June 1, 2025
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Today’s word comes from the Book of Ecclesiastes, an interesting book of the Bible penned by King Solomon, who was the second son of King David and Bathsheba. Solomon also wrote most of the Book of Proverbs and you will notice a similarity of style between the two books.
The Hebrew and Latin words for “Ecclesiastes” mean “one who addresses an assembly, congregation, or church, i.e., a preacher.” In Chapter 1, verse 1, the Preacher is identified as Solomon, son of David, king in Jerusalem.
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon teaches on the meaning of life, and he is quite qualified to do so, as he is considered at the time to be the wisest man who ever taught in Jerusalem (pre-Jesus). Also, Solomon was known for exploring pleasure, accomplishing great things, and acquiring great wealth. Not surprisingly, Solomon concludes that life is empty, perplexed, and futile without a relationship with God, and only Jesus, the one Shepherd, can provide ultimate satisfaction, joy, wisdom, and abundant life. Here are the closing verses to the Book of Ecclesiastes:
Ecclesiastes 12:
10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of [these] collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd.
12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion [to books] is wearying to the body.
13 ¶ The conclusion, when all has been heard, [is:] fear God and keep His commandments, because this [applies to] every person.
14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. (NASB)
In closing, Solomon is saying he sought to write words of truth correctly. Verse 11 is interesting – he says that the words of wise men are like goads, but they are given by one Shepherd, an obvious reference to Jesus. A goad is a pointed rod used to urge on an animal. In this context, Solomon means the words of wise men spur us into action. Thus, Solomon is emphasizing the value of wisdom but cautioning that only Jesus can provide the wisdom we all seek, the wisdom that will encourage us to act.
He concludes in verses 13 and 14 that we should fear God and keep His commands, and that every act will be brought to judgment, even those acts which are hidden, whether they are good or bad.
With that as a backdrop, I want to share a few other verses from the book, as the Lord has spoken into my spirit. This word is wise advice as we pursue the meaning of our lives.
A Time for Everything
In the opening to Chapter 3, Solomon teaches us to put life into perspective. There are times and seasons for everything.
Ecclesiastes 3:
1 ¶ There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven–
2 A time to give birth, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to uproot what is planted.
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to tear down, and a time to build up.
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance.
5 A time to throw stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to shun embracing.
6 A time to search, and a time to give up as lost; A time to keep, and a time to throw away.
7 A time to tear apart, and a time to sew together; A time to be silent, and a time to speak.
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; A time for war, and a time for peace.
Not every activity in that list is Godly, but Solomon is acknowledging that life is not always easy, and we will sometimes sin. The overarching theme is that we need to look at the big picture of our lives and realize that not everything will be pleasant and positive. We need to be willing to move on, especially when we fail.
God is Permanent and Perfect
Later in Chapter 3, Solomon observes that what God does is permanent, and perfect. His covenant with Israel is permanent, and nothing should be negotiated in His land grant to His people.
Ecclesiastes 3:
14 I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has [so] worked that men should fear Him.
15 That which is has been already, and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by.
16 ¶ Furthermore, I have seen under the sun [that] in the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness.
17 I said to myself, “God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man,” for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.
Put Away Anger
Next, in Ecclesiastes 7, we are taught that anger is for the foolish.
Ecclesiastes 7:
9 Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, For anger resides in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, “Why is it that the former days were better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask about this.
Note verse 10: how often do we long for the “good old days?” God says that is not wisdom. We are privileged to be living in these days, as His will is unfolding in the earth.
Admit Your Sin
Ecclesiastes 7:
20 Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who [continually] does good and who never sins.
This point is re-emphasized in 1st John 1:
1st John 1:
8 ¶ If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
Enjoy Your Life
Next in Ecclesiastes 9 is an encouragement to enjoy life.
Ecclesiastes 9:
9 Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life, and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun.
Nancy and I celebrated our 47th anniversary last week by going away for a few days. God whispered and encouraged me to enjoy life with the woman I love.
Say “No” to Vexation
And finally in Chapter 11 is a warning that life is too short to harbor anger in our hearts.
Ecclesiastes 11:
10 So, remove vexation from your heart and put away pain from your body, because childhood and the prime of life are fleeting.
The word “vexation” means anger, grief, indignation, provocation, sorrow, spite, and wrath. The implication is that vexation causes not just emotional pain but physical pain as well. Verse 10 says the prime of life is fleeting, so do not waste it by harboring anger, sorrow, spite, and wrath. Give these emotions to the Lord and allow Him to heal you.
Let us pray.
Father God, thank You for the wisdom of Your word, and the one Shepherd, Jesus, who provides that wisdom. Draw us by the Holy Spirit to revere You and to keep Your commandments, knowing that all things will be brought to judgment, even those things which are hidden. Lord, help us to know the season we are in, and that all Your works are permanent and perfect. Remove anger and all forms of vexation from our hearts that we may enjoy the fleeting days of our lives. And Jesus, help us to realize that we are sinners, washed in Your blood, and made worthy according to the covenant of the Father. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
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