Ecclesiastes, an Old Testament book, written by King Solomon. King Solomon was the wisest man who ever had or ever will exist. God granted him a wish when he took over as King from his father, King David. Solomon was wise enough to realize he was unprepared for the weight of the crown. So when God offered, he requested wisdom.
This is laid out in 1 Kings 3:1-15 and you should read all of that not just were Solomon makes his request in 1 Kings 3:8 “Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”
It pleased God that Solomon asked for wisdom, rather something like riches or something selfish. To reward Solomon God also made it so the wealth and prosperity of his kingdom was also like never seen before. Popular culture still talks about King Solomon’s wealth and diamonds, etc.
For all of this it is important to remember he was neither perfect, nor free from sin.
Now that you have been reacquainted with the author, the book of Ecclesiastes is about Solomon and his quest to discover the meaning of life. There is a light topic for you, no wonder you never hear about it during a Sunday morning service. It begins in a rather up lifting manner after all: Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “Completely meaningless!” 3 What do people get for all their hard work under the sun?”
Solomon goes on to describe a path that I am sure most people consider at some point in their life. What is it that we are supposed to be doing? What are we supposed to focus on? What is the meaning? Remember this guy was the wisest ever to exist in the world and wrote a whole book in the Holy Bible talking about it. So if you or I wonder too, know we aren’t alone and there is an easy read on what he, Solomon, figured out.
Ecclesiastes 2:24 So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? 26 God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes away and gives it to those who please him. This too is meaningless – like chasing the wind.
Ecclesiastes 3:22 So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die.
Ecclesiastes 5:18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – this is indeed a gift from God. 20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.
Ecclesiastes 8:15 So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in the world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun. 16 In my search for wisdom and in my observation of people’s burdens here on earth, I discovered that there is ceaseless activity, day and night. 17 I realized that no one can discover everything God is doing under the sun. Not even the wisest people discover everything, no matter what they claim.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
There is a lot more to the book than the few verses I picked out. From my reading it though what has become clear to me it Solomon is focused on God. That mankind was meant to work at a task. We are to eat good food and drink. And lastly do tasks that we enjoy. It sounds to me that we are focus on God and the good in our lives and not what everyone else is doing and not on the tragedies of our past. The types of work, food, or pass times you do don’t matter, as we are all different with different tastes.
If you have ever questioned the meaning of life, then I would suggest you read Ecclesiastes, maybe a few times. There is a lot of wisdom in there, and commentary never does the original justice.
-Joseph
All verses are from the New Living Translation.
Outpost 95 