SCRIPTURE: ECCLESIASTES 8
MEMORY VERSES:
“Since no man knows the future, who can tell him what is to come? No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.” (Ecclesiastes 8:7-8)
“There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: righteous men who get what the wicked deserve, and wicked men who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless. So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:14-15)
“Then I saw all that God has done. No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all his efforts to search it out, man cannot discover its meaning. Even if a wise man claims he knows, he cannot really comprehend it.
OBEY THE KING (vs. 1-17)
Learn to deal wisely with disagreements. Learn to smile and brighten your face. As much as possible, submit to authority. Have the discernment to know the right time to speak and act. In this life, there are many mysteries and injustices. Do not lord it over others. Leave them with God. When you put God first and serve others, your life will become meaningful and joyful.
THOUGHTS:
Proverbs 1:7 says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective. It comes from knowing and trusting God that leads us to understanding and right application of knowledge.
Even if sins are not punished immediately, it does not mean that there is no consequences. God knows every wrong we commit and one day we will have to answer for all we have done.
Life has lots of unanswered questions. Why did the righteous man got what the wicked deserve and the wicked man got what the righteous deserve? We just have to accept and learn to enjoy what God has given to us with joy and contentment. The unknown should not cast a shadow over our joy, faith or work. For God is almighty who is in control of everything. We just have to put our trust in Him.