Meditating on Ecclesiastes #5: Finding the “Good” in this Life
Solomon’s previous experiment (Chapters 3-5) dealt with one’s acceptance of the “portion” of life God has given to each person. In his observations under the sun, Solomon rationalized that the righteous should always experience the good portion of life, while the wicked should receive the bad (Ecclesiastes 2:25-26).
This, he however recognized, is not the way things work in the real world (Ecclesiastes 3:16). God is the Lord of the seasons (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11). He is the one who is ultimately in control of man’s place (or “portion”) in life and of the seasons he experiences.
Solomon says that each of the seasons of life are “beautiful in their time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). In other words, God has a purpose for us in both the good seasons and bad seasons of life.
His conclusion of this second major experiment is that within the various seasons of life, we should learn to fear God (Ecclesiastes 3:14), maintain good and healthy companionships (Ecc. 4:1-5:17), and learn to be content in the gifts we receive from God (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).
Solomon’s third major “experiment” is recorded in Ecclesiastes 6-8. Every good research experiment begins with a problem which is concisely stated. Often, it is found in the form of a question. The wise sage Solomon does just that. In the beginning chapter of this section, he asks, “For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow?” (Ecclesiastes 6:12). This problem Solomon explores is that so many do not find and therefore are not filled with a certain kind of “good” in this life (Ecclesiastes 6:3).
Earlier in chapter 6, descriptions are given of those who do not have this “good”. Though they may seem to have it all according to worldly standards, without the “good” in their lives, Solomon says it would have been better that they had never been born.
But what is this “good’ of which Solomon says we are all in need? Where does one find it? What benefits does it have for us? These are questions that Solomon answers as he offers to us his inspired wise and experienced observations.
Chapters 7 and 8 reveal that this “good” which is so vital for us comes from the proper use of wisdom. In particular, the type of wisdom of which Solomon is so concerned is in the area of discernment or in the ability to make proper comparative judgments.
These comparative judgments are made by weighing various matters according to their value. The problem that we so often have in this life under the sun is that we often value the wrong things. As a result, we often miss out on the “good”.
But what is it that we should find valuable? Where is it that we can find the “good”? Solomon shows that the place where we find it is not necessarily where we might think. In fact, it is often found in the most unpleasant places and experiences of life (Ecc. 7:1-10). These places and experiences include the funeral home, times of despair and sorrow, or in a rebuke that might sometimes come our way when we have done wrong.
Not only is this “good” found in the unpleasant areas, but Solomon says that it is found in a proper understanding of mankind. We should always keep in mind that no one, not even we ourselves, are perfect (Ecc. 7:13-22).
In addition to this understanding, we should also not waste so much effort and energy in trying to figure out why people do what they do, especially when they sin against us. Solomon advises us not to waste so much time in trying to do this. “Good” is not found in such useless efforts.
The reasons for the actions of people are often far too complex (Ecclesiastes 7:24). Who knows why they sometimes act the way they do?
Another realm that Solomon counsels us in finding the “good” is in our relationship with and understanding of leaders (Ecc. 8:2-17). The gist of this section is that while leadership in this life may be imperfect, and the wicked may thereby rule the day, the one who fears God will have faith and recognize that one day, all the wrongs will be made right (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13).
So what are the benefits of finding this “good”? Solomon says it is that which gives to us life (Ecclesiastes 7:12); it is that by such we can have that which is better than great strength (Ecclesiastes 7:19); and it is that by which our faces may shine (Ecclesiastes 8:1).
Solomon concludes this third research experiment by again repeating his previous observation that it is good for us to enjoy the benefits God gives to us in this life. He adds to this though that we should not expend all our energies in trying to understand things of which there is no answer (Ecclesiastes 8:15-17).
Solomon, therefore, in this section helps us better deal with anxieties and empty struggles in life. This is a book about putting our faith, trust, and dependence upon God. It is a book about learning contentment in life. The apostle Paul in the New Testament would say, “For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am in, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11). May we find the “good” in our lives.
Below are crossword puzzles on Ecclesiastes chapters 9 and 10. As before, remember that these are for the purpose of becoming more familiar with the text. Pay careful attention to the context. Here are links to previous articles in this series (article #1, article #2, article #3, and article #4).
Here is an interactive version of chapter 9 ecclesiastes_chapter_9. Just click on the section of the puzzle you want to work on, read the question and write the answer in the blank. When you’re ready to insert the answer in the puzzle, just click OK. Or, if you prefer, you can download and print out a copy of chapter 9 ecc_chap_9.
Here is an interactive version of chapter 10 ecclesiastes_chapter_10. Just click on the section of the puzzle you want to work on, read the question and write the answer in the blank. When you’re ready to insert the answer in the puzzle, just click OK. Or, if you prefer, you can download and print out a copy of chapter 10 ecc_chap_10.
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Devotional, Michael Carter
on September 25th, 2008
