Created to Know Him

Ecclesiastes 1:14 - I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Ecclesiastes on the surface seems like a depressing book but it really isn't. It was written by wise Solomon who wrote the proverbs. Solomon asked that God give him wisdom over all else but God gave him all else as well!

Solomon pondered life and all that it has to offer. From birth to death, what was the one thing that would make a man great? Even wisdom was a burden because one would then realize that, like Job 1:21 says, ...Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

It's an age old question: What's the purpose of life? We are born, we live, we work, marry, suffer, rejoice, age and eventually die. Nothing lasts forever, except the things of God. He has created, He replenishes, He causes things to die and grow again. Just like nature He can do the same for mankind. Nature comes and goes according to set seasons; what dies returns as new. Man has the opportunity to do the same through Christ. And at the end of time those who become God's children will live forever with Him. Hallelujah.

What is our purpose then? To enjoy what we can while we can? I listened to an online sermon awhile ago. The bottom line: we are here to serve and glorify God, not selves. That's it. If we are not doing that our lives will be meaningless. If we realize we are working for Him then, like Solomon figured out for us, and what others in the Bible have said, none of what this life has to offer has any meaning, but what we do for Him is all that matters.

God didn't create us for nothing but He also didn't create us to do great things, although we can. He created us that we might know Him. And when we know Him we serve Him. He can use all people, great or small, rich or poor, who serve Him. We cause others to know Him, who then can serve Him. The end of it all? Life eternal with the Creator...if we seek Him. 

What this world has to offer is nothing. What we achieve is nothing new under the sun. We can't take it with us. I have mentioned this many times because it is MY understanding of what is "important" to me...I have 39,000 photos on my phone's camera. I probably have more than that on our computer. Who's going to care when I die? It's what I do; it's a gift God has given me. I don't really use this gift to the full potential; I don't try to sell my photos. Occasionally I will print and frame one for decoration or a gift. But it's a vanity, a grasping for the wind! I doubt it's even something I do to glorify God other than to capture His creation.

Everything is a vanity, a grasping for the wind. "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 1:2,12:8) All through Ecclesiastes Solomon is defining these vanities. He spoke truths. It's an interesting and not too lengthy book. Worth a read. But the bottom line as Solomon points out: Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

At the top of every page in my Bible is a phrase to describe a main point on that page. Here are the ones from this particular Bible: 

Wisdom excels folly

Everything has its time

A time for every purpose

*Two are better than one

Enjoy what God gives you

The value of wisdom

Wisdom strengthens the wise

Fear God and enjoy life

Time and chance happen to all

Wisdom brings success

Remember your Creator

Wise words are like goads

I like fear God and enjoy life. We can enjoy life if we are fearing God. Life isn't as wonderful without Him. There really is no meaning to life without Him. *Two are better than one! When we understand this, know Him, know our purpose in and through Him, we have it all! There is no hopelessness in Christ. We can accept death. We can know there's more beyond that time.

1Timothy 6:6-7 - Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

The Son Who Saves

Matthew 10:28 - And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 

So what do we do? Tell the truth or lie? Speak what offends or what coddles? Speak life or death? Speak or remain silent? Jesus spoke the truth...that He was able to do more than those who tried to kill. He was able to destroy...take out evil altogether....and in the process save those who would believe in Him. But first He had to die and be risen again. 

I am also reminded of the verse in Ephesians: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians‬ ‭6:12)  Those who kill the body are flesh and blood, who live in the darkness of this age, who are great deceivers, those who would deny Christ and like the old serpent in Genesis, ask, "Did God really say...?" But there is One greater, who is truth, who can destroy those deceivers, if we just allow ourselves to listen to Him. 

Jesus was hated by many people because His words of truth were offensive. You'll hear me say that often. Yet He spoke words that allow the soul to remain alive even after the body is gone. And He spoke them no matter what price. He trusted His Father over the men who despised Him and had the earthly power to kill Him. He allowed Himself to die in this trust. And we know what happened after they killed Him. He rose again in three days and now sits at the right hand of God. He is alive today to draw us to Him and eternal life.

One of the things we are called to do as believers is share the same message that Jesus did. It won't sit well with many. As Jesus was scoffed, so will we be. That comes with peculiar people territory! But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. (‭1Peter‬ ‭2‬:‭9-10‬)  It is a privilege to call myself peculiar...it comes with receiving Christ. 

I once lived far away from God. I lived as I desired, did as I wished, pursued my own dreams, believed my accomplishments were just the start of things. All is vanity, a grasping for the wind, as Ecclesiastes tells us. Without God we keep striving for more because what we have is never enough. 

The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has already been in ancient times before us. (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1:8-10)

That's not an easy message for anyone who puts their faith in self and all they do or accomplish...without God. What? I didn't work hard for this house, this car, this family? Who says? God does! There may be nothing new under the sun but all things become new under the Son. 

Oh how we are changed when we meet Jesus Christ. When we meet Truth and He opens our eyes. He who saves the soul from those who want to kill it. The One we should fear over the one who kills the soul with deception. If we do not accept this the Bible says we are deceived. That deception is caused by a sin we are born into and need to have covered by the One who saves. 

1John 1:8,10,9 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. BUT: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

We Can Have It All

Ecclesiastes 1:2 - "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."

It sticks in my mind and heart. It's a thought that lingers throughout any given week. Vanity of vanities. We have been in the Book of Ecclesiastes in Sunday school. I've mentioned that before. All I can say for sure is that in the end everything boils down to just one thing! I will get to that later.

Just in the twelve chapters of Ecclesiastes the word vanity, or some form of it, is mentioned 34 times. As we have discussed, one example after another of our own vanity is brought up, from our desire to have a collection of "whatever" it might be (for which it was eventually realized as pointless) to the extreme example of living in absolute plainness as some religions do. Both are vanity. One is sort of a claim that we have the means to have our stuff. The other says some don't need all "your" stuff and we will live meagerly. Neither is totally wrong if it doesn't consume us. 

Solomon asked first for wisdom from God over anything else and he got it plus all he could ever have wanted. But listen to what Solomon had to say later:

Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. (‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭10-11‬)

Does that take the wind out of your sails like it did Solomon? All that we have, all we have worked for...will someday be meaningless. It's like the old saying, you can't take it with you. Or, you come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. All the things we hold so dear will might just mean nothing to the next person. It will be nothing new under the sun; what was done before, will be done again. 

I get this! I love photography. I know I have some amazing pictures. I have thousands of pictures. I try to weed them out occasionally and find it hard to get rid of some. But someday those pictures will be meaningless and just discarded by someone who could care less about them. They have no meaning for anyone but me. Vanity...a grasping for the wind. What's the point? And yet I still take photos, as if to capture the moment, capture the beauty...for me. 

We strive for all the worldly goods and accolades from others in this life. And, why, is the question Solomon is bringing up. Why, when we can't take it with us? What's the point? 

Here's the point...one can have all the stuff in the world, a big house, nice car, greatest college education, high paying job, all that money can afford, and still not have it all and will never be satisfied. Each Sunday this comes up. All the worldly pleasures. One only wants more. The stuff never satisfies. Think about it. Am I right? And, hey, it's not me talking anyway, so don't get mad at me! Solomon, the man who asked God for wisdom over anything else, had it all and this is what he narrowed it down to for us to realize...an example. 

There is only one thing that will satisfy. His name is Jesus Christ. I'd heard a teaching on the simplicity of Christ. It delved into what some churches today seem to need to do...remove the simple message of Jesus Christ and replace it with fun, excitement, visual effects...theatrics. And when that isn't enough anymore, then what? What will entice people to stay in church? More donuts and coffee? More light shows during worship? There was a time when just the message of Jesus Christ, with its preaching, in no uncertain terms, on sin and God's grace and mercy when we have come to grips with our sin.

The simplicity of Christ. It's a choice we make...simplicity of Christ or the vanity of pleasure. In the very end, only one wins out. Not only do I want this in my church but in my life. Narrow everything down to what matters most. Is what matters most knowing Jesus, having Him? Period. Is He the center, the main focus? If we have Him, we have it all. 

So I'm learning a lesson. When I die I do not want a bunch of stuff that someone has to sort through. What I want to be remembered for is my love for and devotion to Christ. The simplicity in life. We are told we are to be content in any circumstance. This message is also for those with little possessions. If we have Jesus that's all that should matter because in the end, when we die, if we do not have Him, we have nothing. If we know Him, we have it all. 

Ecclesiastes 2:14-16 - The wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I myself perceived that the same event happens to them all. So I said in my heart, “As it happens to the fool, it also happens to me, and why was I then more wise?” Then I said in my heart, “This also is vanity.” For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool!

Seek for Wisdom

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 

I got to dwelling on a thought this morning. Find that hard to believe!!! 

God tells us to seek and we will find. As our pastor said a few Sundays ago, if we chase after God, He will let us catch Him. This is what He wants, that we be in relationship with Him, in constant communion with Him, seeking Him in all things.

We are discussing the Book of Ecclesiastes in Sunday school. It's not the most uplifting book but it has an excellent message. It speaks honestly, of course, and about the reality of life. It's not that big a book. It's worth reading, more than once.

King Solomon wrote the book. It's about the vanity of life...or vanities! He asked God for wisdom above all things. God not only gave him wisdom but all the other things one could ask for...all things were added to him. But somewhere those things became things of the world and got the better of him. So as such a wise man as he was, how could this happen? He made a mistake. That mistake was going against what God warned him about. It's too much to go into...he made himself an idol, ignored God, and faced God's judgment. But...God is merciful if we see the error of our ways.

Ecclesiastes shows how he came out of the vanity of life. He shares with the reader the consequences and what to do. That's a wise man!

These are written as the main subject of each page of my Bible in this book:

Wisdom excels folly - everything has its time - a time for every purpose - two are better than one - enjoy what God gives you - the value of wisdom - wisdom strengthens the wise - fear God and enjoy life - time and chance happen to all - wisdom brings success - remember your Creator - wise words are like goods

As Ecclesiastes says often, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. Several Bible passages refer to this wind: It goes toward the south and turns to the north and whirls about continuously. It blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. We do not know what is the way of the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:6, John 3:8, Ecclesiastes‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬)  The point is, only God knows. He directs the wind. It makes sense that we seek Him and He will, as He says, direct our paths (Proverbs 3:6).

Everything in life, according to Solomon, is vanity. Everything...unless God is the center of it. Another sermon from our pastor asked us to examine the motives of our heart. We may think we do good for a cause but maybe the motive is to point to ourselves, even ourselves to God, as if to say, Look at what good I've done. Everything is to be done in humility, without expecting recognition. The only thing that should matter is if we have done it out of love for our God, not self. And that means we must have this close communion with Him. That always comes first...not works to make God notice the good we've done (No one is righteous, no not one - Romans 3:10). 

The conclusion, therefore, is to seek God first. As Ecclesiastes says: Fear God and keep His commands, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)

I pray often, but probably not often enough, for wisdom for the day. With that wisdom to know what God desires will come all those added to me things! I'm not looking for riches or fame or success in the world. My desire is success in my relationship with God. Out of that is a desire that others know the goodness of God too. I want to be assured of heaven as my final home. I want Him to be the focus and center of my every day.  Seek first the kingdom of God...

Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭6‬ - Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of salvation; the fear of the LORD is His treasure. 

Recap On Vanity or We Can Have It All!

We are in the Book of Ecclesiastes in Sunday school. It tied in to what we consider important in life. It has come at a time when others and myself have been giving thought to simplifying our lives and homes and the accumulation of things we have.nlet me add, the loss of a family member has been another reminder of accumulating stuff as we go through to sort what has been left behind.

All that we have, all we have worked for will someday be meaningless. It's like the old saying, you can't take it with you. Or, you come into this world with nothing and leave with nothing. All the things we hold so dear might just mean nothing to the next person. We strive for all the worldly goods and accolades from others in this life. And why, is the question Solomon is bringing up. Why, when we can't take it with us? What's the point? 

Here's the point...one can have all the stuff in the world, a big house, nice car, greatest college education, high paying job, all that money can afford, and still not have it all and will never be satisfied. All the worldly pleasures. One only wants more. The stuff never satisfies. Think about it. Solomon had it all and this is what he narrowed it down to for us to realize...as an example. There's only one thing that satisfies. That is our relationship with God. Do we know Jesus? Do we have His Holy Spirit? This is what is meant by having it all. It all boils down to Jesus...as it should be.

I knew I had written something about Solomon and wisdom and what should really be important in our lives. I thought it was just days ago when it actually was two years ago! I will simply repost it because it pretty much added to the most recent thoughts.

October 2013
God Never Changes

Ecclesiastes 1:2 - “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

Solomon, son of King David, was a wise man. Most of Solomon's life was lived in godliness. God granted him wisdom when he asked for it and because he asked only for wisdom, God granted him riches as well, which in the end was his downfall.

Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. This book was written as a reflection on the vanity of human life. It shows us how nothing is ever new but that all things have been done before. I began writing the other day about Psalm 100:5 - For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.

There is, in my mind, a connection between that psalm and Ecclesiastes! As I began to write my post for the other day (I wanted to let it rest before editing) I was going to discuss how since God has created all things, everything seems to fall into its own routine...in the life of the earth and human life. Seasons of life on earth and seasons of human life. They never change...and God never changes. He's the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I guess I'm trying to say that because God never changes, His truth endures forever, that which has been done is what will be. Why the Bible is an excellent guide into seeing what has been done in the past has been repeated...and what the outcomes are.

So Solomon sought wisdom and came to the conclusion all is vanity, that which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). God never changes.

God's plan all along was for all generations to seek Him and believe, trust and have faith in Him. He has not changed. Sadly, man wants to believe in himself before God. Sadly, also, that is nothing new 
under the sun! His desire will remain the same till the Lord returns.

So, it is vain to think we can live our lives without knowing God. It is vain to think our lives are fine without any thought or obedience to Him. That, as Ecclesiastes tells us:
Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11) Later he says, He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

Oh my. So what is life all about if all we desire, all pleasures of our labors is not at all profitable in the end? And neither has it been for anyone in life? What is all this? What do we do?

Ecclesiastes continues by telling us that we should enjoy what we have, enjoy our life...but not without first knowing and believing that God has given us all we have. And if He has given it, it can be taken away...why it is important to know He is our greatest reward, not all we achieve or store up in the world.

I know, you can't put a finger on what is most valuable that He has to give. You can't hold it in your hand or look at it to admire it. Well, we are told that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Maybe that's why many do not trust the Lord. They want what they can hold, see, smell, taste. God wants us to trust Him, not self.

If one is willing to give himself over to Him, there is a true presence, contentment, peace and joy. It cannot be explained. It's a spiritual knowing. Minds discern and eyes see things differently. Hearts long not for the things of the world but the things of God. All the stuff one has might be seen as part 
of those things eyes desired, the pleasures of labor...which when one has received those desires one is quickly dissatisfied with and something new must replace it. A perpetual grasping for the wind??? God gives good things. Wouldn't it be better to receive His good things instead?

Solomon goes on to reveal more of God's truths (Ecclesiastes 3)...to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven. You know the old song...a time to live and a time to die...a time to plant and a time to reap... Plus, He has made everything beautiful in its time. Oh, those seasons, those lives I was about to write about. Those things God, who never changes, has created.

I know that whatever God has done or does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to nor taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past. (Ecclesiastes 3:14-15)

This book reminds us all that God gives and takes away. He brings us into this world, like He does the seasons. They come, they go. The sun rises and sets, as does the moon. He controls all things. We can conclude that wisdom is a good thing...God's wisdom the best...and we should be thankful for what we have and acknowledge God in the process. Enjoy what we have but realize it's not all about our stuff, which can still leave us unsatisfied...and which God can take away. Be of proper mind to let it go if necessary.

There will always be rich and poor, oppressed and blessed. Our fates are equal. We die taking nothing with us. But where we end up after death is what is important. Rich and poor, oppressed and blessed can all be assured of their end if they look to God now. As Solomon says, 4:9-10: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. If we have the Lord with us, we have that One who will lift us up.

Everything is still always about God. Start with Him, gain His wisdom, receive the good things He has to offer. Proverb 21:21 states He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. See, it is attainable...in God's way, the best way.

Receive His gift of salvation...now...because life can be taken away in a moment's notice...and what good does it do to strive for so much without acknowledging Him? We long to live longer to enjoy more when God knows the actual number of our days...so we should be right with God before it's too late.

Besides the greatest gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we can receive His wisdom. Through both of these we will know what is beneficial. Nothing of God is a mistake or disappointment. Trust Him with our lives and with all He gives us. Solomon figured it all out for us. His words were written for our understanding and guidance. It all begins and ends with God. In Genesis He created the world; in Revelation He destroys all wickedness and returns to reign in peace and holiness.

He has shown us what He desires. He has shown us that wisdom is greater than stuff. He has shown those who seek wisdom what is important...it's all about Him. Seek Him and all "real" life may be yours, in difficult times or good. It is His miracle worked out in us.

All throughout this book Solomon shows us, like he does in his proverbs, the difference between the wise man and the fool, the one who seeks God and the one who does not believe that God provides all the answers. God gives and takes away; He is the Judge of our sin; He determines where we go on our last day. Jesus also told us not to worry about our lives (Matthew 6:25-34)...these words of wisdom are understood by true believers.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.

God Never Changes

Ecclesiastes 1:2 - “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”

Solomon, son of King David, was a wise man. Most of Solomon's life was lived in godliness. God granted him wisdom when he asked for it and because he asked only for wisdom, God granted him riches as well, which in the end was his downfall.

Solomon wrote the book of Ecclesiastes. This book was written as a reflection on the vanity of human life. It shows us how nothing is ever new but that all things have been done before. I began writing the other day about Psalm 100:5 - For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.

There is, in my mind, a connection between that psalm and Ecclesiastes! As I began to write my post for the other day (I wanted to let it rest before editing) I was going to discuss how since God has created all things, everything seems to fall into its own routine...in the life of the earth and human life. Seasons of life on earth and seasons of human life. They never change...and God never changes. He's the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I guess I'm trying to say that because God never changes, His truth endures forever, that which has been done is what will be. Why the Bible is an excellent guide into seeing what has been done in the past has been repeated...and what the outcomes are.

So Solomon sought wisdom and came to the conclusion all is vanity, that which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). God never changes.

God's plan all along was for all generations to seek Him and believe, trust and have faith in Him. He has not changed. Sadly, man wants to believe in himself before God. Sadly, also, that is nothing new under the sun! His desire will remain the same till the Lord returns.

So, it is vain to think we can live our lives without knowing God. It is vain to think our lives are fine without any thought or obedience to Him. That, as Ecclesiastes tells us:
Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun. (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11) Later he says, He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

Oh my. So what is life all about if all we desire, all pleasures of our labors is not at all profitable in the end? And neither has it been for anyone in life? What is all this? What do we do?

Ecclesiastes continues by telling us that we should enjoy what we have, enjoy our life...but not without first knowing and believing that God has given us all we have. And if He has given it, it can be taken away...why it is important to know He is our greatest reward, not all we achieve or store up in the world.

I know, you can't put a finger on what is most valuable that He has to give. You can't hold it in your hand or look at it to admire it. Well, we are told that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Maybe that's why many do not trust the Lord. They want what they can hold, see, smell, taste. God wants us to trust Him, not self.

If one is willing to give himself over to Him, there is a true presence, contentment, peace and joy. It cannot be explained. It's a spiritual knowing. Minds discern and eyes see things differently. Hearts long not for the things of the world but the things of God. All the stuff one has might be seen as part of those things eyes desired, the pleasures of labor...which when one has received those desires one is quickly dissatisfied with and something new must replace it. A perpetual grasping for the wind??? God gives good things. Wouldn't it be better to receive His good things instead?

Solomon goes on to reveal more of God's truths (Ecclesiastes 3)...to everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven. You know the old song...a time to live and a time to die...a time to plant and a time to reap... Plus, He has made everything beautiful in its time. Oh, those seasons, those lives I was about to write about. Those things God, who never changes, has created.

I know that whatever God has done or does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to nor taken from it. God does it, that men should fear before Him. That which is has already been, and what is to be has already been; and God requires an account of what is past. (Ecclesiastes 3:14-15)

This book reminds us all that God gives and takes away. He brings us into this world, like He does the seasons. They come, they go. The sun rises and sets, as does the moon. He controls all things. We can conclude that wisdom was is good thing...God's wisdom the best...and we should be thankful for what we have and acknowledge God in the process. Enjoy what we have but realize it's not all about our stuff, which can still leave us unsatisfied...and which God can take away. Be of proper mind to let it go if necessary.

There will always be rich and poor, oppressed and blessed. Our fates are equal. We die taking nothing with us. But where we end up after death is what is important. Rich and poor, oppressed and blessed can all be assured of their end if they look to God now. As Solomon says, 4:9-10: Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. If we have the Lord with us, we have that One who will lift us up.

Everything is still always about God. Start with Him, gain His wisdom, receive the good things He has to offer. Proverb 21:21 states He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. See, it is attainable...in God's way, the best way.

Receive His gift of salvation...now...because life can be taken away in a moment's notice...and what good does it do to strive for so much without acknowledging Him? We long to live longer to enjoy more when God knows the actual number of our days...so we should be right with God before it's too late.

Besides the greatest gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we can receive His wisdom. Through both of these we will know what is beneficial. Nothing of God is a mistake or disappointment. Trust Him with our lives and with all He gives us. Solomon figured it all out for us. His words were written for our understanding and guidance. It all begins and ends with God. In Genesis He created the world; in Revelation He destroys all wickedness and returns to reign in peace and holiness.

He has shown us what He desires. He has shown us that wisdom is greater than stuff. He has shown those who seek wisdom what is important...it's all about Him. Seek Him and all "real" life may be yours, in difficult times or good. It is His miracle worked out in us.

All throughout this book Solomon shows us, like he does in his proverbs, the difference between the wise man and the fool, the one who seeks God and the one who does not believe that God provides all the answers. God gives and takes away; He is the Judge of our sin; He determines where we go on our last day. Jesus also told us not to worry about our lives (Matthew 6:25-34)...these words of wisdom are understood by true believers.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 - Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.