Ecclesiastes – Page 2

Ecclesiastes 10:5-20 – Possibilities in Life

Read Ecclesiastes 10:5-20

Solomon’s observations here tend to be from the “glass half empty” mentality. He’s got a negative slant to some “possibilities” in life. In general, we’ve noticed how being apart from God has skewed Solomon’s thinking. Having been given wisdom, he really must struggle with what he sees happening or expects could happen.

Of course, if you dig a well, we all know there is a “possibility” you may fall in. I’m afraid of heights, so even the depth of a well would make me queasy if I got too close. The fear of falling would be great enough for me to keep me from wanting to dig a hole in the first place! Is Solomon talking about something “bigger” than a well?

Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4 – How to Be Wise

Read Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4

What do you make of the story Solomon uses here? I don’t know about you, but there are times in my life when I have felt invisible and unappreciated. Solomon doesn’t tell us anything about how the poor man felt about being overlooked. However, the people of that town surely benefitted from his wisdom which rescued them.

We should appreciate wisdom, no matter where it comes from. Why then, does the world pay more attention to the display of wealth, power, and success and not the wisdom behind it? Wouldn’t it make more sense to look at why the person achieved such greatness? Unless the successful person is simply lucky, there is something they did to attain their position.

Ecclesiastes 9:1-12 – We All Die

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It’s sad to think about those people who share Solomon’s mindset in terms of death. They see death as the end–so you better live it up while you have breath! How tragic. No wonder so many people fear death.

When we experience death of a loved one, the mourning can be one of the hardest things we ever go through. I think of several friends who have lost their spouses in the last couple years. In each case, grief has taken a toll on these faithful people. Thankfully, God’s word is packed with passages to help us find hope, peace, and strength.

Ecclesiastes 8:9-17 – Good versus Evil

Read Ecclesiastes 8:9-17

Solomon’s laments are familiar to us. We have more than likely at some time in our life wondered why the people who lie, cheat, and do wicked things are alive and well, and even prosperous. Yet, our reward for doing good and striving to be more like Jesus has left us being abused by society while stretching every cent to pay the bills.

The evil one’s plan is masterful. He’s trying to make the grass look greener over on the other side, the wicked side. If we are experiencing oppression for our faith or just hearing of others going through such ridicule, the lures of the evil one can be enticing. That’s why it’s so important to stand firmly on the truth of God’s word.

Ecclesiastes 8:2-8 – Obedience

Read Ecclesiastes 8:2-8

Who do you obey? Solomon was the third of Israel’s kings, and he would counsel us to obey the king. Does that tell us that people were unruly and not respectful in his day? When I read these words, I thought immediately of King Jesus because that’s who I obey. I don’t think Solomon was referring to God here, however.

For now, I’m going to focus my reflection on obedience to our reigning king, Jesus. He is certainly “backed by great power.” God’s power is without limit. Solomon speaks of death, too, and that segues nicely when we think of the power that raised Jesus from the dead.