Monday, October 14 – Ecclesiastes 8, 9
1. What does the preacher say about the state of humans in death? (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6)
2. Why does he say that whatever we do, we should do it “with all our might”? (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Commentary and Reflection:
Solomon seemed disillusioned with life after seeking happiness in material things and sinful pleasure. Ultimately, he concludes that happiness lies in enjoying the simple and wholesome pleasures of good things, such as work, enjoying life with the spouse you love, savoring a good meal, and spending pleasant moments with friends.
It is a fact that in this sinful world, there are evils and injustices. As the wise man says, it is not for us to know the future, nor do we have control over retaining the breath of life. The wicked are honored, and the righteous are forgotten, but he also says:Â
“Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, yet I surely know that it will be well with those who fear God, who fear before Him. But it will not be well with the wicked; nor will he prolong his days, which are as a shadow, because he does not fear before God.” (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13)
Much of what happens under the sun is beyond our control, just like the pandemic, wars, the economy, disasters, corrupt governments, elections, what happens in our cells, the decisions a spouse or child makes, etc. The preacher refers to these misfortunes as being “caught in an evil time,” like fish in a net and birds in a snare. It is good that Jesus is our Savior, who can free us from the net and the snare. Amid events beyond our control, we are called to enjoy the good that God gives us and trust Him for everything else.
Although the world values strength more than wisdom, still, “wisdom is better than strength, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.” (Ecclesiastes 9:16)
It is unfortunate but true in this sinful world that “one sinner destroys much good.” Like a distracted driver on their phone, who causes an accident that robs a family of peace and joy, or a moral failure that brings decease or destroys a family, or a fit of anger that leads to a wrong decision.
May it be our daily decision to trust in God and submit to His guidance. Only He can deliver us, and only in Him do we have hope for a better life in a world without the scourge of sin.
May God greatly bless you today.