Poet or Preacher...
anonymous
April 17 2002, 10:07:33 UTC
The Book of Ecclesiastes has a powerful message. It teaches that great accomplishments and earthly possessions alone do not bring lasting happiness. "Every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor-it is the gift of God" (3:13). There is a proper time for all events: "A time to be born, and a time to die" and so forth (3:2). This text, if taken seriously, can restore balance to our living. The Poet/Preacher states his theme: "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity" (1:2). He begins with wisdom and moves on to laughter, hedonism, and wine and then turns to works, women, and wealth, but all lead to emptiness. He realizes that wisdom is far greater than foolishness, but both seem to lead to futility in view of the brevity of life and universality of death. He concludes that contentment and joy are found only in God. When the Poet/Preacher considers the unchanging order of events and the fixed laws of God, Time is short(3:1-15). The futility of death seems to cancel the difference between righteousness and wickedness (3:16-22); 4 and 5 explore the futility in social relationships (oppression, rivalry, power).
Wisdom and self-control provide perspective and strength in coping with life. One should enjoy prosperity and consider the adversity that God made both. Submission to authority helps one avoid unnecessary hardship, but REAL JUSTICE IS OFTEN LACKING ON EARTH! In view of the unpredictability of circumstances, wisdom is the best course to follow in order to minimize grief and misfortune. Youth is to brief and precious to be squandered in foolishness or evil. A person should live well in the fullness of each day before God and acknowledge Him early in life (11:7-12:7).
The Poet/Preacher concludes life will not wait upon the solution of all its problems; nevertheless, real meaning can be found by looking not "under the sun" but beyond the sun to the "one Shepherd" (12:11).
From One who loves YOU, Moon who does not sit alone!!!
Wisdom and self-control provide perspective and strength in coping with life. One should enjoy prosperity and consider the adversity that God made both. Submission to authority helps one avoid unnecessary hardship, but REAL JUSTICE IS OFTEN LACKING ON EARTH! In view of the unpredictability of circumstances, wisdom is the best course to follow in order to minimize grief and misfortune. Youth is to brief and precious to be squandered in foolishness or evil. A person should live well in the fullness of each day before God and acknowledge Him early in life (11:7-12:7).
The Poet/Preacher concludes life will not wait upon the solution of all its problems; nevertheless, real meaning can be found by looking not "under the sun" but beyond the sun to the "one Shepherd" (12:11).
From One who loves YOU, Moon who does not sit alone!!!
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