Well, I have come to the end of my study in Ecclesiastes, the end of Solomon’s treatise on the meaning of life. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all.
The cry every diligent college student can be found in verse 12: “…much study is wearisome to the flesh.” I think the NASB version also puts it really well: “…excessive devotion
“And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs.
“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, ‘I have no pleasure in them’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Ah dearski! Those difficult days are coming when life will be just a drag and eternity will be both a touchable reality and a more »
Wow…at the age of 23, this passage really strikes me. I feel like I am in that time of life between youth and old age, even though I know the expanse between the two is greater than that. But going to college with “kids” that are six years younger than me, I just don’t feel more »
“You do not know the works of God who makes everything.” I like to take the conservative approach to making decisions. I don’t like to do anything that I think might flop. Failure is not my friend, so I try not to spend time with it. Now, success? Ah yes…there’s something I like to enjoy. more »
It’s that time of the decade where U.S. politics is focusing on the next presidential election. Who will lead our country for the next four years? What will the head of our country look like, and how will it run our country? Ecclesiastes 10:16-20 talks a little about government and a right attitude toward it. more »
I see here several characteristics of the fool when he speaks. First of all, he speaks out of turn (Ecclesiastes 10:11). He doesn’t need to be prompted to share his futile thoughts or his detrimental words. He just speaks freely to his own hurt and that of others. Secondly, there is no kindness in his more »
“If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.” I’ve encountered similar problems in the past. The less prepared something is for its work, the harder it is to accomplish its work. A dull ax requires more physical energy to cut through more »
I’m not sure exactly what point these verses are trying to communicate, but it seems like it is stressing the importance of wisdom and caution in everything we do. If I’m not careful, I may fall into the next hole I dig, or I may be bit by a serpent the next time I break more »