The
Book Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes is a Latin word. In Hebrew it means (to
call assembly or the preacher), written to the man walking under the sun.
(Written 29 times in this book). This book teaches us how to live in these flesh
bodies. However, we have two bodies (I Corinthians 15:44), we have a natural
body and Spiritual body. True wisdom comes from above, and we need to think more
in the spirit rather than always in the flesh. As we study this book you see the
words “vanity” and “vexation of the spirit” used a lot. Lets get the full
meaning of these words: Vanity (conceit), an attitude of regarding oneself with
favor. Vexation (annoyance), the act of annoying. Vexation of the spirit (To
feed or chase the wind). With that being said, let us begin our study and see
how we can live good lives in the flesh with the help of the spirit.
Ecclesiastes 1
Ecc 1:1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
The words of the teacher, King David's son (Solomon), who granted great wisdom
and ruled over Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 9:30).
Ecc 1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is
vanity. Everything is meaningless, especially in the
flesh. The wisdom of the world is empty. (Without God, life is just a waste).
Ecc 1:3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the
sun? Were talking about all your gains in the flesh body.
What do you really get in the end? "It all disappears." (We need to think on the
line of more spiritual gains in our lives). What's over the sun? What will last
forever?
Ecc 1:4 One generation passeth away, and another generation
cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. Generations come
and go, but the earth remains forever. (Psalm 104:5). However, this earth age
shall pass away. (Matthew 24:35).
Ecc 1:5 The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his
place where he arose.
Comes up in the
east and goes down in the west. Nothing new under the sun.
(Genesis 8:22).
Ecc 1:6 The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it
whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his
circuits. Giving us the seasons of the year. This verse
should be connected with the preceding, and rendered, "The sun also riseth, and
the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose; going toward the
south, and turning about unto the north. The wind whirleth about continually,"
etc. Alluding, in the former part, to the apparent daily motion of the sun from
east to west, and to his annual course through the signs of the zodiac.
Ecc 1:7 All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto
the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.
River water
runs into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water goes up into the
air, returns to the land, and runs back into the sea. (It's never ending).
Ecc 1:8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the
eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.
Everything is weariness beyond description when you think and labor under the
sun. (Everything is hard work).
Ecc 1:9 The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that
which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new
thing under the sun. History repeats itself. Man
thinks he is so great with his inventions and ideas, but nothing is new to God.
He was here before, and has seen it all. (Life's lessons are still the same).
Ecc 1:10 Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is
new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.
People may say, "Here is something new." But it is really old; nothing is ever
truly new. (Most things are just reinvented off others ideas).
Ecc 1:11 There is no remembrance of former things; neither
shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with
those that shall come after. We don't remember what
happened in the past. (Especially concerning the first earth age). Future
generations will not remember what we are doing now.
Ecc 1:12 I the Preacher was king over Israel in Jerusalem.
I the teacher (Solomon), had it all. I was king of Israel, and I lived in
Jerusalem. (Ecclesiastes 1:1, 1 Kings 4:1).
Ecc 1:13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all
things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to
the sons of man to be exercised therewith. Solomon has
discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race. (He has
given us difficult things to deal with at times).
Ecc 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold,
all is vanity and vexation of spirit. Again,
everything under the sun is meaningless. Vexation of the spirit is like "chasing
the wind."
Ecc 1:15 That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which
is wanting cannot be numbered. What
is wrong cannot be made right. What is missing cannot be recovered. There are a
lot of things that cannot be fixed with man living under the sun. (With God, all
things are possible).
Ecc 1:16 I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great
estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before
me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.
I am wiser and richer than any other of the kings before me in Jerusalem.
"Solomon had it all." However, things of this world do not last.
Ecc 1:17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I
perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. Solomon
lived in wealth, partied it up, and set out to learn everything from wisdom to
madness. But, it was still like chasing the wind.
Ecc 1:18 For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth
knowledge increaseth sorrow. The more wisdom Solomon
gained, the more grief came with it. Seeking wisdom of the world only brings
increased sorrow. "You need to seek wisdom in the spirit." (1 Corinthians
3:18-20).
Ecclesiastes
2
Ecc 2:1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will
prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also
is
vanity. Lets go for the American dream and look for
the good things in life. "Let the good times roll." The problem is that he
found this meaningless also.
Ecc 2:2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and
of mirth, What doeth it? Solomon is not
speaking here of sober enjoyment of the things of the world, but of
intemperate pleasure, whose two attendants, laughter and mirth, are
introduced by a beautiful prosopopoeia, as two persons, whom he treats with
the utmost contempt. (Proverbs 14:13).
Ecc 2:3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto
wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till
I might see what was
that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the
days of their life. Clutched at foolishness in
partying and drinking wine. (Like a person who goes for alcohol or drugs
today during their short life in this world). "I'm a realest." It's fine to
party a little, but don't become an alcoholic or druggie and have no control
over your life. (The key is moderation).
Ecc 2:4 I made me great works; I builded me houses;
I planted me vineyards: I tried to find meaning by
building fancy huge homes and planting beautiful vineyards. (Didn't do it
for him).
Ecc 2:5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I
planted trees in them of all kind
of fruits: i.e. He was very rich, but it did
nothing for his happiness and peace of mind.
Ecc 2:6 I made me pools of water, to water
therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees: He built
reservoirs to irrigate his flourishing groves.
Ecc 2:7 I got me servants and
maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of
great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
Servants and
maidens and great possessions. Wisdom and possessions from the world just
won't do it. "You need wisdom and gifts from above."
Ecc 2:8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the
peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and
women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical
instruments, and that of all sorts. Had the best in
home entertainment, but that didn't cut it either. Some newer translations
have "ladies" as "concubines." Solomon loved women. He had 700 wives and 300
concubines. (1 Kings 11:3), "He was one horny guy." But, everything comes
with a price. These women turned his heart to other false gods. (1 Kings
11:4).
Ecc 2:9 So I was great, and increased more than all
that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
All this wisdom was wisdom of the flesh. God arranged it. (I Kings 3:5-15),
Solomon asked for wisdom not for himself, but for the peoples sake and for
judgment. He exceeded all other kings for riches and wisdom. (1 Kings 10:23).
Ecc 2:10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept
not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced
in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
Anything he wanted he took. He denied himself no pleasures of the world. The
problem here is that you cannot get ahead living under the sun
if all you
care about is riches and material things of the world.
Ecc 2:11 Then I looked on all the works that my
hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold,
all was
vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
Solomon looked at everything he had done and acquired by his works. Again,
it was like chasing the wind, and nothing was rally worthwhile. (1 John
2:16-17).
Ecc 2:12 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and
madness, and folly: for what can
the man do
that cometh after the king? even
that which hath been already done. Solomon even
decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness. (Whoever follows
this king will do no better than he did and will come up with the same
conclusion).
Ecc 2:13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as
far as light excelleth darkness. He came to the
conclusion that "wisdom is better than foolishness," just as light is better
than darkness. (Proverbs 4:5-7, 16:16, Psalm 119:130, Proverbs 4:18-19,
Ephesians 5:8).
Ecc 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head;
but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event
happeneth to them all. The wise can see where they are
going, but fools walk in the dark. (Proverbs 14:8, 17:24, 1 John 2:11). However,
fool
or wise man we all die in these flesh bodies. (Always look past the flesh).
Ecc 2:15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth
to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then
I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
Rich or poor, wise
or a fool, your still going to die. "It all seems so meaningless." (Don’t let
the flesh rule you, think in the spirit, let the spirit make your final
decisions).
Ecc 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than
of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days
to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the
fool. Since the wise and the fool both die, the wise
will not be remembered any longer than the fool. "Forgotten in the flesh, but
not in the spirit, judgment will still come to both." (Hebrews 9:27),
Just as each
person is destined to die once,
and after that comes judgment.
(II Corinthians 5:10).
Ecc 2:17 Therefore I hated life; because the work
that is wrought under the sun is
grievous unto me: for all is
vanity and vexation of spirit. Solomon came to hate
life because everything done here under the sun (in the flesh), is troubling.
Meaningless like chasing the wind. It appears to me that Solomon was hung up to
much in the flesh. Life is tough on earth in the flesh body, but it can be
easier if you allow the "Holy Spirit" to help and guide you through the day.
Ecc 2:18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had
taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be
after me. Solomon came to hate all his hard work on
earth, because he figured he could only leave to others everything he had earned
in his life. (That's just the way it is, can't be avoided).
Ecc 2:19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a
fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and
wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
i.e. You work hard to accumulate a fortune just to leave it all behind for
someone else who may not deserve it, or know what to do with it. (They may not
have the wisdom you had, so all you gained may be wasted).
Ecc 2:20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart
to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
He is saying that he gave up in despair, questioning the value of all his hard
work. (Do your best to be happy on these bodies, but always look forward to the
spirit body in the end).
Ecc 2:21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom,
and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein
shall he leave it for
his portion. This also is
vanity and a great evil.
All that you work
for when you die goes to someone else. This may seem meaningless, but for the
Christian, life only begins.
Ecc 2:22 For what hath man of all his labour, and
of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
What do people get in this life for all their hard work?
Ecc 2:23 For all his days are sorrows, and
his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also
vanity.
Their day of labor filled with pain
and grief is what Solomon is saying. This
is also vanity. Don’t worry about every little thing and what you have or don't
have. Be happy with what God has given you. If you have problems, fix them. Your
a child of God and have His help in all matters. In today's world, if you have
job, a roof over your head and food to eat, be satisfied.
(Knowing the truth in God's Word is far more important than anything money can
buy).
Ecc 2:24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he
should eat and drink, and that
he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it
was from
the hand of God. God spoke to Solomon here. When you
listen to God and place your trust in Him, you can enjoy life. (Whatever God has
blessed you with, enjoy it and be thankful to Him).
Ecc 2:25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten
hereunto,
more than I? If it comes from God, you can enjoy it.
If it is not of God, you may enjoy it, but it won't be good for you in the end.
Ecc 2:26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his
sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail,
to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good
before God. This also is
vanity and vexation of spirit. God gives wisdom,
knowledge, and joy to those who follow and please Him. However, if sinners
become wealthy, God takes their wealth away and gives it to those who please
Him. So, for the sinner, it is like chasing the wind, but for the wise in
Christ, it reaps rewards and peace of mind. (Proverbs 1:7).
Ecclesiastes
3
Ecc 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose
under the heaven: A time and place for everything. (God
has a purpose for everything).
Ecc 3:2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to
pluck up that which is planted; God is the giver of
life and death.
Ecc 3:3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time
to build up;
Not a time for
murder. Kill here means judicially. (If someone kills someone, you can have them
killed). A time for destruction, and a time to repair. (Regarding war times).
"Sometimes we need to go in and kick-ass."
Ecc 3:4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to
dance; A time to cry, and a time to laugh. A time to
grieve, but then move on. A time for party and dance.
Ecc 3:5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a
time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
Stones were gathered to clear a field to be plowed and planted. But, you can
always gather stones to build a house. There is a time when we should embrace
someone, but it is not always appropriate.
Ecc 3:6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast
away; A time to gather and a time to throw away. Some
people just can't let material things go. (I think the term used is pack-rats).
If you don't need it, give it to someone who does.
Ecc 3:7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time
to speak; A time to tear and a time to mend. (It was
common for clothes to be torn when a person was in morning). There is also a
time to speak and a time to keep your mouth shut. Some people just need to
spread gossip. Don't shoot off your mouth without finding out the whole story.
Ecc 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of
peace. We need to be flexible. Some you may love and some
you may hate at times. There is also a time for peace and a time for war.
It happens among
the nations, and among people. (You need to protect you family and the nation
needs to protect the children of the faith).
Ecc 3:9 What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?
What is really gained for all the hard work you do under the sun? "Especially if
you do not labor in the spirit." You can have material gains, but your spirit
and soul is in poverty. (Proverbs 14:23, Matthew 16:26).
Ecc 3:10 I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to
be exercised in it. This word "travail" used here in the
Hebrew is Strong's H6045 "inyan" meaning "employment or business. God has called
us to the business of saving souls and teaching the Word. (We need to be
exercised in it).
Ecc 3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath
set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God
maketh from the beginning to the end.
God made everything
and set the world in motion. (This world age and the order of His creations). He
planted this eternity in their hearts so that they would understand what was
going on from the beginning. Even though we cannot see the whole scope of God's
work, it will be revealed to us at the proper time. (Romans 1:20, 11:33).
Ecc 3:12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to
rejoice, and to do good in his life. i.e. life is what you
make it. Enjoy life and always keep Christ in your thoughts.
Ecc 3:13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of
all his labour, it is the gift of God.
Enjoy life
and the fruits of your labor. "These are gifts from God." (Psalm 128:2).
Ecc 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can
be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men
should fear before him.
This is to revere
God. (Consult and listen to God and you will do fine in life).
Ecc 3:15 That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already
been; and God requireth that which is past. Nothing new
under the sun. (History repeats itself).
Ecc 3:16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that
wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that
iniquity was there.
Evil corruption in the
courts today. (James 2:6), Crooked because of wickedness. God does not judge by
precedent like a normal judge would, God judges by His laws. (There is
corruption in the church itself because of greed and perversion). Stick with
God's plan instead of man.
Ecc 3:17 I said in mine heart, God shall judge the righteous and the wicked:
for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.
God will judge everyone; the good, the bad, and the ugly! (There will be no
corruption or favoritism in God's court).
Ecc 3:18 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that
God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are
beasts. God makes it clear to people how they are like
animals. (Psalm 73:22, 2 Peter 2:12).
Ecc 3:19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one
thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all
one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is
vanity.
They breath the
same air and they both die in the flesh. (To the man who walks under the sun).
Eternity comes in the spirit body.
Ecc 3:20 All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust
again. Came from the
dust and we return to the dust when we die. However, the spirit body lives for
eternity.
Ecc 3:21 Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of
the beast that goeth downward to the earth? No man can
prove the human spirit goes to heaven and the animals spirit remains in the
ground. "God loves His animals." (Isaiah 11:6-9).
Ecc 3:22 Wherefore I perceive that there is nothing better, than that
a man should rejoice in his own works; for that is
his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?
Enjoy life here the best you can and always look beyond the "man who walks under
the sun."
Ecclesiastes
4
Ecc 4:1 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under
the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no
comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they
had no comforter. I observed all the oppression that takes
place to the man who walks under the sun. No comfort for those who do not have
the Holy Spirit. Evil in the world renders them helpless. (Isaiah 59:7). (The
comforter would come later for them). For us, it is here if we believe in Christ
and let Him in. (Malachi 3:5). There is more evil in the world today, and so
much oppression going on in the world.
Ecc 4:2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the
living which are yet alive. The dead are better off than
the living because they are with the Heavenly Father. (They are done with all
the evil in this world). When you die, your spirit goes back to the Father from
which it came. (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Ecc 4:3 Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who
hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Better not to even be born or to exist at all, than to have lived and died and
seen all the evil in the world.
Ecc 4:4 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this
a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of
spirit. Envy and jealously of your friends, family, or
neighbor is just like chasing the wind. Don't worry about them getting ahead of
you in life. It's mostly material things and they don't mean anything.
Ecc 4:5 The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.
The fool kicks back and takes it easy, never wanting to work. (It's like slow
suicide). God does not care for lazy people. A sluggard will never get ahead.
(Proverbs 13:4, 20:4).
Ecc 4:6 Better is an handful with quietness, than both the
hands full with travail and vexation of spirit. It
is better to have peace of mind with just a little, rather than have a lot and
be filled with stress. "A handful of truth is better that two hands full of
junk." (Psalm37:16, Proverbs 16:8, 17:1).
Ecc 4:7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.
The courts were corrupt and the churches were perverted. It's going on today my
friend. Just take a good look at what's out there.
Ecc 4:8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he
hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour;
neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I
labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is
a sore travail. The person that has no family and works so
hard to gain wealth is meaningless. (Psalm 39:6). What's it all for? It is
better to have a little truth and peace of mind than to have all that wealth.
(Matthew 11:28).
Ecc 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for
their labour. Two people can take care and watch after
each other. That is why it is so important to find a good wife or husband. also,
when two or more are gathered together in God's name, He will be there. (Matthew
18:20, Mark 6:7).
Ecc 4:10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him
that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him
up. If one falls, the other person can reach out and help.
(Encourage each other). One who falls alone, is in real trouble. (They may need
life-alert). "I'm just jesting." But really, If you are elderly and alone, or no
someone who is, you might want to look into life-alert.
Ecc 4:11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be
warm alone? In this cold world today, it is
nice to have someone to snuggle with. King David had trouble keeping warm, so
they had a young girl sleep next to him for the heat. (1 Kings 1:1-2).
Ecc 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a
threefold cord is not quickly broken. Two people working
together against an attack is better than one. You always have one watching each
others back. When you add Christ to the picture, this is even better. (Remember
we are in spiritual warfare). A triple braided cord is not easily broken. (This
is well illustrated by the fable of the dying father, who, to showed his sons
the advantages of union, gave them a bundle of twigs, which could not be broken
when bound together, but were easily snapped asunder one by one).
Ecc 4:13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish
king, who will no more be admonished. Better to be a poor
wise youth, than a old foolish king who refuses God's advice. (Proverbs 19:1,
28:6). Listen to God's advice and let Him do the correcting.
Ecc 4:14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is
born in his kingdom becometh poor. This is probably
an allusion to some fact with which we are unacquainted. History furnishes many
instances of mean persons raised to sovereign authority, and of kings being
reduced to the meanest offices, and to a morsel. Agrippa mounted the throne of
Israel after having been long in prison; and similar instances are not wanting
in modern times.
Ecc 4:15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the
second child that shall stand up in his stead. Then
everyone follows yet another youth who replaces him. (2 Samuel 15:6).
Ecc 4:16 There is no end of all the people, even of all that
have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him.
Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Then another generation grown up and rejects him too. All meaningless, like
chasing the wind. (i.e. God values everyone who walks under the sun, and uses
whom He wills).
Ecclesiastes
5
Ecc 5:1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready
to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do
evil. A house of God is to teach and learn the truth in
the Word. Not to put on a show with rituals and mindless offerings. God wants
your love, not foolish rituals, traditions of men, or burnt offerings. (Hosea
6:6).
Ecc 5:2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter
any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth:
therefore let thy words be few. Don't make demands to God,
He is in Heaven and your here on earth. Don't make your prayers a bunch of
babble. (Matthew 6:7). Pray in God's will and be genuine in your prayers.
Ecc 5:3 For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's
voice is known by multitude of words. Work hard for
a successful business and God will bless it. Be a fool and it will not survive.
(Proverbs 15:2).
Ecc 5:4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath
no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. When
you make a promise to God, don't delay in following through. Don't make a pledge
to a church you can't keep because they are begging all the time for money.
Never sign any pledges or vows to a church, especially those who want all your
financial information. (God does not send out beggars)! If you make an offering
to a house of God, do it with sincerity.
Ecc 5:5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou
shouldest vow and not pay. i.e. never make a vow you can't
keep. (Proverbs 20:25). It is not a sin to refrain from making a vow.
(Deuteronomy 23:22).
Ecc 5:6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou
before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at
thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?
Don't let
your mouth make you sin. (James 1:26). Never make a vow that does not line with
the will of God. (God will not bless it). If you make a vow, don't make up
excuses or defend yourself by saying that your vow was a mistake.
Ecc 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also
divers vanities: but fear thou God. Talk is cheap.
God is not impressed by the amount of words you use, or repetitious prayer.
(Matthew 12:36). "Revere God instead." (Proverbs 23:17).
Ecc 5:8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of
judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is
higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
Don't be suprised if you see the poor being oppressed by the higher courts.
There is a lot of corruption and injustice going on in the system. However, God
is watching them. There may be injustice now, but God will correct it all at the
right time. (Matthew 13:41-42).
Ecc 5:9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself
is served by the field. The profits of the earth belong to
us all, not just the wealthy. (Psalm 115:16). The rich person needs the common
workers more than they need him. (Proverbs 13:23), the wealthy that get rich off
the poor mans work will be taken care of later.
Ecc 5:10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he
that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.
Those who love money never seem to have enough. Money will never bring
happiness. There is a formula for the wealthy: "The love of money
increases, in proportion as money itself increases." (Psalm 52:7, Matthew 6:19,
6:24, Luke 12:15, 1 Timothy 6:10).
Ecc 5:11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good
is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with
their eyes? The more money you have the more friends you
will have to help you spend it. You can't ever have enough, and you will watch
it slip away. (Proverbs 23:5, 1 John 2:16).
Ecc 5:12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little
or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.
The common people who work hard sleep well, but the rich man does not work that
hard and is always thinking about his money. (They lose sleep over it). I see
people all the time who lose sleep thinking about their 401k and the stock
market. (It's a crap shoot). There are better things to invest in if your not
greedy.
Ecc 5:13 There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun,
namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.
Hording riches harms the saver. Never sharing their wealth with the common man.
(James 2:5-7, 5:1-4).
Ecc 5:14 But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and
there is nothing in his hand. Money invested into
risky investments usually turn sour. Don't fall for the scammers out there. A
good example is those who fall for the MLM scams. (Multi level marketing). Only
those on the top of the pyramid will survive, the others will lose everything
they invested.
Ecc 5:15 As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go
as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his
hand. We all come to the end of our lives naked and empty
as the day we were born. "Can't take our riches with us." (Psalm 49:17, 1
Timothy 6:7). The only thing you can take with you after death is your works. (Revelation
14:13).
Ecc 5:16 And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he
came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind?
People leave this world no better than when they came.
Don't seek perishable things of the world, seek the wisdom of God instead. (John
6:27).
Ecc 5:17 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much
sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
The earthly man lives
under a cloud. (They live in darkness). How do you catch a criminal? "Follow the
money." What are your priorities here on earth? Is it money or the treasures in
heaven? If it is treasures in heaven, that is where your heart is.
Ecc 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely
for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that
he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it
is his portion.
Enjoy life... It is a gift of God to
enjoy your life in the flesh, but do it with God's blessings. Trust in God and
in His wisdom to guide you through life.
Ecc 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath
given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his
labour; this is the gift of God.
If God gives you
wealth and good health, enjoy it. But let His wisdom guide you in your life.
Ecc 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God
answereth him in the joy of his heart. Follow the
ways of the Heavenly Father and He will bring much joy to your life. (Romans
5:5-11).
Ecclesiastes
6
Ecc 6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is
common among men: Here is another common problem I would
like to address.
Ecc 6:2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he
wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not
power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it
is an evil disease.
Has all the riches, but nothing in his soul to guide him.
A man may possess much earthly goods, and yet have neither the heart nor
power to enjoy them. Possession and pleasure are not necessarily joined
together; and this is also among the vanities of life, and was and still is a
very "common evil among men." It belongs to God as much to give the power to
enjoy, as it does to give earthly blessings.
Ecc 6:3 If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so
that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good, and
also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is
better than he. You can have everything, but if you do not
find any satisfaction in what you have, it is better off to live with no
pleasure at all.
Ecc 6:4 For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name
shall be covered with darkness.
Life would be meaningless, and would end in darkness.
Ecc 6:5 Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this
hath more rest than the other. Never to see the sun or
know it's existence.
Ecc 6:6 Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he
seen no good: do not all go to one place? He might live
life twice over, but still not find contentment. (Isaiah 65:20), he did no good
and seen no good to enjoy life.
Ecc 6:7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite
is not filled.
Spend all their lives feeding the flesh, never getting enough, but never feed
the spirit. (Proverbs 16:26, Matthew 6:25, John 6:27). You have two bodies to
feed. (I
Corinthians 15:44).
Ecc 6:8 For what hath the wise more than the fool?
The beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7), what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?
(Proverbs 19:1).
Ecc 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the
desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.
Enjoy what you have rather than what you don't have. It's alright to be a
dreamer, but keep it real and within your means.
Ecc 6:10 That which hath been is named already, and it is known that it is
man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.
Everything has been decided and God is in control of His master plan. Don't
argue with God, and don't argue with Satan, you will lose. "Figure out what God
has planned for you and go with it."
Ecc 6:11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man
the better?
The more words you speak, the less they mean. Don't just be a bunch of talk;
face reality and get things done.
Ecc 6:12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all
the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man
what shall be after him under the sun? Who really knows
how to get the most quality time out of our meaningless lives. No one knows what
will happen here on earth after we are gone. (James 4:14). However, while your
here, it is best to walk under the light. "Then you will be part of the living
God." (Jesus Christ is that light).
Ecclesiastes
7
Ecc 7:1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of
death than the day of one's birth. Having a good
reputation shows that you are living right. (i.e. it is better to be a good
person than a rich person). Verses 1-14 shows what will make life better in this
life.
Ecc 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the
house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will
lay it to his heart. Funerals are better than
parties. They wake you up and make you think about what we are all going to
face. They prepare you for death.
Ecc 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the
countenance the heart is made better. Sorrow has a
refining influence on us. (Makes us stronger through difficult times).
Ecc 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the
heart of fools is in the house of mirth. A wise
person thinks a lot about death. Why? Because we know that their is life after
death. A fool only thinks about having a good time.
Ecc 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to
hear the song of fools. A wise person will rebuke you
because they care about you. A fool will give you phony praise to get on your
good side. (Proverbs 27:6).
Ecc 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter
of the fool: this also is vanity.
The laughter of a fool is just a lot of noise. (Has no value to it). Lot of talk
but no action.
Ecc 7:7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the
heart.
Extortion turns a wise person into a fool, and bribes corrupt the heart. (A true
Christian would never take a bribe).
Ecc 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof:
and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Proud people think they are to good to wait. They have no patience. It is better
to be humble and have patience. (Luke 21:19, Hebrews 10:36, James 5:8).
Ecc 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the
bosom of fools. I know this is a tough one in this world,
but try not to be quick to anger and have patience. (If your quick to anger, it
only makes you look like a fool). "We all have done it, and we all regret it."
(The key is to learn patience).
Ecc 7:10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were
better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.
Don't long for the "good old days." This is not wise. I know we hear this
statement all the time from people: I wish it was like the old days; things were
better then. Not necessarily so. We are to learn experience from the past to
make our present and future days better.
Ecc 7:11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is
profit to them that see the sun. It is good to receive an
inheritance, but it is even better to have the wisdom to know what to do with
it. (This applies to your physical and spiritual inheritance). The spiritual
being more important. (1 Timothy 6:17-19). (Be wiser than the serpent).
Ecc 7:12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence:
but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that
have it. Wisdom and money can get you almost anything.
But, wisdom is always better, because it can prolong your life. (Gods wisdom
will also bring you joy).
Ecc 7:13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight,
which he hath made crooked? Except the way God does
things. Especially when it concerns yourself. You may not like the way you are,
or the way you look, but God created you to be a unique and special person for
His purpose. "Be satisfied with what God has given you."
Ecc 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity
consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man
should find nothing after him.
When the
good times roll be happy if it is from the Heavenly Father. But, if times are
bad, don’t worry about it, God will see you through it.
Ecc 7:15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a
just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked
man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness.
You may have seen it all in this life, including the death of good young people,
and a long life for the wicked people. Don't let it get you down and think that
all things are unfair. This will give you experience in life and God will make
it all work out in the end.
Ecc 7:16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why
shouldest thou destroy thyself? Don't be a self righteous
hypocrite. Never think you are to wise for others. You will only destroy
yourself. (No one has all the answers).
Ecc 7:17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou
die before thy time? On the other hand, don't be too
wicked either. (Better to have a good name by trying to be a good person).
Ecc 7:18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also
from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of
them all. If you pay attention to God's instructions and
fear God, you can avoid these both extremes. (Proverbs 4:25-27).
Ecc 7:19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which
are in the city. One wise man is better that ten strong
marines at your side. (Proverbs 21:22, 24:5).
Ecc 7:20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and
sinneth not. We are all sinners. (Romans 3:23, 1 John
1:8-10).
Ecc 7:21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy
servant curse thee: Don't eavesdrop on people, you may
hear something you don't like about you. Never gossip about others either, even
if they say bad things about you. If you are serving the Lord, expect people to
say things about you.
Ecc 7:22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself
likewise hast cursed others. We all have done it! Gossiped
about or cursed others at times. "Most gossip is a lie." (Always try to be
truthful with others).
Ecc 7:23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it
was far from me.
You can’t be wise
on your own. (Romans 1:22). Never leave God out of the equation. (Proverbs 1:7).
"All wisdom comes from God." (Proverbs 2:6-8, James 3:13-18).
Ecc 7:24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out?
The world is just to big for a person to know everything. True wisdom is to take
what God has given you, simplify it, and share it with others. (God will clear
it all up for you).
Ecc 7:25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom,
and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of
foolishness and madness: Solomon gave all his
attention to try and figure this out. He was determined to prove that wickedness
is stupid and foolishness is madness. (Proverbs 26:11).
Ecc 7:26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is
snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall
escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. A
seductive woman is a trap more bitter than death. Sometimes men think with the
wrong head and fall right in their control. Remember Samson, (Judges 16:18-21,
Proverbs 5:3-5). It is not good to be in a bad relationship where you are being
manipulated and used. "We see it all the time for both men and women."
This is
also a play on Mystery Babylon. (She waits and lures). She is married to the
devil. (Stay away form her). Babylon is just confusion. She uses religion in the
end times to deceive people.
Ecc 7:27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one
by one, to find out the account: Solomon came to the
conclusion that he discovered this after looking at the matter from every
possible angle using spiritual discernment.
Ecc 7:28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand
have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
Solomon is saying that he has only found one in a thousand men that were
virtuous, but not one woman. It is interesting to think that Solomon having 700
wives and 300 concubines, that he would not find one of them to be righteous. (1
Kings 11:1-3).
Solomon, instead of seeking one rational, virtuous woman, had collected
an immense multitude, of various countries and religions, for magnificence and
indulgence; among whom, as might have been expected, he had not found one who
was thoroughly faithful, upright, and pious. Perhaps if Solomon would have
married just one wife and treated her right, he would have found his soul mate.
Ecc 7:29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they
have sought out many inventions. God wants us to be
righteous people. When we are at our best, we do the right thing. However, it
seems man is always trying to figure out ways to be bad, following their own
downward path. Stick with God's Word instead of mans inventions. (Psalm 106:39,
Jeremiah 4:22, Mark 7:8-9).
Ecclesiastes
8
Ecc 8:1 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the
interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the
boldness of his face shall be changed. A wise man can
analyze and interpret things. (Proverbs 1:2). Wisdom gives the face a certain
glow as the gloominess leaves.
Ecc 8:2 I counsel thee to keep the king's commandment, and that
in regard of the oath of God. Obey the laws of government,
it protects our religious rights, or does it? (We may be on our own soon).
Ecc 8:3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for
he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. Don't stand for evil
always trying to take God out of the equation.
Don’t be
rebellious against your country.
Ecc 8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say
unto him, What doest thou? The government may have all the
power, but our true King is God Almighty.
Ecc 8:5 Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise
man's heart discerneth both time and judgment. We should
honor those in authority. (Romans 13:1-5), God appoints the government no matter
what party they may be. He gives them the authority to keep the law. We can only
hope they have the wisdom to discern judgment and do the right thing. (Hebrews
5:14).
Ecc 8:6 Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the
misery of man is great upon him. A time and place
for everything, even when a person is in trouble.
Ecc 8:7 For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it
shall be? How can people avoid what they do not know is
going to happen? Well, He gave us the Word if you study and translate it
correctly. God's Word can tell you about the past and future.
Ecc 8:8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the
spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no
discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are
given to it. This is lower case "spirit" is translated
wind. You can't control when you die just like you can't control the wind.
Ecc 8:9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is
done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another
to his own hurt. When you live in these flesh bodies under
the sun, people have the power to hurt each other.
Ecc 8:10 And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place
of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this
is also vanity. I have seen wicked people buried with
honor. They speak of all the good things he has done and leave out all the
wickedness that person inflicted on others. (God won't forget the wickedness at
judgment, if they have not repented).
Ecc 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily,
therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
When people commit a crime and get away with it, it make others want to do the
same thing. We need to come to speedy judgment for the wicked, or they will get
away with murder. How many times have you seen this in the news? (Don't worry,
they will get their payback come judgment day).
Ecc 8:12 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be
prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God,
which fear before him: Even though the wicked get away
with bad thing they do, it is better off to fear God and do what is right. (2
Peter 2:9).
Ecc 8:13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong
his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before
God. The wicked will not prosper for long, because they do
not fear God. God will not prolong his days. (Psalm 11:5, 55:23, Isaiah 57:21).
Ecc 8:14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just
men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again,
there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the
righteous: I said that this also is vanity. Life
isn't always fair! In this world today, good people are often treated as though
they were wicked, and the wicked people are treated as though they were good.
(In the end, it will all work out).
Ecc 8:15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the
sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him
of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Solomon recommends having some fun hear on earth. Eat, drink, and
enjoy life. God wants you to be happy and to enjoy life, He just wants to be
part of it. Always put God first and He will let you enjoy life the way you
want. (1 Timothy 6:17).
Ecc 8:16 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:) Don't worry about all
the travail in the world, there is always going to be activity, day and night.
Ecc 8:17 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 further; though a wise man
think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
Everything God does is beyond our ability to understand completely. Not even
the wisest people no everything. Many preachers may tell you they know
everything about Gods Word, but they don't. God is much bigger that they are.
(Psalms 40:5, Romans 11:33-36).
Ecclesiastes
9
Ecc 9:1 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that
the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no
man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them.
Even though the actions of the godly are in God's hands, you never know what is
coming down the road. Whether bad or good, you never know what is coming.
Ecc 9:2 All things come alike to all: there is one event to the
righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean;
to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good,
so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth
an oath.
Believer or non-believer, things are going to happen to people, and we are all
going to die.
Ecc 9:3 This is an evil among all things that are done under
the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the
sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they
live, and after that they go to the dead. Everyone
in the flesh suffers the same fate of death. Good or bad, we are in God's hands.
(Matthew 5:45).
Ecc 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a
living dog is better than a dead lion.
To the Jew, the dog was the lowest creature and the lion was the most honored.
(i.e. Better to be a live dog than a dead lion).
As long as
your alive, you have hope to put yourself in the hands of God.
Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any
thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.
At death the flesh
is over, but you have a spirit body to step into. We discard our flesh body,
because it is just temporary. However, we are to take care of these flesh bodies
when were here on earth. (I Corinthians 15:44).
Ecc 9:6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished;
neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done
under the sun. The dead person can no longer enjoy the
benefits of the man walking under the sun. (No longer play a part in anything
here on earth).
Ecc 9:7 Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry
heart; for God now accepteth thy works. While we live in
the flesh, enjoy your food and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God
approves of this. (i.e. It's alright to party, but do everything with
moderation).
Ecc 9:8 Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment.
You can wear fine clothes, with a splash of cologne! (i.e. you don't need to
dress like your going to a funeral all the time). As for women, don't let these
super preachers tell you that you need to dress like a nun. (It's alright to
dress casual and wear jeans at times).
Ecc 9:9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life
of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy
vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour
which thou takest under the sun.
When you
walk under the sun in a flesh body, the greatest thing God can give you is a
wife. (Always love her and respect her, and she will treat you good). i.e. treat
her like a lady. However, this goes both ways ladies; treat your husband like a
man, not a puppet on a string.
Ecc 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for
there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave,
whither thou goest.
Enjoy life
as best you can and do everything 100% when possible.
Ecc 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to
the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet
riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and
chance happeneth to them all. Solomon observed something
else we can all relate too. The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and
the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise can sometimes go
hungry, and the skillful are not always wealthy. (Most of them just getting by
being hard workers). The educated don't always lead successful lives. (Some of
the smartest people are the common workers). Life is all decided by chance, by
being in the right place at the right time.
Ecc 9:12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in
an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the
sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
Bad things happen in life, and you never know when you will experience death.
(Don't worry about it, God is in control).
Ecc 9:13 This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed
great unto me: Solomon observed many things about how the
world works that impressed him. Here is an example below.
Ecc 9:14 There was a little city, and few men within it; and there
came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against
it: There was a small town with a few people, and a great
king besieged it.
Ecc 9:15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom
delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.
A poor wise man knew how to save the town, and it was rescued. However,
afterward no one even thanked the man.
Ecc 9:16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the
poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.
So the point Solomon was making is that even though wisdom is better than
strength, those who are wise will be despised if they are poor. What they say
will be ignored and not appreciated. (No one wants to listen a poor man, we
always lean towards the wealthy). The same goes for a teacher of God's Word. If
your not highly educated or head of a super-church, people may not want to
listen to you. It makes no difference to them if you were called by God. They
want someone who is ordained or called by man.
Ecc 9:17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of
him that ruleth among fools. Most people want to hear the
big mouth of a fool, rather than the quit words of a wise person. (2 Timothy
4:3-4).
Ecc 9:18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war: but one sinner
destroyeth much good.
A sinner
can cause a lot of trouble destroying what is good, but true wisdom is knowing
when to use force. (Psalm 144).
Ecclesiastes
10
Ecc 10:1 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a
stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for
wisdom and honour.
Foolishness and stupidity can ruin a good thing.
Ecc 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart
at his left. In ancient times the right hand was symbolic
of the strong hand. The left was symbolic of the weak hand. i.e. A wise person
takes the right road and a fool takes the wrong one. (Nothing to do with
political parties here). Remember there is good and bad in both political
parties. However, more corruption follows the money.
Ecc 10:3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom
faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool.
The way a person walks down the street (pants on the ground), and lives his life
can show everyone he is a fool. (Proverbs 18:2, 18:6), nothing to say but can't
keep there mouth shut.
Ecc 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy
place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
Be patient
when a ruler or boss comes against you and reason with them.
A quiet wise
spirit can overcome even the biggest problems or mistakes. (Proverbs 25:15).
Ecc 10:5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, as an error
which proceedeth from the ruler: You can see all
the mistakes our government officials are making every day. They are like two
parties of little children fighting over play toy.
Ecc 10:6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
The foolish
people get all the authority (Psalm 12:8), and people of proven worth get the
low positions. (James 2:3-5), people make such a fuss over the rich and judge
people by their wealth. Remember,
God has chosen the poor
to be rich in faith. The
gift of the Kingdom of
Heaven is promised to
those who love Him.
Ecc 10:7 I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants
upon the earth. Another case of the wrong people who get
promoted. (Proverbs 19:10).
Ecc 10:8 He that diggeth a pit shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an
hedge, a serpent shall bite him. Dig a well and you might
fall in it. "In other words, when you try to harm someone, you might get bit."
(Proverbs 26:27).
Ecc 10:9 Whoso removeth stones shall be hurt therewith; and he that
cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. Life is full of
risks. You can be a couch potato, or you can take some risks in life to get
ahead. (God likes a hard worker).
Ecc 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put
to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
Keep your tools in sharp working condition. It makes the work go easier. That is
the value of wisdom, it will help you succeed. (Matthew 10:16), be wiser than
the serpent. If you lack wisdom, ask God and He will help. (James 1:5).
Ecc 10:11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is
no better. If your a believer, watch so you don't get bit
by false teachings. A good babbler can lead their pray right into destruction.
(Proverbs 18:21).
Ecc 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips
of a fool will swallow up himself. Wise words bring
approval, but the words of a fool bring their own destruction. (Proverbs 10:8,
10:14, 19:5).
Ecc 10:13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and
the end of his talk is mischievous madness.
Don't listen to a fool, they think they know everything and never shut-up. Their
silly talk will just turn to madness.
Ecc 10:14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and
what shall be after him, who can tell him? A fool won't
listen to anyone, and they think they know everything. (Proverbs 15:2). "No one
can predict the future."
Ecc 10:15 The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he
knoweth not how to go to the city. A fool talks and talks
until they are exhausted by their little work, but can't even find their way
home. (i.e. they claim to know the future, but they can't even find their way to
the present).
Ecc 10:16 Woe to thee, O land, when thy king is a child, and thy
princes eat in the morning! They have child like minds
when they come to running the government. (You can see it going on today when
they can't come to agreements to help the people who need it). They feast and
party in the morning, then get nothing done the rest of the day.
Ecc 10:17 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!
Nobles leaders work hard getting things done to help the nation, not hold it up,
or bring it down. Then when the work is done for the day, they feast and party.
Ecc 10:18 By much slothfulness the building decayeth; and through idleness of
the hands the house droppeth through. Lazy people never
get the work done. Idleness leads to problems.
(Proverbs
21:25).
Ecc 10:19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money
answereth all things. Party for laughter,
drink wine for happiness, and money helps with all things. (Work hard and you
will profit from it). Be a user and you will lose it all.
Ecc 10:20 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. Gossip can get you in
trouble. Never say anything about anyone that you would not say to their face.
Ecclesiastes
11
Ecc 11:1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many
days. There is a two-fold meaning here. Invest your time
in people and good things will come back to you. (Waters represents the people
and bread represents the Word of God). "Spread the Word of God to others and you
will be spiritually blessed."
Ecc 11:2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not
what evil shall be upon the earth. Another two-fold
meaning here. Financially, spread your investments around and don't put all your
eggs in one basket. If you are doing well with your investments, be generous
with others and share what you have. (1 Timothy 6:18). Spiritually, be
sociable, sharing and teaching the Word of God! (1 Timothy 6:19),
Store your treasures in Heaven, it is the
only safe investment. Our spiritual life is what is important.
Ecc 11:3 If the clouds be full of rain, they empty themselves upon the
earth: and if the tree fall toward the south, or toward the north, in the place
where the tree falleth, there it shall be.
The general
circle of life. Wherever you go, you are there. Be responsible in life and you
will do fine.
Ecc 11:4 He that observeth the wind shall not sow; and he that regardeth the
clouds shall not reap. Farmers who wait for the perfect
weather never plant, and if they watch every cloud, they never harvest. The same
goes for life.
If you’re a
worry-wart, or procrastinator, you will never get things done. (Proverbs 20:4).
Things won't be always exactly right. Trust in God and He will show you how to
work things out.
Ecc 11:5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor
how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou
knowest not the works of God who maketh all. You can't
understand all the activities of God, who does all things. Only God knows
everything that is going on. (Romans 11:33),
God's riches, wisdom and knowledge are "awesome." It is just
impossible for us at this time to understand all His ways.
Ecc 11:6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine
hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or
whether they both shall be alike good. Plant your
seed in the morning and keep busy all day. You never know what profit will come
from one activity or another. You plant the seed and God will make it grow if it
be His will.
Ecc 11:7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is
for the eyes to behold the sun: The light is sweet and
enjoy the good times. (Christ is our Spiritual light that keeps us going).
Ecc 11:8 But if a man live many years, and rejoice in them all; yet
let him remember the days of darkness; for they shall be many. All that cometh
is vanity.
Be prepared for
the ups and downs of life. Enjoy the good days while you can,
but don't forget the dark times when God lifts you up.
(God will always see you through the bad times, and always thank Him for the
good times).
Ecc 11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in
the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of
thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee
into judgment. Enjoy your youth while you can and do
everything you want. However, if you do evil things, it will come back on you
and you will be judged by God for these things. Do good and your judgment from
God will be rewards.
Ecc 11:10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy
flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. So, to
sum it up, don't worry about things to much, live your life the best you can,
and keep your body, soul, and spirit healthy. But remember that youth, with a
whole life before you, is meaningless. (Psalm 39:5).
Ecclesiastes
12
Ecc 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil
days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure
in them; Youth is an exciting time of your life and being
young you will have many choices, but never forget your creator. Keep God in
your life and you will stay young at heart when you are older. It is up to the
parents to bring a child up the right way. (Proverbs 22:6).
Ecc 12:2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not
darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: Remember
God when you are young and it is easy to see the light.
It is more
difficult to enjoy those days when you get older.
Ecc 12:3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the
strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few,
and those that look out of the windows be darkened,
Your arms and legs
grow a little weak. Your eyes see things a little gloomy at times. (Psalm
102:23). "This is all part of life." However, never give up, for there are
better things ahead.
Ecc 12:4 And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the
grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the
daughters of musick shall be brought low; When your older
you wake up earlier in the morning with the chirping of birds, but you get tired
sooner and retire to bed earlier.
Ecc 12:5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high,
and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and
the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail: because man goeth to
his long home, and the mourners go about the streets: When
you get older your hair turns white, your body grows weaker, and your sexual
desire fades away.
Ecc 12:6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or
the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern.
The spinal cord becomes weak and the heart becomes heavy.
Ecc 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit
shall return unto God who gave it. We came from the dust
of the earth and we will return to it the same way. (Psalm 146:4). We come from
God and we will return to God. (Genesis 2:7).
Ecc 12:8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
Everything is meaningless and empty.
Ecc 12:9 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the
people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in
order many proverbs. Solomon was considered wise, and
taught the people everything he knew. He studied all the proverbs and put them
in order. (Proverbs 1:1, 25:1).
Ecc 12:10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which
was written was upright, even words of truth.
Solomon always tried to find the suitable words for the psalms.
Ecc 12:11 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened
by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.
The words of the wise are painful at times. Gods Word can prick you like a sharp
nail and correct you when needed.
Ecc 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books
there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Study Gods Word every day when possible, but to much of a good thing can wear
you out. (John 5:39).
Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep
his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Fear God
(Revere Him), and follow his commandments. (Luke 1:50).
Ecc 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret
thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
God judges us for everything we do, good or bad.
So in conclusion, do the best in life
that you can, love God and keep
his commandments.
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