Ecclesiastes 7-12
Chapters 7-11 have a more Proverbs-like ring than the first chapters of Ecclesiastes. Nevertheless, Solomon continues to discuss the vain, questioning, wind-chasing side of life. How foolish life can be without God! “In my vain life I have seen everything,” Solomon says (7:15).
On the one hand, Solomon says, “I know that it will be well with those who fear God...” (8:12), and just a few verses later, he complains of a “vanity” here on earth: that bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people (8:14). His answer? We humans cannot understand the works of God! (8:17)
Solomon discusses death (9:1-6), marriage (9:7-10), and happenstance (9:11-12). He follows it up with a challenge: “Wisdom is better than might” (9:16). In Ecclesiastes 10 and 11, he lists more proverbs to flesh out this wisdom; here’s a sampling:
One sinner destroys much good, and dead flies make perfume stink! (9:18-10:1)
The one, who digs a pit, falls into it! (10:8)
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days! (11:1)
Then chapter 11 concludes a warning about judgment!
That brings us to a most wonderful piece of literature; Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 is a sobering, metaphorical reminder to youth of this fact: they will grow old. When you read it, savor the many homely pictures of old age, such as the pillars of the house trembling (legs), the grinders ceasing because they are few (teeth), those looking out the windows are dimmed (eyes), and the doors being shut (mind). The only help, the only answer for old age is the Lord. And don’t wait, Solomon says: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth!” Only this will carry us through the winding rugged paths of life.
Tomorrow, we find romance in the Song of Solomon, also called the Song of Songs!
Your fellow wisdom wanderer,
Pastor Gary
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