • Jesus is our wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became God-given wisdom for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, 31 in order that, as it is written: The one who boasts must boast in the Lord.
      • Jesus is light. John 8:12 Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
      • Satan is darkness. Acts 26:18a  To open their eyes so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God.
      • Paul speaks about the wisdom of God and the foolishness of man (worldly ways) in 1 Corinthians 1:20-25  Where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish? 21 For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached. 22 For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. 24 Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom, 25 because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.
    • Seeking wisdom isn’t wrong or wasted time as long as we are aligning with God’s wisdom.
  • Verse 14
    • The comparison between light and dark in the previous verse carries over to this verse.
    • However, there is one common ground for both the wise and foolish man; death awaits both of them.
    • As a Christian, we must remember that the life we live here is not the end. Our hope is in our eternal dwelling place and never-ending fellowship with God.
      • 1 Peter 1:3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
      • John 11:25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live.
      • John 5:28-29 Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come out—those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of judgment.
      • Romans 6:5 For if we have been joined with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of His resurrection.
    • The hope and promise of eternal life in heaven should give each follower of Christ a sense of peace and comfort, no matter what we face.
  • Verse 15
    • The teacher now comes to the conclusion that regardless of wisdom or folly, light or darkness, wealth or poverty, there is one great leveler which everyone faces…death.
    • He also ponders the question, “What did he gain by being wise?”
    • Wisdom will not prevent him from dying.
    • As I mentioned in the discussion of the previous verse, the Christian always has hope. Regardless of our circumstances, background, socio-economic status, gender, etc., we realize that it isn’t “what’s under the sun” that is important. It’s our relationship and submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ that will ultimately determine wisdom or folly.
  • Verse 16
    • As we read this verse, we can almost feel the despair in the teacher’s words.
    • He has concluded that when all is said and done, wisdom is no better than folly.
    • Consider the pursuits of the wise, powerful, or wealthy.
      • They desire fame or to be well-known.
      • They desire some type of physical structure by which to be remembered.
        • It could be a plaque.
        • It could be a monument.
        • Anything of a physical nature would qualify.
      • Many of these people are materialistic in nature.
        • They desire to be remembered for their “achievements.”
        • But the only immortality they can achieve are the physical reminders of their life.
        • In the end, these are often ignored unless they were extraordinary during their lifetime.
        • One example might be the Lincoln Monument. But we need to ask the question, “How many people today actually know who Lincoln was and what he accomplished during his lifetime?”
    • The death of the “famous” people begins to vanish as those who knew them personally also die.
      • Consider the life of Beethoven.
        • It may be said that he lives on in his music.
        • However, the truth is that we know the music but not the man.
      • Another example is Pythagoras of Samos, who was credited with mathematical and scientific discoveries.
        • He developed the Pythagorean theorem.
        • He developed Pythagorean tuning.
        • He identified the five regular solids.
        • He developed the Theory of Proportions.
        • There are several more discoveries attributed to him.
        • Yet, knowledge of the man by the vast majority of people is non-existent.
  • The teacher pursued wisdom and “things” as the ultimate goals of life.
  • Today, many follow the same path and eventually realize these pursuits leave them feeling empty. 
  • Only by pursuing God and not “the things under the sun,” will we be truly happy and fulfilled.

Applications

  • Examine the things in life you place a priority on. Are those things of a worldly or eternal nature? If you find that worldly things occupy a prominent place in your life pursuits, reorder your priorities and focus on eternal choices.
  • The pursuit of possessions or accomplishments most often will fail to satisfy us. There is only one path to happiness and joy, being a faithful follower of Christ. If we’ve placed our faith in Jesus and trusted His words, we should follow this path. Remember His words in John 10:10b  I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance. If you don’t feel that your life has abundance, it’s likely because your focus is wrong. The “stuff” of the world will never satisfy. Only Jesus can lead us to satisfaction.
truthproject777

Ecclesiastes Lesson Two

Ecclesiastes Lesson Two: The Limits of Wisdom – Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

I, the Teacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 I applied my mind to seek and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven. God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied. 14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun and have found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.

15 What is crooked cannot be straightened; 

what is lacking cannot be counted. 

16 I said to myself, “Look, I have amassed wisdom far beyond all those who were over Jerusalem before me, and my mind has thoroughly grasped wisdom and knowledge.” 17 I applied my mind to know wisdom and knowledge, madness and folly; I learned that this too is a pursuit of the wind.

18 For with much wisdom is much sorrow; 

as knowledge increases, grief increases. (HCSB)

We’ll look at this passage as one coherent whole. When we consider what’s written in Ecclesiastes came from the mouth of Solomon in the later stage of his life, and he was widely commended for his wisdom and knowledge, it can be both discouraging and comforting that the acquisition of knowledge has its limits. It can be discouraging because no matter how hard a person tries, they will never understand everything. It is comforting for the same reason; the pursuit of knowledge should not be the goal itself.

Now, let’s take a deeper look at this passage.

  • The teacher sought to attain wisdom and knowledge.
    • The pursuit of wisdom wasn’t just a passing fancy or a whim.
    • Pursuing wisdom was a passion for the teacher.
      • A primary theme in wisdom and philosophic writing is that a life of wisdom is the highest of all callings.
      • Plato believed the work of a philosopher was the purest form of living.
    • 1 Kings 4:29-34 – God gave Solomon wisdom, very great insight, and understanding  as vast as the sand on the seashore. 30 Solomon’s wisdom was greater than the wisdom of all the people of the East, greater than all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 He was wiser than anyone—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, Calcol, and Darda, sons of Mahol. His reputation extended to all the surrounding nations. 32 Solomon composed 3,000 proverbs, and his songs numbered 1,005. 33 He described trees, from the cedar in Lebanon to the hyssop growing out of the wall. He also taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. 34 People came from everywhere, sent by every king on earth who had heard of his wisdom, to listen to Solomon’s wisdom.
    • Why does the teacher call the task of acquiring wisdom a “miserable task?”
      • The teacher is challenging the widely-held view of the time that the pursuit of knowledge fulfills their life and gives them permanent significance.
      • The teacher finds it a hopeless task; he can’t find the answers he seeks.
      • The teacher views life as being under the sovereign rule of God.
      • Philosophers and their work are under the control of God. 1 Corinthians 3:19-20 – For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness; 20 and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are meaningless.
    • Although some believe verse fourteen pertains to both physical as well as intellectual pursuits, when the context of this section is considered, it makes more sense to interpret the teacher’s focus as being on intellectual pursuits only.
      • All intellectual work done by an individual will disappear with time and their passing. None of it has eternal worth.
      • The phrase “a pursuit of the wind” should be interpreted in the following manner.
        • You can chase the wind but never catch it.
        • Even if you were able to catch the wind, you wouldn’t have anything of substance.
      • The pursuit of wisdom won’t satisfy the heart.
    • Verse fifteen should be understood in two different ways.
      • Not everything can be changed, referring specifically to mistakes made in the past.
        • We can’t undo the mistakes we’ve made in the past.
        • Since we can’t change the past, we should stop worrying about the mistake itself.
          • This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t learn from the mistake to avoid repeating it.
          • It doesn’t mean we shouldn’t confess and repent of the behavior if it is sinful.
          • It does mean we should move forward and not be weighed down by the past.
      • Even God can’t change the past.
        • However, God has the power to straighten what has been twisted and supply what is lacking.
        • God can change how the past affects people.
          • For the unbeliever, the past is a heavy weight that can drag a person down.
          • For a believer, past mistakes can push them back on the correct path and guide them forward. Faith in the redemptive power of Jesus is the key.
        • Jesus often straightened out the twisted and provided when there was a need.
          • Luke 13:11-17 – a woman was there who had been disabled by a spirit for over 18 years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, He called out to her, “Woman, you are free of your disability.” 13 Then He laid His hands on her, and instantly she was restored and began to glorify God. 14 But the leader of the synagogue, indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, responded by telling the crowd, “There are six days when work should be done;  therefore come on those days and be healed and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 But the Lord answered him and said, “Hypocrites! Doesn’t each one of you untie his ox or donkey from the feeding trough on the Sabbath and lead it to water? 16 Satan has bound this woman, a daughter of Abraham, for 18 years—shouldn’t she be untied from this bondage on the Sabbath day?” 17 When He had said these things, all His adversaries were humiliated, but the whole crowd was rejoicing over all the glorious things He was doing.
          • Matthew 12:10-13 – There He saw a man who had a paralyzed hand. And in order to accuse Him they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 11 But He said to them, “What man among you, if he had a sheep that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t take hold of it and lift it out? 12 A man is worth far more than a sheep, so it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath.” 13 Then He told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So he stretched it out, and it was restored, as good as the other.
          • Matthew 15:29-31 – Moving on from there, Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee.  He went up on a mountain and sat there, 30 and large crowds came to Him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, those unable to speak, and many others. They put them at His feet, and He healed them.31 So the crowd was amazed when they saw those unable to speak talking, the deformed restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they gave glory to the God of Israel. 
          • John 6:1-13 – After this, Jesus crossed the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias ). 2 And a huge crowd was following Him because they saw the signs that He was performing by healing the sick. 3 So Jesus went up a mountain and sat down there with His disciples. 4 Now the Passover, a Jewish festival, was near. 5 Therefore, when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward Him, He asked Philip, “Where will we buy bread so these people can eat?” 6 He asked this to test him, for He Himself knew what He was going to do. 7 Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii  worth of bread wouldn’t be enough for each of them to have a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There’s a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish—but what are they for so many?” 10 Then Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, so they sat down. The men numbered about 5,000. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks He distributed them to those who were seated—so also with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were full, He told His disciples, “Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they collected them and filled 12 baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over by those who had eaten. 
        • Solomon was viewing problems from the perspective of “under the sun,” meaning he wasn’t bringing God into the discussion. This is why the problems were insurmountable.
    • The second understanding is a problem that can’t be solved.
      • Some problems are not solvable from a human perspective.
      • Some problems have critical information missing, which would aid in finding the correct answer.
      • More than anyone else, the intellectual understands the futility of humanity. They can’t answer some of the fundamental questions of life.
      • God’s ways are so much higher than ours; we’ll never fully understand some of the questions we have.
  • In the final three verses of this passage, the teacher acknowledges that wisdom and experience will not solve all of our problems.
    • If we try and go through life focused on explanations, we’ll be unhappy for two reasons.
      • There are no logical reasons for some of the things people experience. God is under no obligation always to provide explanations, and if He did, we might not understand anyway.
      • God has ordained His people to live by promises and not explanations.
        • By faith and not by sight.
        • John 20:29 – Jesus said, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.”
    • The teacher comes to the conclusion that acquiring great wisdom only added to his difficulties in life.
      • Increasing one’s wisdom and knowledge leads to an increase in sorrow and grief.
      • For those who don’t ponder the problems of life, there is an innocence of not having to wrestle with the “why’s” and try to understand God.
    • If we think back to Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan, we have a clearer understanding of this picture.
      • When they sinned, they received an experiential understanding of good and evil.
      • This revelation resulted in their alienation from God.
      • The increase in knowledge only increased their sorrow.
      • This cycle has afflicted mankind ever since the fall in the Garden of Eden.
  • For many people, life is boring and monotonous.
  • For the Christian, life should be an open door and not a closed circle.
    • The believer experiences daily blessings from God.
    • While it is true we can’t understand or explain everything; life is not built on explanations.
    • For the Christian, life is built on the promises of God.
    • God’s Word is full of His promises.
    • As a believer, if your life resembles a closed circle, you need to turn back to Jesus and experience once again the fullness and blessing of living in a close relationship with God.

Applications

  • Seeking after wisdom for the sake of seeking is wasted time. Education for the purpose of our vocation is not a bad thing unless our motivation is wrong. Follow the path of God’s will for our life and find your wisdom in Scripture.
  • When incidents occur where there is no explanation, don’t try and force an explanation. God’s ways are higher than ours and always perfect. In this life, we may never understand all the things that happen to us. That’s certainly been my experience. Focus on God’s promises and find peace in them.
  • The only wisdom we should chase after is found in Scripture. 
  • Fullness in life is found in Christ, not in anything the world will try and use as a substitute.