ecclesiastes
commentary
by Robert
I. Winer, M.D.
(Note: All referenced
passages are from the Living Bible translation)
Futility of worldly
achievement as the ultimate goal
Eccl 1:2-3 In my opinion, nothing is worthwhile;
everything is futile. For what does a man get for all his hard
work? Generations come and go, but it makes no difference. The
sun rises and sets and hurries around to rise again.
This is not a statement of pure pessism,
but rather that the writer has a fuller comprehension of two
realms of human reality: the spiritual and the earthly. When
earthly pursuits are made the sole or ultimate
aim, sooner or later introspective will bring to mind a sense
of futility. A similar exercise in one whose aim is solely spiritual
pursuits may reveal a sense of lack of groundedness and perhaps
a flight from personal responsibility. Either position lacks
balance and ultimately becomes rarified and out of touch. Here,
Solomon understood that no earthly achievement or goal can satisfy
the soul that thirsts for spirit. The nature of earthly pursuits
is eternally locked in the transitory place of sense experience
and appreciation. And all of us hold the knowledge, whether it
be conscious or unconscious, that these pursuits and achievements
must eventually pass away into dust.
When you live in
the sarx, there's no lasting satisfaction
Eccl 1:8 No matter how much we see, we
are never satisfied; no matter how much we hear, we are not content.
History merely repeats itself.
Sarx is a Greek word used to denote the
combination of soul (the seat of the intellect, emotions, and
will) with the body. It's used extensively by Paul in the New
Covenant epistles and is helpful to make the distinction beween
things earthly and spiritual. This passage speaks of the fact
that two sense experiences, sight and sound, are unable to confer
contentment for reasons noted in the previous commentary. The
main point here is that sense experience and spiritual experience
are as different as swimming and flying. Both transport you but
through very different media. Never forget that the spiritual
inherently has both pre-eminency and ultimate control over the
natural or sense realm.
You can't change
the past
Eccl 1:12 What is wrong cannot be righted;
it is water over the dam; and there is no use thinking of what
might have been.
Here's an important lesson that all of
us must eventually learn or we're bound for a life of unhappiness
and regret. Past negative happenings that cannot be changed are
a definite reality that must be squarely be faced. These are
the might-have-beens and could-have-beens of our lives. We all
tend to embrace fantasizing about possibilities that never happened.
This type of mythical thinking is an ego defense to loss or perceived
loss. We project our defeats onto unfavorable circumstances,
acts of nature, or people who we perceived blocked our way on
the road to success. Some take this to an extreme resulting in
paranoia.
I find it interesting that the author asks
us to consider wrongs that "cannot be righted." Perhaps
this is more difficult for most of us. It's one thing to face
a sickness, death, or another tragedy that is clearly beyond
our human control, but quite another to confront betrayal, injustice,
or desertion. There's no way to justify these happenings as anything
but the outcome of a fallen creation and creature. Sooner or
later most of us learn to live within a world where human deceit
is common, but triumphing over it seems less common or possible.
It is here that we must turn to the supernatural, to trust that
the God of creation is the knower of all wrongs done to us, past,
present, and future. He knows all, yet at the same time He is
always looking out for our good, turning evil into good for those
willing to see life from heaven's vantage point.
Pursuit of passion
or fun is futile
Eccl 2:1-2 I said to myself, "Come
now, be merry; enjoy yourself to the full." But I found
that this, too, was futile. For it is silly to be laughing all
the time; what good does it do?
Pursuit of a mind-altering
substances, lust, and public service
Eccl. 2:3-4 So after a lot of thinking,
I decided to try the road of drink, while still holding steadily
to my course of seeking wisdom. Next I changed my course again
and followed the path of folly, so that I could experience the
only happiness most men have throughout their lives. Then I tried
to find fulfillment by inaugurating a great public works program:
homes, vineyards, gardens, parks, and orchards for myself, and
reservoirs to hold the water to irrigate my plantations.
Pursuit of culture
and beauty
Eccl 2:8 In the cultural arts, I organized
men's and women's choirs and orchestras. And then there were
my many beautiful concubines.
The futility of living
in the sarx
Eccl 2:11 But as I looked at everything
I had tried, it was all so useless, a chasing of the wind, and
there was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.
To pursue wisdom
is better than pursuing passion
Eccl 2:12-13 Now I began a study of the
comparative virtues of wisdom and folly, and anyone else would
come to the same conclusion I did--that wisdom is of more value
than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness; for
the wise man sees, while the fool is blind.
Death comes equally
to the wise or the foolish
Eccl 2:14-16 And yet I noticed that there
was one thing that happened to wise and foolish alike--just as
the fool will die, so will I. So of what value is all my wisdom?
Then I realized that even wisdom is futile. For the wise and
fool both die, and in the days to come both will be long forgotten.
Enjoy the moment as
a gift from God
Eccl 2:24-26 So I decided that there was
nothing better for a man to do than to enjoy his food and drink
and his job. Then I realized that even this pleasure is from
the hand of God. For who can eat or enjoy apart from him? For
God gives those who please him wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but
if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away from him
and gives it to those who please him. So here, too, we see an
example of foolishly chasing the wind.
The timing of the matter
is crucial.
Eccl 3:1 There is a right time for everything
God uses opposites
Eccl 3:2 A time to be born; A time to
die; A time to plant; A time to harvest ...
Find out the right
time
Eccl 3:11 Everything is appropriate in
its own time. But though God has planted eternity in the hearts
of men, even so, many cannot see the whole scope of God's work
from beginning to end.
Two suggestions: enjoy
the moment and fear God
Eccl 3:12-14 So I conclude that, first,
there is nothing better for a man than to be happy and to enjoy
himself as long as he can; and second, that he should eat and
drink and enjoy the fruits of his labors, for these are gifts
from God. And I know this, that whatever God does is final--
nothing can be added or taken from it; God's purpose in this
is that man should fear the all-powerful God.
God allows evil
Eccl 3:18 And then I realized that God
is letting the world go on its sinful way so that he can test
mankind, and so that men themselves will see that they are no
better than beasts.
Find your God-given
destiny
Eccl 3:22 So I saw that there is nothing
better for men than that they should be happy in their work,
for that is what they are here for, and no one can bring them
back to life to enjoy what will be in the future, so let them
enjoy it now.
Evil is the source
of tyranny and oppression
Eccl 4:1 Next I observed all the oppression
and sadness throughout the earth-- the tears of the oppressed,
and no one helping them, while on the side of their oppressors
were powerful allies.
Two motives behind
worldly success: envy and jealousy
Eccl 4:4 Then I observed that the basic
motive for success is the driving force of envy and jealousy!
But this, too, is foolishness, chasing the wind.
Teamwork
Eccl 4:9-10 Two can accomplish more than
twice as much as one, for the results can be much better. If
one falls, the other pulls him up; but if a man falls when he
is alone, he's in trouble.
Become a doer for God
not just a dreamer
Eccl 5:6 Dreaming instead of doing is
foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words; fear
God instead.
There is a demonic
hierarchy in the heavenlies
Eccl 5:8-9 If you see some poor man being
oppressed by the rich, with miscarriage of justice anywhere throughout
the land, don't be surprised! For every official is under orders
from higher up, and the higher officials look up to their superiors.
And so the matter is lost in red tape and bureaucracy. And over
them all is the king. Oh, for a king who is devoted to his country!
Only he can bring order from this chaos.
Money brings worries
rather than contentment
Eccl 5:10-12 He who loves money shall
never have enough. The foolishness of thinking that wealth brings
happiness! The more you have, the more you spend, right up to
the limits of your income. So what is the advantage of wealth--
except perhaps to watch it as it runs through your fingers! The
man who works hard sleeps well whether he eats little or much,
but the rich must worry and suffer insomnia.
Health is needed so
we can enjoy what God has given us
Eccl 6:1-2 Yes, but there is a very serious
evil which I have seen everywhere--God has given to some men
very great wealth and honor so that they can have everything
they want, but he doesn't give them the health to enjoy it, and
they die and others get it all! This is absurd, a hollow mockery,
and a serious fault.
The pursuit of things
Eccl 6:7-10 Wise men and fools alike spend
their lives scratching for food and never seem to get enough.
Both have the same problem, yet the poor man who is wise lives
a far better life. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush;
mere dreaming of nice things is foolish; it's chasing the wind.
All things are decided by fate; it was known long ago what each
man would be. So there's no use arguing with God about your destiny.
Each person must find
their God-given purpose
Eccl 6:12 In these few days of our empty
lifetimes, who can say how one's days can best be spent? Who
can know what will prove best for the future after he is gone?
For who knows the future?
Vigorously guard your
reputation
Eccl 7:1 A good reputation is more valuable
than the most expensive perfume. The day one dies is better than
the day he is born!
Adversity can refine
us
Eccl 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter,
for sadness has a refining influence on us.
Beware of flattery
and gifts
Eccl 7:5-7 It is better to be criticized
by a wise man than to be praised by a fool! For a fool's compliment
is as quickly gone as paper in fire, and it is silly to be impressed
by it. The wise man is turned into a fool by a bribe; it destroys
his understanding.
Obtain the earthly
through wealth or wisdom
Eccl 7:11-12 To be wise is as good as
being rich; in fact, it is better. You can get anything by either
wisdom or money, but being wise has many advantages.
Recognize both the
spiritual and natural reality of situations
Eccl 7:13 See the way God does things
and fall into line. Don't fight the facts of nature.] Who can
straighten what he has made crooked?
Nothing is certain
in this life
Eccl 7:14-15 Enjoy prosperity whenever
you can, and when hard times strike, realize that God gives one
as well as the other-- so that everyone will realize that nothing
is certain in this life. In this silly life I have seen everything,
including the fact that some of the good die young and some of
the wicked live on and on. So don't be too good or too wise!
Why destroy yourself? On the other hand, don't be too wicked
either-- don't be a fool! Why should you die before your time?
With God things go
well; do all things with vigor
Eccl 7:18 Tackle every task that comes
along, and if you fear God you can expect his blessing.
Don't question God's
timing for judgment
Eccl 8:11 Because God does not punish
sinners instantly, people feel it is safe to do wrong.
Live with an understanding
of the providence of God
Eccl 8:14 There is a strange thing happening
here upon the earth: Providence seems to treat some good men
as though they were wicked, and some wicked men as though they
were good. This is all very vexing and troublesome!
Guard yourself from
always doing
Eccl 8:16 In my search for wisdom I observed
all that was going on everywhere across the earth-- ceaseless
activity, day and night. (Of course, only God can see everything,
and even the wisest man who says he knows everything, doesn't!)
Fate of providence
Eccl 9:1-2 This, too, I carefully explored--
that godly and wise men are in God's will; no one knows whether
he will favor them or not. All is chance! The same providence
confronts everyone, whether good or bad, religious or irreligious,
profane or godly. It seems so unfair that one fate comes to all.
That is why men are not more careful to be good but instead choose
their own mad course, for they have no hope-- there is nothing
but death ahead anyway.
The best don't always
win
Eccl 9:11 Again I looked throughout the
earth and saw that the swiftest person does not always win the
race, nor the strongest man the battle, and that wise men are
often poor, and skillful men are not necessarily famous; but
it is all by chance, by happening to be at the right place at
the right time.
Bad luck
Eccl 9:12 A man never knows when he is
going to run into bad luck. He is like a fish caught in a net,
or a bird caught in a snare.
Wisdom is no guarantee
that others will appreciate you. Sometimes you need wealth too.
Eccl 9:13-16 Here is another thing that
has made a deep impression on me as I have watched human affairs:
There was a small city with only a few people living in it, and
a great king came with his army and besieged it. There was in
the city a wise man, very poor, and he knew what to do to save
the city, and so it was rescued. But afterwards no one thought
any more about him. Then I realized that though wisdom is better
than strength, nevertheless, if the wise man is poor, he will
be despised, and what he says will not be appreciated.
A small mistake can
have a large effect
Eccl 9:18-10:1 Wisdom is better than weapons
of war, but one rotten apple can spoil a barrelful. Dead flies
will cause even a bottle of perfume to stink! Yes, a small mistake
can outweigh much wisdom and honor.
Injustice is a part
of this world's system; accept this.
Eccl 10:6-7 For I have seen foolish men
given great authority and rich men not given their rightful place
of dignity! I have even seen servants riding, while princes walk
like servants!
There are risks in
all activity; don't run from it.
Eccl 10:8 Dig a well-- and fall into it!
Demolish an old wall-- and be bitten by a snake! When working
in a quarry, stones will fall and crush you! There is risk in
each stroke of your axe!
Preparation is a key
for success
Eccl 10:10-11 A dull axe requires great
strength; be wise and sharpen the blade. When the horse is stolen,
it is too late to lock the barn.
Don't accept words
based on a faulty premise
Eccl 10:12 It is pleasant to listen to
wise words, but a fool's speech brings him to ruin. Since he
begins with a foolish premise, his conclusion is sheer madness.
No one can know for
certainty what the future will hold
Eccl 10:14 A fool knows all about the
future and tells everyone in detail! But who can really know
what is going to happen?
CHAPTER 11
On Giving
Eccl 11:1-2 Give generously, for your
gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many,
for in the days ahead you yourself may need much help.
Develop the habit of giving. To those who
believe in the biblical concept of tithing--many choose to give
one-tenth of their income to charitable works. Others may give
less or even more, adding to their tithe, gifts and offerings.
My own journey of giving was a great battle
of the will. First, it seemed that everything--all of my own
personal needs--came first. Then I considered giving, but only
because I felt it was right; my heart wasn't in to it. The more
I studied the matter, the more I knew that giving generously
and with a good attitude was very important for me. So I determined
to give regularly using an automatic monthly service--deciding
how much I would give monthly for the next 12 months. I then
would adjust the amount once per year. This worked well for me
and is a method I still continue using. Gradually after years
of doing it, my attitude changed. I truly believe in a giving-lifesyle
and have become convinced of its spiritual and material benefits
for myself and my family.
Become a giver and give to many
Recognize reality,
but don't wait for perfect conditions
Eccl 11:3-4 When the clouds are heavy,
the rains come down; when a tree falls, whether south or north,
the die is cast, for there it lies. If you wait for perfect conditions,
you will never get anything done.
Looking at the big puddle in your driveway
you wish it weren't raining. Yet, no matter how much you wish
it were gone it isn't. A wish is no more than a thought. It has
no power to bring about a change in reality unless it is acted
upon. And even then there are circumstances in which no wish,
desire, dream, or faith can change the situation. However, this
doesn't mean you should necessarily stop wishing or hoping. Here
a balance is needed: ing, remains a thought unless it is brought
into reality
Be flexible and
keep your options open
Eccl 11:6 Keep on sowing your seed, for
you never know which will grow-- perhaps it all will.
Always keep the perspective
of eternity fresh in your mind
Eccl 11:7-8 It is a wonderful thing to
be alive! If a person lives to be very old, let him rejoice in
every day of life, but let him also remember that eternity is
far longer and that everything down here is futile in comparison.
Do everything that's
in your heart, yet remember you're accountable to God
Eccl 11:9 Young man, it's wonderful to
be young! Enjoy every minute of it! Do all you want to; take
in everything, but realize that you must account to God for everything
you do.
Accountability give
us the proper balance to a free will
Eccl 12:1-2 Don't let the excitement of
being young cause you to forget about your Creator. Honor him
in your youth before the evil years come-- when you'll no longer
enjoy living. It will be too late then to try to remember him
when the sun and light and moon and stars are dim to your old
eyes, and there is no silver lining left among your clouds.
Let every word of your
mouth help another person
Eccl 12:11 The wise man's words are like
goads that spur to action. They nail down important truths. Students
are wise who master what their teachers tell them.
Avoid endless and futile
speculation
Eccl 12:12 But, my son, be warned: there
is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can
go on forever and become very exhausting!
God alone will judge
us
Eccl 12:14 For God will judge us for everything
we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad.
Copyright
2001, Robert I. Winer, M.D.
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