Be Very Careful

Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. [Ecclesiastes 5.18]

You know, Ecclesiastes is sort of depressing to read! It seems like everything is futile in life.

However, Solomon keeps coming back to a consistent conclusion in the verse above. This is actually the third time he makes this statement (at least in today's reading segment).

Here's the first time (that I see):

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God. [Ecclesiastes 2.24]

Here's the second time:

So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. [Ecclesiastes 3.12-13]

But there is also this:

So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. [Ecclesiastes 3.22a]

My question is this: Do we pay any attention to anything Solomon says? Remember, this is a man who did not just slip away from God, but embraced the vile and filthy practices of Ashtoreth and Chemosh.

Wisdom is what it is - wisdom. But one thing wisdom is not, is salvation (right relationship with God).

It seems prudent to me today to be very careful in my takeaway from Ecclesiastes.

Father, help me to be spiritually discerning as I read and understand Ecclesiastes.