Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Ecclesiastes 1-4
Ecclesiastes 1:1
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.
Today you will begin to read the book of Ecclesiastes. It was written by Solomon the wisest man that ever lived other than Jesus Christ. Yet, it is filled with the doom and gloom of earthly wisdom. The theme of this preacher’s message is found in verse two: Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. Herein Solomon records his brokenness, folly, shame, disappointments, and bitterness of spirit. The thoughts that he shares are the conclusions of the life lessons he has learned. They are based solely upon the temporal aspects of this life. Things purely physical. It is written in such a way as to convey the vanity of life without God. Today we would say a life without Christ. For truly, a life without Christ is only a temporal, physical, life. One that will end in death and burial. It is from this point of view that Solomon preaches.
Most of those living think that if they had wealth, prosperity, and fame they would be happy. This book singularly refutes those thoughts. He proves that the things of this world are all vanity and vexation of spirit. They bring neither life nor true happiness. In the last chapter of the book the conclusion of the whole matter is brought into focus. The first eleven chapters prepare the reader for that great climax.
The preacher’s words must be read with the focus on this world absent of the next. The words he speaks are true only in the temporal sense. Yet, eternally, for the child of God that has been born again into the eternal family of God, this book is an anachronism. It relates to things of life in an improper order: for a Christian that is. You see, with the eternal promises of God for His children, this world is not the first order of business. Eternity is. Or should be, for God’s people are eternal beings. However, we live in the temporal world. Solomon highlights the senselessness of this world saying everything in it is vanity and vexation of one’s spirit.
Vexation means to be vexed. A vexation is the condition of being annoyed. It is not being cursed with a curse or put under a spell, but rather to be irritated by senseless actions and issues. This world continually irritates the spirit of a person. The vain things of the world, the inequalities, the stubbornness of others, the bureaucracies of structures, the hate, and the arbitrary sense of it all irritates the free spirit of the soul. The next world will not be hindered by such irritants or annoyances, but Solomon only focuses on this world without any consideration of the next. This is where most people live.
From the standpoint of a believer in Christ not everything written in this book is true. It is true that it was written, or spoken, by Solomon in his message, but they are not true statements. For example 1:14. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. This is not a true statement for a believer in Christ for we know that our labor is not in vain. The works performed in His name and according to His Word are not in vain. They will be rewarded both in the here and now, and in the place of forever. Matthew 16:27 states clearly: For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. There are rewards to earn by living for Him today! Yes, there are! This book, in a unique way, proves that the old adage is true, “When all of life is past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” There is much vanity in this world, but for those who labor for the next… well that is another thought for another day.
Enjoy the book and just wait until the conclusion!
Dr. William T. Howe
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