Ecclesiastes 5-8
What I Noticed Today (Ecclesiastes 5-8)
Ecclesiastes 5
Ecclesiastes 5 has two primary themes: a warning against making impulsive vows to God and the potential for corruption in government.
In verses 1-7, Solomon warns against making rash vows to God and then not fulfilling those vows. Two issues are apparent: some people make rash vows thinking they will impress God with their vow, but then think they can avoid fulfilling the vow. If you make a promise to God you need to keep it!
In verses 8-9, Solomon expresses his frustration at the oppression of the poor that exists in governments.
In verses 10-20 Solomon provides seven reasons why the pursuit of wealth is futile:
- Pursuing wealth is futile because you never have enough (v. 10).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because you attract people who only want your money (v. 11a).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because once you’ve acquired it, all you can do is look at it (v. 11b)
- Pursuing wealth is futile because you worry about losing it (v. 12).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because you’re likely to take on high-risk investments and lose it all (v. 13-14).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because when you die you can’t take it with you (v. 15-16).
- Pursuing wealth is futile because it can take all your time and keep you from enjoying life (v. 17-20).
Ecclesiastes 6
Ecclesiastes 6:1-6, continues Solomon’s discussion of the futility of pursuing wealth. He says while God may bless someone with riches they may not take the time to enjoy life and ultimately they die and pass on their wealth to someone else. It doesn’t matter how long you live if you don’t experience happiness.
Ecclesiastes 6:7-12, Solomon suggests the fundamental truths of life are already known and the pursuit of additional knowledge will not change the ultimate condition of man.
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 of 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 verses19-22, 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).
What did you notice in your study today? Feel free to visit the website and leave a question or a comment.