Who should we remember all the days of our lives as our whole duty? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 12.
Should we remember God before our eyes grow dim, before the silver cord possibly holding body and soul together or perhaps our spinal cord is broken, and our bodies return to dust?
Remember your creator in your prime, before the days of trouble arrive, and those years, about which you’ll say, “I take no pleasure in these”—before the sun and the light grow dark, the moon and the stars too, before the clouds return after the rain; on the day when the housekeepers tremble and the strong men stoop; when the women who grind stop working because they’re so few, and those who look through the windows grow dim; when the doors to the street are shut, when the sound of the mill fades, the sound of the bird rises, and all the singers come down low; when people are afraid of things above and of terrors along the way; when the almond tree blanches, the locust droops, and the caper-berry comes to nothing; when the human goes to the eternal abode, with mourners all around in the street; before the silver cord snaps and the gold bowl shatters; the jar is broken at the spring and the wheel is crushed at the pit; before dust returns to the earth as it was before and the life-breath returns to God who gave it. (Ecc 12:1-7 CEB)
What are words of wisdom like and how important are they compared to any other teachings?
I was a wise teacher with much understanding, and I collected a number of proverbs that I had carefully studied. Then I tried to explain these things in the best and most accurate way. Words of wisdom are like the stick a farmer uses to make animals move. These sayings come from a shepherd, and they are like nails that fasten things together. My child, I warn you to stay away from any teachings except these. There is no end to books, and too much study will wear you out. (Ecc 12:9-12 CEV)
What is the whole duty of mankind? Who will judge everyone?
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecc 12:13-14 ESV)
In one sense has judgement already begun and who is facing that judgment?
For the time has come for judgment to begin with God’s household, and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who disobey the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17 HCSB)
Who should we remember all the days of our lives as our whole duty? You decide!
Consequences (Ecclesiastes 11)
Are there consequences for life’s decisions? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 11.
How important is generosity and does God reward generosity in mysterious ways?
Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. If the clouds are full, they pour out rain on the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. One who watches the wind will not sow and one who looks at the clouds will not harvest. Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything. (Ecc 11:1-5 NASB)
Should we be diligent and diversify our efforts or just gamble on only one effort?
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecc 11:6 NIV)
Should we learn from both our good and our bad days?
Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity. (Ecc 11:7-8 NKJV)
Should we just enjoy our youth without preparing diligently for the rest of our lives?
Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. (Ecc 11:9-10 NLT)
Who can we rely upon as an unchanging power in our lives?
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 WEB)
Are there consequences for life’s decisions? You decide!
How important is generosity and does God reward generosity in mysterious ways?
Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Divide your portion to seven, or even to eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth. If the clouds are full, they pour out rain on the earth; and whether a tree falls toward the south or toward the north, wherever the tree falls, there it lies. One who watches the wind will not sow and one who looks at the clouds will not harvest. Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything. (Ecc 11:1-5 NASB)
Should we be diligent and diversify our efforts or just gamble on only one effort?
Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecc 11:6 NIV)
Should we learn from both our good and our bad days?
Truly the light is sweet, And it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun; But if a man lives many years And rejoices in them all, Yet let him remember the days of darkness, For they will be many. All that is coming is vanity. (Ecc 11:7-8 NKJV)
Should we just enjoy our youth without preparing diligently for the rest of our lives?
Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do. So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. (Ecc 11:9-10 NLT)
Who can we rely upon as an unchanging power in our lives?
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit.” Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. For you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 WEB)
Are there consequences for life’s decisions? You decide!
Folly (Ecclesiastes 10)
In a messed up world, how much folly is there in human life? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 10.
What does a little foolishness do to a life normally filled with wise choices?
A few dead flies in perfume make all of it stink, and a little foolishness outweighs a lot of wisdom. Sensible thoughts lead you to do right; foolish thoughts lead you to do wrong. Fools show their stupidity by the way they live; it's easy to see they have no sense. Don't give up your job when your boss gets angry. If you stay calm, you'll be forgiven. (Ecc 10:1-4 CEV)
Have those in charge of our world often put the foolish in charge and demoted the wise?
Here’s another tragedy that I’ve observed on earth, a kind of error that comes from an overseer: Foolishness is given great honor, while the [talented] prosperous sit in lowly places. And I have observed servants riding on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants. (Ecc 10:5-7 ISV)
Does the one who does evil actually set a trap for himself?
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. (Ecc 10:8-11 ESV)
What is the difference between how a fool talks and a wise person?
The words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, but the end of his speaking is evil madness. Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him? The struggles of fools weary them, for they don’t know how to go to the city. (Ecc 10:12-15 HCSB)
How much do lazy leadership, bribery, and gossip impact a country?
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. (Ecc 10:16-20 KJV)
What if we lack wisdom, who do we ask, and with what attitude should we ask?
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6 LSB)
In a messed up world, how much folly is there in human life? You decide!
What does a little foolishness do to a life normally filled with wise choices?
A few dead flies in perfume make all of it stink, and a little foolishness outweighs a lot of wisdom. Sensible thoughts lead you to do right; foolish thoughts lead you to do wrong. Fools show their stupidity by the way they live; it's easy to see they have no sense. Don't give up your job when your boss gets angry. If you stay calm, you'll be forgiven. (Ecc 10:1-4 CEV)
Have those in charge of our world often put the foolish in charge and demoted the wise?
Here’s another tragedy that I’ve observed on earth, a kind of error that comes from an overseer: Foolishness is given great honor, while the [talented] prosperous sit in lowly places. And I have observed servants riding on horses, while princes walk on the ground like servants. (Ecc 10:5-7 ISV)
Does the one who does evil actually set a trap for himself?
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them. If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. (Ecc 10:8-11 ESV)
What is the difference between how a fool talks and a wise person?
The words from the mouth of a wise man are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly, but the end of his speaking is evil madness. Yet the fool multiplies words. No one knows what will happen, and who can tell anyone what will happen after him? The struggles of fools weary them, for they don’t know how to go to the city. (Ecc 10:12-15 HCSB)
How much do lazy leadership, bribery, and gossip impact a country?
Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning! Blessed art thou, O land, when thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness! By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all things. Curse not the king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. (Ecc 10:16-20 KJV)
What if we lack wisdom, who do we ask, and with what attitude should we ask?
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, doubting nothing, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5-6 LSB)
In a messed up world, how much folly is there in human life? You decide!
Death (Ecclesiastes 9)
What is the one thing that both those trying to live a good life and those bent on evil will experience? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 9.
In a world of uncertainty, does the same thing await us all?
For I have taken all this to my heart, even to examine it all, that righteous people, wise people, and their deeds are in the hand of God. People do not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits them. It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and the unclean; for the person who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good person is, so is the sinner; the one who swears an oath is just as the one who is afraid to swear an oath. (Ecc 9:1-2 NASB)
What destiny overtakes us all? What hope is there of the dead?
This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun. (Ecc 9:3-6 NIV)
What are some important but seemingly small things we should do in life?
Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works. Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil. Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. (Ecc 9:7-10 NKJV)
Should we account for the unpredictability of time and chance in life?
I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. (Ecc 9:11-12 NLT)
Though a poor man is often ignored, can his wisdom defeat a superior enemy?
I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me. There was a little city, and few men within it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now a poor wise man was found in it, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good. (Ecc 9:13-18 WEB)
Is there hope for the dead in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came through one too. In the same way that everyone dies in Adam, so also everyone will be given life in Christ. (1 Cor 15:21-22 CEB)
What is the one thing that both those trying to live a good life and those bent on evil will experience? You decide!
In a world of uncertainty, does the same thing await us all?
For I have taken all this to my heart, even to examine it all, that righteous people, wise people, and their deeds are in the hand of God. People do not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits them. It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and the unclean; for the person who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good person is, so is the sinner; the one who swears an oath is just as the one who is afraid to swear an oath. (Ecc 9:1-2 NASB)
What destiny overtakes us all? What hope is there of the dead?
This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion! For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun. (Ecc 9:3-6 NIV)
What are some important but seemingly small things we should do in life?
Go, eat your bread with joy, And drink your wine with a merry heart; For God has already accepted your works. Let your garments always be white, And let your head lack no oil. Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life which He has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity; for that is your portion in life, and in the labor which you perform under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. (Ecc 9:7-10 NKJV)
Should we account for the unpredictability of time and chance in life?
I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy. (Ecc 9:11-12 NLT)
Though a poor man is often ignored, can his wisdom defeat a superior enemy?
I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me. There was a little city, and few men within it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now a poor wise man was found in it, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good. (Ecc 9:13-18 WEB)
Is there hope for the dead in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead came through one too. In the same way that everyone dies in Adam, so also everyone will be given life in Christ. (1 Cor 15:21-22 CEB)
What is the one thing that both those trying to live a good life and those bent on evil will experience? You decide!
Governments (Ecclesiastes 8)
Do we obey earthly authorities? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 8.
Does wisdom brighten up the faces of those who possess it and those who listen?
Who is wise? And who knows the meaning of anything? A person’s wisdom brightens the expression; it changes the hardness of someone’s face. (Ecc 8:1 CEB)
Though human governments are often abusive and unjust, is it wise to obey them?
If you promised God that you would be loyal to the king, I advise you to keep that promise. Don't quickly oppose the king or argue when he has already made up his mind. The king's word is law. No one can ask him, “Why are you doing this?” If you obey the king, you will stay out of trouble. So be wise and learn what to do and when to do it. (Ecc 8:2-5 CEV)
In a troubled world, where those in charge have power to hurt us, how much do we need wisdom?
For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt. (Ecc 8:6-9 ESV)
Who is the ultimate judge of those who prefer evil and those who are trying to live honest and upright lives?
In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did so. This too is futile. Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit crime. Although a sinner commits crime a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before Him. However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. (Ecc 8:10-13 HCSB)
Under unjust governments where the wicked often prosper and the righteous suffer, what are the things in life that we can enjoy?
Here is a pointless thing that happens on earth: A righteous man receives what happens to the wicked, and a wicked man receives what happens to the righteous. I concluded that this, too, is pointless. So then I recommended enjoyment of life, because it is better on earth for a man to eat, drink, and be happy, since this will stay with him throughout his struggle all the days of his life, which God grants him on earth. (Ecc 8:14-15 ISV)
Can all the wisdom of this world help us understand the mysteries and power of God?
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. (Ecc 8:16-17 KJV)
Within the limits of Christ’s commands, are we to be submissive to government laws?
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God. (Rom 13:1 LSB)
Do we obey earthly authorities? You decide!
Does wisdom brighten up the faces of those who possess it and those who listen?
Who is wise? And who knows the meaning of anything? A person’s wisdom brightens the expression; it changes the hardness of someone’s face. (Ecc 8:1 CEB)
Though human governments are often abusive and unjust, is it wise to obey them?
If you promised God that you would be loyal to the king, I advise you to keep that promise. Don't quickly oppose the king or argue when he has already made up his mind. The king's word is law. No one can ask him, “Why are you doing this?” If you obey the king, you will stay out of trouble. So be wise and learn what to do and when to do it. (Ecc 8:2-5 CEV)
In a troubled world, where those in charge have power to hurt us, how much do we need wisdom?
For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt. (Ecc 8:6-9 ESV)
Who is the ultimate judge of those who prefer evil and those who are trying to live honest and upright lives?
In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did so. This too is futile. Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit crime. Although a sinner commits crime a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before Him. However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. (Ecc 8:10-13 HCSB)
Under unjust governments where the wicked often prosper and the righteous suffer, what are the things in life that we can enjoy?
Here is a pointless thing that happens on earth: A righteous man receives what happens to the wicked, and a wicked man receives what happens to the righteous. I concluded that this, too, is pointless. So then I recommended enjoyment of life, because it is better on earth for a man to eat, drink, and be happy, since this will stay with him throughout his struggle all the days of his life, which God grants him on earth. (Ecc 8:14-15 ISV)
Can all the wisdom of this world help us understand the mysteries and power of God?
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. (Ecc 8:16-17 KJV)
Within the limits of Christ’s commands, are we to be submissive to government laws?
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God. (Rom 13:1 LSB)
Do we obey earthly authorities? You decide!
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