Day 140 – Ecclesiastes: Solomon’s final conclusion
“Better to hear the quiet words of a wise person than the shouts of a foolish king.” Ecclesiastes 9:17 NLT
Reading Ecclesiastes 9:1 to Ecclesiastes 12:14
Human wisdom does not hold all the answers. Knowledge and education have their limits. To understand life and make good decisions, we need the wisdom found only in God’s Word. When we realise that God is present each day and evaluate all we do, we are motivated to live wisely and follow His guidelines for living. But to gain this wisdom, we must first get to know and honour Him.
Because life is short, we need wisdom greater than what this world can offer and the words of God, so we can live His way. When we obey, His wisdom spares us the bitterness of futile human experience and gives us hope beyond death. Considering the uncertainties of the future and the certainty of death, Solomon recommended enjoying life as God’s gift. He may have been criticising those who delay present pleasures to amass wealth, much like those caught up in today’s rat race. Solomon was asking, “What is your wealth really worth, anyway?” Because the future is so uncertain, we should enjoy God’s gifts while we are able.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the book of Ecclesiastes, where we find the questions we often ask too, and for the answer through the pen of Solomon. Bring these verses into remembrance when we go through life’s seasons. Amen.
