Ecclesiastes part three – A life well lived is a life worth living

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth

I. COUNSEL FOR BETTER LIVING –

A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth. – Ecclesiastes 7:1

A. HONOR IS BETTER THAN LUXURY
1. Be a person of honor
2. Better than precious ointment (material gain)
B. FOR THE BELIEVER, YOUR DEATH DAY IS BETTER THAN YOUR BIRTHDAY –
WHY?

  1. One’s birth is the beginning of sorrows

Job 14:1 -Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.;

Jeremiah 20:14-18 – Cursed be the day wherein I was born: let not the day wherein my mother bare me be blessed. 15 Cursed be the man who brought tidings to my father, saying, A man child is born unto thee; making him very glad.16 And let that man be as the cities which the LORD overthrew, and repented not: and let him hear the cry in the morning, and the shouting at noontide;17 Because he slew me not from the womb; or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me 18 Wherefore came I forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

  1. One’s death can be the beginning of eternal bliss

Isaiah 57:1-2 The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.2 He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.;

C. A FUNERAL IS BETTER THAN A PARTY (verses 2-4) – It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
1. For the child of God a funeral is a celebration service
2. It is a graduation ceremony
3. For those left behind it is
A. A time of remembrance
B. A time to reflect on our own spiritual state
C. A time of rejoicing in knowing this is not the end

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 – But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

D. A REBUKE OF THE WISE IS BETTER THAN THE SONG OF FOOLS (verses 5-7) 5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
1. For the laughter of the fool is vanity
2. Flattery is foolish admonishment for personal gain

E. THE END IS BETTER THAN THE BEGINNING (verse 8) Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
1. Finish what you start
2. Not all that starts has an end; in the completion of a task one
finds satisfaction –

F. PATIENCE IS BETTER THAN PRIDE (verses 8-9) 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
1. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit
2. Do not be hasty to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of
fools

G. THE PRESENT IS BETTER THAN THE PAST (verse 10) – Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
1. We should not say “why were the former days better?”
2. One is not wise in thinking in such a manner

H. WISDOM IS BETTER THAN WEALTH (11-12) 11 ¶ Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.


1. Wisdom along with an inheritance is good, and profitable for
the living.

2. Wisdom is a defense like money, but wisdom gives life to those who have it.

I. ACCEPTANCE IS BETTER THAN INDIGNATION (verses 13-14) – 13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
1. There are some things of God we cannot change
2. God has appointed both the day of prosperity and the day of
adversity, so man is unable to determine what will happen after him
3. The conclusion?
a. In the day of prosperity be joyful
b. In the day of adversity consider (what lessons might
be learned)

Celebrate Jesus 2020

Lamentations 3:21-26

  This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.23  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.24  The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.25  The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.26  It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

  1. God is always faithful
  2. His compassions never end
  3. He reminds us daily of His goodness
  4. He is still our hope in 2020 and we can still count on Him daily
  5. We need to learn to be quiet in His presence

Isaiah 40:28-31   Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29  He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30  Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

  1. God NEVER takes time off – He is always working in our lives
  2. All the powers of this world can not match the power of My God
  3. We must learn to wait in His presence

A. We will soar to new heights
B. We will run the race set before us

II Timothy 4:7-8 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.


Philippians 3:13-14 -13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

C. We will never grow weary of serving Our Great God if we allow Him to be our strength

Isaiah 43: 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.


Joshua 1:7-9 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success. 9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

  1. God is with us even in the midst of life’s strongest battles
  2. Our strength will come from being immersed in His Holy Word
  3. God is with us where ever we God
    A. He was in the furnace
    B. He was in the lion’s den
    C. He was in the red sea
    D. He was in the prison with Paul and Silas
    E. He was with the disciples in the strom
    F. He is with us all the time regardless our circumstances.


I Corinthians 15:51-58 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58 ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

A. We could still hear a trumpet in 2020
B. We will soon be over with the trials of this life’
C. We will soon be changed into His likeness
D. We will soon overcome death
E. We will be

  1. Steadfast
  2. Unmovable
  3. Unstoppable
    F. We will
  4. Complete the task given to us
  5. Abound (be greatly fruitful) in our work for Him
  6. We will be rewarded soon for our faithfulness
  7. Our labor is NOT IN VAIN

John 6:9-12 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

A. It does not take much for God to do great things
B. God is going to use us to do great things in a big world in a supernatural way
C. Little is much when God is in it.

In the harvest field now ripened
There’s a work for all to do
Hark! the Master’s voice is calling
To the harvest calling you
Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if a God is in it
For He’ll not forsake His own

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame
There’s a crown, and you can win it
If you go in Jesus’ name

And when the conflict has ended
And our race on earth is run
He will say, if you’ve been faithful
“Welcome home, My child—well done!”

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame
There’s a crown, and you can win it
If you go in Jesus’ name

David. A man after God’s own heart.

Acts 13:20-22

And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21  And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.22  And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

Humble

Psalm 62:7-9   In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8   Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.9  Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.

1 Peter 5:6  Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Reverent

Psalm 18:3 – I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. –

I Samuel 12:24  Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.

Hebrews 5:7 – Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Respected the things of God.

Psalm31:9 – Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.

Psalm 29:2-4   Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 3  The voice of the LORD is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the LORD is upon many waters. 4  The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

Trusted God

Loved God completely

Psalm 81:1 – Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.

Wholly devoted to God

Psalm 4:7 – Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.

Psalms 9:1 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Psalms 111:1  Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.

Psalms 119:2  Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.

Psalms 119:10  With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.

Psalms 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

Gave God all the praise

Psalm 9:1-2 I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. 2  I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.–

Faithful even in Hard times

Psalm 25:1-7 – Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.2  O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.3  Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.4  Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.5  Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.6  Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.7  Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake, O LORD.

Obedient

Psalm 119:34-36 – 34  Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35  Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.36  Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.

Luke 11:28 – But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Repentant heart

Psalm 25:10-15  All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.11  For thy name’s sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.12  What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.13  His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.14  The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.15   Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.

Ecclesiastes lesson two – All is Vanity

Ecclesiastes 1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

Today we begin to examine the vanity of the material things in life. We are all worried about the covid-19 and the main fear is that of dying. We will be reminded over and over in Ecclesiastes that death is a certain part of living. We are born, we live, and we die. What happens after we die is of utmost importance. Solomon’s main lesson in Ecclesiastes is prepare for death. It is coming to all. It is the one certain thing in life.

Death happens to all

  1. The rich and the poor
  2. The wise and the foolish
  3. Those who work and those who do not
  4. The famous and the unfamous

As we see in this passage, life is a balancing act.  They are good times and bad times.  There are joyful times and sorrowful times.  There is a time of struggle and a time of peace.  Next time we will talk about this balance, but for today we are going to look at the vanities of this life that we spend far too much time seeking after, so let us begin.

The vanity of pleasure –

verse 2:1-  I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.

A. Solomon had plenty of money
B. Solomon has plenty of “fun”
C. Solomon had plenty of fame

The vanity of labor

Ecclesiastes 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:22-23 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? 23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

The vanity of human wisdom

verse 2:15 – Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity

A. Man’s wisdom falls far short of God’s wisdom
B. True wisdom is to know and do the will of God
C. True wisdom only comes when we trust God and follow what He says

Ecclesiastes 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

The vanity of working just to leave an inheritance

verse 2:19-21- 19  And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.20  Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.21  For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

A. Life should be lived to its spiritual fullness –

Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.


B. Leave a spiritual legacy –

2 Timothy 1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.


C. Life is short and we need to invest spiritually in the lives of people –

James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

The vanity of earthly desires

3:19-21 –   For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.20  All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.21  Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

The vanity of work ahead of family

4:7-8 – Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. 8  There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Read Ephesians chapters 5 and 6 – God’s Instructions for Christian Households

A. God
B. Spouse
C. Children
D. Profession
E. Ministry to those outside our homes

The vanity of popularity

4:13-16 – 13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. 14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.15 As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind? Luke 6: 26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

The vanity of false dreams and ideal talk –

4:13-16 – 13  There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. 14  But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.15  As he came forth of his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.16  And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?

Luke 6: 26  Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

The vanity of false dreams and ideal talk

5:4-7 – 4   When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.5  Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.6  Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?7  For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.

Matthew 12:36-37 – 36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.37  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned

The vanity of seeking an abundance

5:9-10 – 9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.10  He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

Luke 12:16-20 – 16  And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:17  And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?18  And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.19  And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.20  But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

The vanity of wealth over the gift of God

 6:2 – A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease

Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 6:19-21,33   Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The vanity of foolish desires

Ecclesiastes 6:9- Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit. Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!;

Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Proverbs 28:6 Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich.

The vanity of foolish laughter

Ecclesiastes 7:6- For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity

The vanity of injustice in this life

Ecclesiastes 8:14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.

Remember Job

The vanity of the days of darkness

Ecclesiastes 11:8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh is vanity.

The vanity of youthful ambitions and desires

Ecclesiastes 11:10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.

Ecclesiastes – Part one

New study in the book of Ecclesiastes began October 18, 2020

Vanity of Earthly Priorities vs Joy of Heavenly Riches

1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
12: 8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.

How interesting is it that the writer of the Book starts right out by stating all is vanity and in his last chapter repeats his claim.  If this was all he had to say, we would be very miserable people.  He would eat, drink and be merry and then die.  But as we will see, Solomon comes to a wonderful glorious conclusion that we all can find comfort and hope in.  Today we will begin our journey though this often overlooked book and also often misunderstood book.  I hope to be able to bring you some clarity as we study this book together.  I also pray that the Holy Spirit will use this study to reenergize you as you renew your commitment to fully follow after Christ.

By way of introduction

A. Written by Solomon around 945 BC
B. The name Ecclesiastes is the Greek term Ekklesia meaning called out group assembly. It is where the term church comes from (A called out assemply). Here it indicates to one who speaks to the congregation – The preacher
C. The Hebrew name for the book is Qoheleth (Koeleth) meaning “preacher”
D. This book is Solomon “preaching” to us truth29 times

The key words

A. Vanity – 35 times
B. Under the sun – 29 times
C. Man – 47 times
D. Labor – 36 times
E. Wisdom or wise – 52 times
F. Evil – 22 times

Two things Ecclesiastes will do
  1. Prod our thinking – get you to think
  2. Exhort – provide stability and direction
 Proverbs 3:5-7

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

The problem – IS LIFE WORTH LIVING

Man is insignificant in the scope of the universe
Ecclesiastes 1:4-11

4 One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever.5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose.6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits.7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

Man can not understand the mind of God

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13  And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. 14  I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 15  That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. 16  I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. 17  And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. 18  For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

The material pleasures of life do not satisfy

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:6 I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:7 I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. 11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.

Death happens to all – rich and poor, wise and foolish, one who labors and those who don’t

Ecclesiastes 2:12-23

And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done. 13  Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness. 14  The wise man’s eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. 15  Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity. 16  For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. 17  Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 18  Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. 19  And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity. 20  Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun. 21  For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22  For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? 23  For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

  1. Solomon says enjoy the blessings of God now
  2. Paul seems to agree