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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 Seventeen

Ecclesiastes Lesson Seventeen: Ecclesiastes 8:14-9:10 – Iniquity and Enjoyment

There is a futility that is done on the earth: there are righteous people who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked people who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. 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. 

16 When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the activity that is done on the earth (even though one’s eyes do not close in sleep day or night), 17 I observed all the work of God and concluded that man is unable to discover the work that is done under the sun. Even though a man labors hard to explore it, he cannot find it; even if the wise man claims to know it, he is unable to discover it. 

9 Indeed, I took all this to heart and explained it all: the righteous, the wise, and their works are in God’s hands. People don’t know whether to expect love or hate. Everything lies ahead of them. 2 Everything is the same for everyone: there is one fate for the righteous and the wicked,  for the good and the bad,  for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not sacrifice. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as for the one who takes an oath, so for the one who fears an oath. 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: there is one fate for everyone. In addition, the hearts of people are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live —after that they go to the dead. 4 But there is hope for whoever is joined with all the living, since a live dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead don’t know anything. There is no longer a reward for them because the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Their love, their hate, and their envy have already disappeared, and there is no longer a portion for them in all that is done under the sun. 

7 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. (HCSB)

I’ll be splitting this lesson into three parts.

  • The futility of life – verses 8:14-17
  • The righteous and the wicked – verses 9:1-6
  • Enjoy life – verses 9:7-10

The Futility of Life

The author points out the futility of life and how often the righteous suffer the fate that the wicked deserve.

  • The author starts with a variation on a phrase used throughout Ecclesiastes, “done on the earth” is essentially the same as “under the sun.”
    • This phrase is an indication of activity in a sinful, fallen world.
    • In the realm of a sinful world, actions and results often don’t make sense.
      • Righteousness is often not rewarded.
      • Wickedness is often not punished.
    • When we view this through the lens of modern Christian Theology, we know and understand that the Bible never promises an easy life to believers.
      • We aren’t guaranteed good health.
      • We aren’t promised to be rich.
      • We won’t always be happy.
      • We won’t avoid persecution.
      • The life of Jesus and the history of the Christian church proves that those who spout such heretical teaching are wrong.
    • However, we know things will change once we leave this earth and dwell eternally in heaven.
      • There will be no more sin.
      • We won’t worry about our health, happiness, or prosperity.
      • We will be united with other believers in paradise, free of persecution.
      • Revelation 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will no longer exist; grief, crying, and pain will exist no longer, because the previous things have passed away. 
  • The author now moves on to another phrase he previously used, “there is nothing better for man under the sun than to eat, drink, and enjoy himself.”
    • Enjoying life is not a call to a hedonistic lifestyle.
    • It is a call to accept that we won’t understand most of what happens in the world.
    • It’s a call to enjoy what God has provided to us, whatever our circumstances.
    • We are to enjoy God’s provision by living a life of obedience and reverence to God.
  • The author moves to a third idea he had previously mentioned.
    • No matter how hard a person tries, they will never attain perfect or complete wisdom.
    • There is one overarching reason for this: our inability to know the future, as stated in 8:7.
      • We could control our lives if we knew with certainty what actions would bring prosperity, happiness, and a long life.
      • However, we will never gain that level of knowledge.
    • In the end, God is in control.
    • Isaiah 55:8-9 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways. This is the Lord’s declaration. 9 For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.

The Righteous and the Wicked

  • As we look at this section of the passage, we need to put ourselves in the position of the original hearers of the message. This significantly changes how we view it.
    • The original hearers were under the Law.
    • We are under the New Covenant.
    • While the original hearers may have thought that there was no eternal difference between the wicked and the righteous, as followers of Christ, we know there is a difference.
      • The redeemed will have eternal fellowship with God.
      • The condemned will have eternal separation from God and torment.
  • Verse 1
    • Our lives are in God’s hands; He is sovereign.
    • Only He knows our future, whether it will bring love or hate.
    • This knowledge doesn’t mean we don’t have free will in our lives; it only means that God knows our choices before making them and the consequences they will have.
    • The author repeatedly emphasizes free will in human choice.
  • Verse 2
    • This verse is a clear example of the difference between those under the Law and those under the New Covenant.
    • Although Scripture passages in the Old Testament refer to eternal life, the idea needed to be developed more than what is presented in the New Testament.
    • Both the wicked and the righteous will experience the same end “under the sun,” the passing of the physical body.
    • The end of our physical bodies, death, is the “final enemy” we will face.
      • 1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy to be abolished is death.
    • However, the result of facing the final enemy will result in people spending eternity in one of two locations; heaven or hell.
      • Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
      • John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. 26 Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?”
      • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope. 14 Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus. 15 For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
    • Our works have no bearing on our eternal destination; only faith in Jesus Christ will usher us into God’s presence for all eternity.
      • John 14:6 Jesus told him, “I am the way,  the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
  • Verse 3
    • The inevitable fact of death, and sometimes the fear of death, results in two main types of behavior.
      • It either brings out the best.
      • Or it brings out the worst.
    • We often see this play out at funerals or in the aftermath of death when the settling of an estate occurs.
      • People fight over their share of the inheritance.
      • Sometimes, they sue when they feel they’ve been wronged.
    • We also see it in everyday behavior.
      • Getting drunk and getting in fights.
      • Driving in a reckless manner.
      • Spending large amounts of money on things of no eternal value.
      • The pursuit of pleasure, regardless of how it affects others.
      • Using medical treatments in the hope of turning back, or at least slowing, the biological clock.
    • For those who don’t know Jesus as their Savior, the “final enemy” will always be there.
    • We can’t run from the final enemy, but we can face and defeat it by placing our trust in Jesus.
  • Verses 4-6
    • When we look at these three verses, we can see two critical truths to hang on to.
      • The first is that our circumstances can improve while we are still alive.
        • Regardless of what transpires in our lives, the believer has a living hope.
          • Our Savior is alive and has conquered death.
          • Unbelievers have a hope that will be destroyed by death.
        • We must seize the opportunities presented to us to improve our circumstances.
        • But, we must seize those opportunities in a way that honors God.
      • The second is that while an unbeliever is still alive, there is always hope for their redemption.
        • While it’s true that an unbeliever’s hope is shattered by death until they physically die, there is always hope they will repent.
        • We’ve all probably known, or at least heard of, someone we thought was so far lost they would never repent. Yet, by the grace of God, they surrendered their lives to Christ.
          • Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
          • Luke 1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God.
    • In addition to the two truths listed above, there are other ideas in these three verses.
      • For the dead, regardless of their background, wealth, position, or fame, their lives are over.
        • They can’t add anything reputation.
        • There are no longer any rewards waiting to be bestowed on them.
      • For the living, even if they are in the most meager of circumstances, they can always add to the quality of their lives.
      • The living know they will face death at some point.
      • When faced with the inevitability of death, the living can embrace the joys life offers.
      • Life may not be easy, but there’s more to life than simply enduring our existence on planet Earth.

Enjoy Life

  • We now move to a section where the author exhorts the readers to enjoy life. This enjoyment is broken down into four parts.
    • The first area of enjoyment is about our meals.
      • Since Ecclesiastes is written to a Jewish audience, we need to understand the meal schedule of a typical Jewish family during this time.
        • There was normally an early snack during what we would call breakfast.
        • Then, there was a light meal taken between 10 am and noon.
        • After this meal, the work day would begin, and the family wouldn’t gather together until work was finished, often after sunset.
        • The main meal would consist of bread, wine, milk, cheese, vegetables, fruit, and sometimes fish. Meat was expensive and was only served on special occasions.
        • The contents of the meal weren’t what was important; it was “breaking bread” together in fellowship and commitment.
          • Proverbs 15:17 Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened ox with hatred.
          • Proverbs 17:1 Better a dry crust with peace than a house full of feasting with strife.
        • Family love is the most important item on any menu, which turns any ordinary meal into a banquet.
    • The second area of enjoyment is to make the most of any occasion.
      • Once again, understanding Jewish cultural context reveals the intent behind the words.
      • Wearing white garments and having oil on the head carried special meaning.
        • White clothes were worn on special occasions such as weddings or reunions.
        • White clothes symbolized joy.
        • Oil should be understood as a perfume in that day.
      • The author wasn’t literally telling people to wear white and apply oil every day.
      • What he was saying is that we should make every occasion a special one, even if it is ordinary or routine.
      • We shouldn’t express our thanksgiving and joy only on special days.
      • Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
      • We shouldn’t be searching for special things to find our joy.
      • We should find joy by making everyday things special.
    • The third area of enjoyment is our marriage for those who are married.
      • We should view our spouse as a gift from God.
        • Proverbs 18:22 A man who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.
        • Proverbs 19:14 A house and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a sensible wife is from the Lord. 
      • Marriage should also be viewed as a lifelong commitment.
        • No matter how difficult life can be, there is great joy in the home of a husband and wife who are committed to each other.
        • Unfortunately, that concept is often ignored in modern society, where couples are often too quick to give up on each other.
        • From a biblical standpoint, the only reasons for divorce are infidelity and being married to an unbeliever who abandons the marriage.
          • Matthew 5:32 But I tell you, everyone who divorces his wife, except in a case of sexual immorality, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
          • 1 Corinthians 7:15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him leave. A brother or a sister is not bound in such cases. God has called you to live in peace. 
    • The fourth area of enjoyment is our work.
      • Again, we need to look at work through the eyes of the Jews hearing this message.
      • Jews viewed work not as something to be avoided but as a form of stewardship from God.
      • Even rabbis learned a trade to support themselves. As an example, Paul was a tentmaker.
      • Scripture also says that those capable of work but choose not to work should go hungry.
        • 1 Thessalonians 3:10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.”
      • Whatever our job is, we should do it in such a way that it glorifies God.
        • Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
        • Colossians 3:23-25 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism. 
  • If we fear God, we will walk by faith and not try to escape or endure life. We will enjoy life and receive it as a gift from God.

Applications

  • When we see injustice that causes us to shake our heads in disbelief, we shouldn’t lose sight that our existence here is a blip on the timeline of eternity. We need to trust that the sovereign God of the universe will reward the righteous and punish the wicked, even if it’s on His timeline and not ours.
  • No matter our circumstances, we should enjoy life. As long as we have breath, there is the hope that our circumstances can improve. Each life is precious, and we shouldn’t waste the opportunity to live our lives glorifying God.
  • Don’t lose sight of the fact that, as believers, we have nothing to fear. We have victory over death through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus. Our present lives may be difficult, but our eternity will be glorious beyond words.
  • Enjoy what God has given you, no matter how extravagant or meager. Always try to look for the blessing in any situation. If you are married, cherish your spouse as a special gift from God.
  • Do your work in a way that honors God. That means to do your best and not grumble or complain. For various reasons, many people can’t find or may not be able to work. Glorify God through and with your work.