Rev. Don Campbell
Ecclesiastes 7-12
THOUGHT FOR TODAY, June 20, 2019
“THE FINAL WORD”
Solomon discovered many things, six of which we note:
One, God made man upright, but they sought out evil (Ecclesiastes 7:29).
Two, sinners may appear to have the world by the tail in a downhill drag, but God will bring them into judgment (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13).
Three, we all have a job to do, a role to plan, and we should do it with all our might (Ecclesiastes 9:10).
Four, expect the unexpected because the best-laid plans of men often fail (Ecclesiastes 10:8-9).
Five, there are some things God did not intend for us to discover, nor does he reveal them to anyone (11:5; Matthew 24:36).
Six, we should enjoy life along the way, because the day will come when we can’t:
“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky.
Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly. Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.
Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire.
Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral. Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, NLT).
CONNECTIONS
1. What is Solomon’s final word to the wise? (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
2. Solomon says that the words of the wise are like goads (think “cattle prods”) and like nails that hold life together (Ecclesiastes 12:11). The English Standard Version capitalizes the word “Shepherd” in this verse meaning “God.” Is it fair to say that all true wisdom is God’s wisdom and therefore God’s word?
