Ecclesiastes 9
Mysteries in Providence.Solomon continues exploring the mysteries of God’s actions in the world. He notices that even though wise people study God’s ways, they still cannot fully understand why good and bad things happen to different people. Sometimes good people suffer and bad people prosper. This can be confusing and troubling. However, Solomon shares some truths to help us trust God even when life seems unfair, reminding us that God cares for His people and that earthly events do not always show who God loves or hates.v. 1: Solomon says that he thought carefully about these things so he could teach others. He declares that the righteous and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God . This means God watches over good people and all they do. Even if it looks like bad things happen by accident, everything is really under God’s control. God works everything for the good of His people (Deuteronomy 33:3; John 10:29 a; Psalm 31:15 b).He reminds us that we cannot judge God’s love or anger by what happens to us in this life. No man knows either love or hatred by all that is before him. Success or suffering does not always show God’s feelings. The real proof will be seen in the life to come. If we love God, we know He loves us, even if life is hard. If we live against God, we know we are not in His favor, even if life is easy. v. 2: Solomon admits that in this world, all things come alike to all . Good and bad people often seem to have the same experiences. He points out the differences in their character: the righteous are clean, worship God, and do good; the wicked are unclean, neglect God, and do evil. But even though their hearts are different, the same kinds of things happen to both. Outward events do not erase the difference between good and evil, but the results of these events will be very different in the end. v. 3: This can be a big problem for wise and good people. This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all . When people see the same things happening to everyone, some become discouraged or even turn to evil. They may think it does not matter how they live, so their hearts become full of evil. This is why people sometimes do more wrong, thinking there are no consequences (Ecclesiastes 8:11 c).Solomon finishes by saying that the wicked, no matter how they live now, are really lost. Madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. Their lives may seem exciting or successful, but it is like a dream—they are not thinking clearly. In the end, they will die, and then there will be a true difference between the righteous and the wicked (Jeremiah 50:38; Acts 26:11 d; Luke 15:17 e). The Consequences of Death; The Proper Enjoyment of Life.Earlier, Solomon said it was better to be dead than alive (Ecclesiastes 4:2 f). But now, he realizes that being alive gives us an important opportunity—to prepare for death and for the life to come. While we live, we can still change, do good, and find hope. Once we die, that chance is gone forever.v. 4: Solomon points out that as long as we are alive, there is hope. For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope . Even the lowest person alive, like a living dog, is better off than a great person who is dead, like a dead lion. While we are alive, we can still do something useful and change our ways. But after death, there is no more chance to change. v. 5-6: The living know that they will die, so they can prepare for it. The living know that they shall die (Ecclesiastes 9:5 g). The dead, however, know nothing about what happens on earth. They do not share in anything that happens in this world anymore. All their feelings—love, hate, and envy—end at death. Their names and actions are soon forgotten. Death ends both our chances for earthly joy and our worries about this world (Job 10:22; Psalm 17:14 h). – v. 7-9: Because life is short and uncertain, Solomon encourages us to enjoy the good things God gives us. Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepts thy works (Ecclesiastes 9:7 i). If we live to please God, we can enjoy our food, clothes, and family with a happy heart. We should be thankful and cheerful, making good use of what God has given us, and sharing it with others (Acts 2:46 j). Solomon especially says to enjoy life with your loved ones, like your spouse, as this is part of God’s gift to you (Proverbs 5:19 k). – – v. 10: Solomon reminds us to work hard and do our best while we are alive. Whatsoever thy hand finds to do, do it with thy might . This life is our chance to do good, serve God, and help others. When we die, there will be no more chances to work, plan, or gain wisdom. The grave is a place of silence and darkness, so we should make the most of every day while we can (John 9:4 l). The Disappointment of Hopes.Solomon continues to show that life is uncertain and that we cannot control what will happen. Even if we work hard and use all our skills, the results are still in God’s hands, not ours. He reminds us that we should do our best, but we must also trust God with the outcome, because things often turn out differently than we expect.v. 11: Solomon says that people are often disappointed, even when they have every reason to expect success. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all . Fast runners do not always win, strong soldiers do not always get victory, and wise or skilled people do not always become rich or successful. Sometimes, things happen that no one can predict, and even the best plans fail. This teaches us to depend on God, not just on our own abilities. v. 12: He also warns that trouble can come suddenly, when we least expect it. Man knows not his time . Just like fish are caught in a net or birds in a trap, people can be surprised by disaster or death. We do not know what will happen tomorrow, so we should always be ready for changes. This is another reason not to trust only in our own plans, but to trust in God’s wisdom and timing. The Advantages of Wisdom.Solomon teaches that wisdom is still very valuable, even though life is full of trouble and things do not always go as planned. Wisdom is better than foolishness, and it helps people do good for others, even when they do not get a reward or much recognition. True wisdom is shown when someone helps others not for praise, but because it is the right thing to do.v. 13: Solomon shares a story that impressed him. He saw an example of wisdom that seemed great to him . This was the wisdom of a person who worked for the good of others, even though it did not benefit him personally. v. 14-15: He describes a little city with only a few people. A powerful king attacked the city and surrounded it with strong armies. But in the city, there was one poor wise man. By his wisdom, he saved the city, even though he was not rich or important. After the danger passed, nobody remembered or honored the wise man for what he did. This shows that people often forget those who help them the most (Judges 11:7; 2 Samuel 20:16 m). – v. 16: Solomon says, Wisdom is better than strength . A wise person can do more good than a strong person. But sometimes, if a wise person is poor, his advice is ignored, and people do not listen to him. Even so, wisdom is still more useful than great power. v. 17: He explains that wise words, spoken quietly and calmly, are more powerful than the loud shouting of a foolish leader. The words of wise men are heard in quiet . People respect good reasoning, even if it is not said by someone rich or famous. v. 18: Finally, Solomon says, Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner destroys much good (Ecclesiastes 9:18 n). Wisdom can save many people and bring peace, but one wicked person can ruin many good things. This shows how important it is to value wisdom and avoid the harm that even one sinner can cause.
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