What I Noticed Today (Ecclesiastes 7-12)
Ecclesiastes 7
In verses 1-13, Solomon contrasts the good with the bad and the wise with the foolish. Ultimately, wisdom is the best inheritance and knowledge the best protection. So when you are blessed with prosperity, be joyful and at all times accept whatever God has given us.
In verses 15-18, Solomon is not suggesting that a little sin is ok. Rather, a zeal for righteousness that steals one’s joy is wrong. Both the extremely righteous person and the foolish person perish.
In verses 19-22, Solomon reminds us that we should be forgiving and patient with others because we have all have sinned.
In verses 23-29, Solomon is not suggesting that women are more sinful than men, but that men are able to understand men and have strong friendships with men more than they are able to fully understand women (even their wives).
Ecclesiastes 8
Solomon addresses several topics in Ecclesiastes 8: the importance of obedience to the king, the need to fear God, and the inability of a man to understand the ways of God.
A wise person understands the importance of being obedient to the king (leaders), as well as the right time and way to approach the king (vv. 1-9)
Solomon struggles with the evil that comes even to those who are righteous. Wicked people rise to power (v. 9), they are honored in public (v. 10); they avoid the punishment that is due them (v. 11), and the wicked enjoy success while the righteous suffer (v. 14). God will, however, call the wicked to judgment and bless the righteous (vv. 13-14), so Solomon suggests we enjoy the days God gives us (v. 15). Ultimately, God is in control, and man will never fully understand all that God has done (v. 16-17).
Ecclesiastes 9
The focus of chapter 9 is on enjoying the life God has given us and on the uncertainty of the future.
In verses 1-10, Solomon says the same fate (death) awaits us all; the rich and poor, as well as the wise and fool. Thus, says Solomon, it is best to enjoy the life God has given us. Whatever work we find to do, do it with all our strength because there is no work, wisdom, knowledge, or planning in the grave.
In verses 11-18, Solomon examines the limitations of wisdom and the unpredictable nature of life. Solomon notes that circumstances in life are often beyond our control; sometimes, the swiftest runner loses, and sometimes the strongest army loses. Time and chance happen to all. Solomon recalls a poor wise man who saved a city surrounded by a strong army, yet the poor man’s wisdom was forgotten. A calm leader is better than a leader who rules by force, and a wise leader is better than having a large army.
Ecclesiastes 10
The poetry section that begins in 10:1 and continues through 10:4 is focused on how a small mistake by a fool can bring ruin and outweigh other’s wisdom. Verse 3 refers to left and right. In the ancient world, the right referred to skillfulness, while left referred to clumsiness and ineptness. A calm man can reduce a ruler’s anger and restore peace.
In verses 5-11, Solomon uses figurative language to describe wise behavior that due to timing, may not bring success. A fool is appointed to a high position while the wise man remains in a lowly position. A slave that rides a horse while the prince walks on the ground. A man digs a pit but falls into it. A man breaks through a wall and is bitten by a snake, etc.
In verses 12-17, Solomon suggests that a wise counselor speaks only what he knows, but a foolish one speaks about things he doesn’t even understand. He says that a nation’s (or business) success depends on the quality of its leaders with an emphasis on the leaders being wise.
In verses 18-20 Solomon gives three proverbs that deal with living a pleasant life: one must work and attend to things that are a priority (fixing the roof on the house), have some money to provide for necessities, and to be respectful and careful when dealing with those in authority.
Ecclesiastes 11
The focus of Ecclesiastes 11 is on making wise investments and is written as poetry.
Verses 1-2 do not refer to charity but to making investments. Specifically, to overseas investments (bread on the surface of the waters) that make a return on our investment (after many days). The investments should be diversified (a portion to seven or even eight).
In verses 3-5, Solomon expands on the rationale for diversifying investments.
In verse 6, Solomon exhorts the reader to work hard on more than one venture because you don’t know which will succeed.
In verses 7-10, Solomon shifts focus to a recognition of our mortality and the importance of living well. Rejoice in your years but fear God knowing that God will bring you to judgment. Solomon’s advice was emphasized and repeated for the young man.
Ecclesiastes 12
Ecclesiastes 12 is primarily a group of metaphors describing the effects of old age and our eventual death.
Solomon exhorts the young man to remember his Creator and to enjoy his youth while he can. The days of adversity refer to the days when a person is older and feebler. The sun and light are darkened refer to the works of creation. When the guardians of the house trembles refer to the hands that tremble as we age. Strong men who stoop refers to the bent posture of the aged. Women who grind refers to our teeth (women ground grain), and they had no dental care to protect their teeth. Ones who watch through windows refers to our eyes. All the daughter’s songs grow faint refers to our hearing being diminished in old age. Almond tree blossoms refer to white/gray hair. The grasshopper loses its spring, and the caperberry loses its effect refers to impotence.
Solomon closes with an epilogue in verses 9-14. He states that as the Teacher he weighed, explored, and arranged proverbs as a means of teaching knowledge to others. His refers to the proverbs being like goads (goads were sharp sticks used to poke and direct sheep). Even though the proverbs are intended to provide knowledge and wisdom. Solomon warns that endless study tires the body and the ultimate piece of wisdom is to fear God and keep His commands because God will judge every good and bad thing.
