SCRIPTURE: ECCLESIASTES 9
MEMORY VERSES:
“All share a common destiny – the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. As it is with the good man, so with the sinner; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:2)
“This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are fulfill off evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead.” (Ecclesiastes 9:3)
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7)
“Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun – all your meaningless days. For this is your lot if life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 9: 9)
“Moreover, no man knows when his hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.” (Ecclesiastes 9:12″
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” (Ecclesiastes 9:17-18)
A COMMON DESTINY FOR ALL (vs. 1-12)
Death is a common destiny for all. Whether you are righteous or wicked, all must face death. But no man knows when the day will occur. So, eat your food with gladness and drink your wine with a joyful heart. (v. 7)). Dressed decently with nice appearance. Enjoy life with your wife. For this is your lot in life in your toilsome labor under the sun. (v. 9) Do the best you can while you are still on earth.
SOMETHING ON EARTH THAT IS QUITE CONFUSING (V. 11)
- The race is not for the swift.
- The battle is not to the strong.
- Food does not come to the wise.
- Wealth does not owned to the brilliant.
- Favor does not go to the learned.
THE UNKNOWN THAT HAPPENS: (v. 12)
- All fish are caught in a cruel net.
- All birds are taken in a snare.
- Men are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly.
WISDOM BETTER THAN FOLLY (vs. 13-18)
There was a powerful king who seized the city and built huge walls against it. Then there was a poor city man who saved the city by his wisdom. So, “wisdom is better than strength”. But sadly, the poor man’s wisdom was despised and his words were no longer heeded. Listen to the words of the wise than shouts of a fool ruler. Wisdom is better than weapons of man, but one sinner destroys much good. (v. 18)
THOUGHTS:
Since death is unavoidable, we must prepare before hand. Now is the time to receive God’s gift of eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus. Life is unpredictable and future is so uncertain. So, start to enjoy God’s gift of your family while you are able. Ask God to give you wisdom to use each day profitably for His glory. Let the thought off death energize you to do more good works.
Life is unfair. The strongest does not win, the wise are poor and the skillful are unrewarded. That is true because the world is finite and sin has tarnished life. Solomon wanted us to reduce our expectation to this sinful and imperfect world. Don’t let the negatives of life keep you from earnest dedicated work. Learn to appreciate wisdom and apply it in your life.