Ecclesiastes 1:2
Ecclesiastes 2:12ff
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Ecclesiastes 4:1-8
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Ecclesiastes 5:8-12
Ecclesiastes 5:10-17
Ecclesiastes 9:10
Ecclesiastes 12:1
Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
Topic : Ecclesiastes
General
Ecclesiastes (See Vanity, Folly)
Where is Meaning'
1. Not in Wisdom
2. Not in Withdrawal
3. Not in Weeping
4. Not in Wine
5. Not in Wind
6. Not in Works
7. Not in Words
8. Not in Worship without Obedience
9. Not in Wickedness
10. Not in Weapons of War
11. Not in Writing
12. But Walk Uprightly
Conclusion:
1. Fear God
2. Keep His Commandments
Outline
- 1:1-6:9 Can’t change the past.
- 6:10-11 Don’t know the future.
- Therefore, enjoy life one day at a time.
Dallas Cowboy
Duane Thomas played football for the Dallas Cowboys, and went to the Super Bowl in 1972 with them. After they won, he was asked by a reporter, “How does it feel to win the big one?” “If it’s such a big game, why do they play another again next year?”
Vanity of the World
God gives His mercies to be spent;
Your hoard will do your soul no good;
Gold is a blessing only lent,
Repaid by giving others food.
The world’s esteem is but a bribe,
To buy their peace you sell your own;
The slave of a vainglorious tribe,
Who hate you while they make you known.
The joy that vain amusements give,
Oh! sad conclusion that it brings!
The honey of a crowded hive,
Defended by a thousand stings.
‘Tis thus the world rewards the fools
That live upon her treacherous smiles:
She leads them blindfold by her rules,
And ruins all whom she beguiles.
God knows the thousands who go down
From pleasure into endless woe;
And with a long despairing groan
Blaspheme their Maker as they go.
Oh fearful thought! be timely wise;
Delight but in a Saviour’s charms,
And God shall take you to the skies,
Embraced in everlasting arms.
The Athiest
Bertrand Russell was born into a Christian home and taught to believe in God, but he rejected his training and became an outspoken atheist. His daughter, Katherine Tait, said of him, “Somewhere at the bottom of his heart, in the depths of his soul, there was an empty space that once had been filled by God, and he never found anything else to put in it.”
John Adam’s Family
Even that first famous Adams generation (children of 2nd president John Adams, 1735-1826) had more than its share of black sheep. John and Abigail’s eldest child, Abigail, married a wastrel and at her death left her children to their care. Son Charles married the sister of his spendthrift brother-in-law, dissipated family funds, died of alcoholism and left his widow to the care of his parents. Son Thomas Boylston also became an alcoholic, again bequeathing his children to the care of the family. Though John Quincy (1767-1848) turned out well, he and his unhappy wife Louisa hardly went unscathed. Their first son was an alcoholic and committed suicide at the age of 31. Their next son was expelled from college, failed in business and died of an alcohol-related illness. Only their youngest son, Charles Francis (1807-86), reacted against the family pattern by his exemplary sobriety, his prudence in business and fervent dedication to his wife and children. He spent years writing the biography and editing the words of his grandfather John Adams.
But he concluded, “The history of my family is not a pleasant one to remember. It is one of great triumphs in the world but of deep groans within, one of extraordinary brilliancy and deep corroding mortification.”
The Happiest People on Earth
An English newspaper asked its readers this question: “Who are the happiest people on earth?” These were the four prize-winning answers:
- A craftsman or artist whistling over a job well done.
- A little child building sand castles.
- A mother, after a busy day, bathing her baby.
- A doctor who has finished a difficult and dangerous operation and saved a human life.
No millionaires among these, one notices. No kings, queens, or tycoons. Wealth and position, no matter how the world strives for them, are not the things most people—in their wisdom, we might add—consider the essential quality of happiness.
Ecclesiastes (Futility)
Resource
- Our Savior God, J. M. Boice, p. 734
Ecclesiastes (Vanity of Conquest, Vanity of Life)
Temporary Success
Temporary success may often crown the efforts of the godless, but even their greatest achievements cannot bring complete satisfaction. That was Solomon’s theme when he said, “...the expectation of the wicked shall perish.” If unrepentant sinners should view their most brilliant accomplishments in the light of eternity, they would find them to be as lasting and as valuable as bursting bubbles.
The 119th-century Bible scholar G. S. Bowes pointed out the ultimate futility of ambition that isn’t accompanied by dedication to God. Citing four powerful world rulers of the past, he wrote: “Alexander the Great was not satisfied, even when he had completely subdued the nations. He wept because there were no more worlds to conquer, and he died at an early age in a state of debauchery. Hannibal, who filled three bushels with the gold rings taken from the knights he had slaughtered, committed suicide by swallowing poison. Few noted his passing, and he left this earth completely unmourned. Julius Caesar, ‘staining his garments in the blood of one million of his foes,’ conquered 800 cities, only to be stabbed by his best friends at the scene of his greatest triumph. Napoleon, the feared conqueror, after being the scourge of Europe, spent his last years, in banishment.” No wonder Solomon warned of the poor prospects for anyone who strives to succeed without relying on God. - H.G.B.
Resource
- Loving God, inside front cover - Shirley McClaine, B. Pascal
World’s Largest Castle
A town in Florida wanted to increase tourism—spent $80,000 for two men and many volunteers to build the world’s largest sand castle. Hundreds of hours of labor, dump trucks full of sand, bulldozers, and finally all was destroyed: 1985.
Ecclesiastes 1:2
Nobel Prize Winner
Isaac Singer, 77, who won the Nobel prize for Literature at 73, said he was surprised and happy after his 1978 selection for the prize, but 20 minutes later was the same man with the same worries and troubles.
Ecclesiastes 2:12ff
Nest Eggs
The rich get richer and the poor get poorer—and it seems that compound interest would virtually guarantee it! Not so, according to investment counselor David Dreman. Writing in Forbes magazine, Dreman noted that most large fortunes diminish and sometimes disappear in only two or three generations. He observed, “Why most nest eggs dissipate over time is a major problem...”
Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
Brooks Robinson
Robert Klenck writes,
“Over two decades ago, I happened to be in Yankee Stadium on a night when a rookie infielder named Brooks Robinson made his major league debut, entering the game in the middle innings after the regular third baseman was injured.
The first play in which he was involved brought to him, simultaneously, a wickedly skidding baseball (thrown by the center fielder) and a pair of slashing spikes presented by a sliding base runner. Robinson made the play with skill and courage and the Yanks were retired.
In 1977, near the end of his career, Baltimore fans had a ‘Special Day’ for Brooks Robinson, their great third baseman. Tributes were paid by teammates and opposing players. A large gift was made in his honor to the Johns Hopkins Hospital Children’s Center, one of his favorite charities. Brooks was saluted for his remarkable career; His brilliant play, fine sportsmanship, team leadership. When asked by a reporter how he would most like to be remembered, he replied, ‘Say, “He liked to play the game.”’
That’s a great insight for all of life. The writer of Ecclesiastes was cynical about work until he got past the idea that you can’t take it with you. He finally concluded: “There is nothing better for a man than that he...find enjoyment in his work.”
Ecclesiastes 4:1-8
Emptiness at the Top
In this text Solomon exposes the emptiness of many who make it to the top. This is not a plea for mediocrity. The problem with the people he’s talking about soon becomes clear; they have no fear of the Lord. For people like this, tyranny can become a calling card. Since they view people as pawns, it’s easy for the powerful to become abusive. Sadly, those whom they oppress often have no one to help or comfort them (v.1). Their lot is so painful Solomon concludes that the dead or unborn are better off than the oppressed. If all of this sounds familiar, it’s because these verses capture much of the history of the human race. That’s why those who strive for success must also strive for compassion.
Another reason many successful people feel empty is that they see others as competitors to be beaten rather than as companions to be embraced. It isn’t easy to make friends under those conditions. That’s why those who strive for success must also strive for companionship.
The overachiever can also feel empty because success may bring with it a pack of problems he hadn’t expected. For these people, Solomon’s advice in verse 6 is worth heeding. That’s why those who strive for success must also strive for contentment.
Solomon’s final picture (vv. 7-8) is a sad one: a successful person alone with his money. Yet his loneliness and frustration drive him even harder. A person like that needs help! That’s why those who strive for success must also strive for cessation—knowing when enough is enough.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Four Reasons Why Two are Better Than One
First, two together reap a greater profit (v. 9).
Second, friends offer encouragement and help (v. 10).
Third, a friend offers special warmth (v. 11).
Fourth, a friend gives us strength (v. 12).
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
A Portrait of a True Worshiper
- First, we are to enter the place of worship to listen (vv. 1-3).
- Second, we are to enter worship intending to keep the commitments we make to God (vv. 4-6).
- Third, we enter worship in awe of God (v. 7).
Ecclesiastes 5:4-5
Unkept Promises
We live in an era of unkept promises. Nations sign important treaties and then break them at will. And many couples show little regard for their wedding vows. In this kind of society, we who are God’s people should be known for keeping our promises.
The brilliant Christian scholar and writer C. S. Lewis took that truth seriously. He was determined to pay what he had vowed. His biography tells of the suffering he endured because he kept a promise he had made to a buddy during World War I. This friend was worried about the care of his wife and small daughter if he should be killed in battle, so Lewis assured him that if that were to happen he would look after them. As the war dragged on, the man was killed. True to his word, Lewis took care of his friend’s family. Yet no matter how helpful he tried to be, the woman was ungrateful, rude, arrogant, and domineering. Through it all, Lewis kept forgiving her. He refused to let her actions become an excuse to renege on his promise. -H.V.L.
Ecclesiastes 5:8-12
Selfish Desire for Wealth
- First, Solomon notes that a selfish desire for wealth can lead to oppression.
- A second danger to remember is that love for money leads to dissatisfaction.
- Third, Solomon notes that a love for money leads to anxiety (vv. 11-12
Ecclesiastes 5:10-17
Having Money Doesn’t Solve All Problems
(1) It doesn’t bring satisfaction; the person who loves money never has enough (v.10).
(2) It attracts a larger circle of dependents and results in sleepless nights (vv. 11, 12).
(3) It can result in harm to the person who hoards it (v. 13).
(4) It can be lost suddenly (v. 14).
(5) It can’t be taken with us into the next world when we die (vv. 15, 16).
Ecclesiastes 9:10
The Radish Lady
About six years ago, I was speaking at a luncheon held in the civic auditorium of a city in Oklahoma. I settled myself at my place at the head table. I picked up my fork and noticed that two rose-petaled radishes adorned my salad plate. Someone had take the time to pretty up two radishes, just for me. Then I noticed that each salad at the head table had two neatly curled radishes. I turned to the lady sitting to my right. “I’m impressed by the radishes, “ I said. “You’re impressed by what?” she asked. “The radishes,” I said. “Look, each salad plate at our table has curled radishes.” “Yes,” she said, exercising a questioning smile. “They’re pretty.” “They’re more than pretty,” I said. Someone took special care to do these.” “Don’t they all have them?” she asked, gazing out at the tables. I looked and was astonished. Each salad plate was adorned with two curled radishes! “They are curled! That took a lot of time!” “I’m not on the planning committee, but Gertrude is,” my table mate responded.
She turned to get the attention of Gertrude, three chairs down. “Mrs. George wants to ask you something about the radishes, “she whispered. “The what?” Gertrude mouthed “The RADISHES!” “Is there something wrong with your radishes?” she asked. “No. They are fine. I just thought it was nice to have them all curled.” “Oh, Marietta does those.” “All of them?” I knew the head count in the room and was astonished. “That’s almost eight hundred radishes!” “Yes, but Marietta wants to do it. Would you like to meet her? She’s in the kitchen.”
So Gertrude and I went into the kitchen, and there I met Marietta, the lady of the radishes. “Gertrude tells me you curled all those radishes. They’re lovely. Each salad looks so...festive.” “I don’t mind doing it. It just takes time,” Marietta replied. I didn’t know what more to say so I left.
Later, I spoke, and there was an encouraging response. Afterward, ladies scurried past me with murmured greetings, and a few lingered to speak of God in their lives. When we finished, it was raining heavily so we hurried across the parking lot to the car. Through the rain, I could see a lady, carrying a large polka-dot umbrella that had collapsed on one side waiting by our car. It was Marietta! She was smiling as though we had found her on a sunny day in an especially delightful garden. “I had to see you. I heard your speech. It was good!” she said. “I have to go home now.” I slipped inside the car. Marietta crouched down close to the window and called to me, “Just remember this. You keep telling people about Jesus, and I’ll keep curling the radishes.” The rain and my tears splattered the picture of her face as we started to back out of the driveway.
Ah, dear Marietta, I haven’t forgotten. We are to do our jobs in the love of him who does all things well.
Ecclesiastes 12:1
Leftovers
Leftovers are such humble things,
We would not serve to a guest,
And yet we serve them to our Lord
Who deserves the very best.
We give to Him leftover time,
Stray minutes here and there.
Leftover cash we give to Him,
Such few coins as we can spare.
We give our youth unto the world,
To hatred, lust and strife;
Then in declining years we give
To him the remnant of our life.
Grim Reaper
According to an old fable, a man made an unusual agreement with Death. He told the Grim Reaper that he would willingly accompany him when it came time to die, but only on one condition—that Death would send a messenger well in advance to warn him. Weeks winged away into months, and months into years. Then one bitter winter evening, as the man sat thinking about all his possessions, Death suddenly entered the room and tapped him on the shoulder. Startled, the man cried out, “You’re here so soon and without warning! I thought we had an agreement.” Death replied, “I’ve more than kept my part. I’ve sent you many messengers. Look in the mirror and you’ll see some of them.”
As the man complied, Death whispered, “Notice your hair! Once it was full and black, now it is thin and white. Look at the way you cock your head to listen to me because you can’t hear very well. Observe how close to the mirror you must stand to see yourself clearly. Yes, I’ve sent many messengers through the years. I’m sorry you’re not ready, but the time has come to leave.”
Ecclesiastes 12:1-7
The Four Calls
The Spirit came in childhood and pleaded, “Let me in,”
But oh! the door was bolted by thoughtlessness and sin;
“I am too young,” the child replied, “I will not yield today;
There’s time enough tomorrow.” The Spirit went away.
Again He came and pleaded in youth’s bright happy hour;
He came but heard no answer, for lured by Satan’s power
The youth lay dreaming then and saying, “Not today,
Not till I’ve tried earth’s pleasures.” The Spirit went away.
Again He called in mercy in manhood’s vigorous prime,
But still He found no welcome, the merchant had no time;
No time for true repentance, no time to think or pray,
And so, repulsed and saddened, the Spirit went away.
Once more He called and waited, the man was old and ill,
And scarcely heard the whisper, his heart was cold and still;
“Go leave me; when I need thee, I’ll call for thee,” he cried;
Then sinking on his pillow, without a hope, he died!
