Ecc 9:1-2 | MHM | STEP | 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 ; Psalm 31:15 ). 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.

‏ Ecclesiastes 9:1-2

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.