Thus far in Ecclesiastes, “the Preacher” has looked at the futility of life and human wisdom. For both pass with fleeting hope. A vapor that cannot be contained nor held. Each promise to make us happy or prosperous in some way. However, we find this so only in the illusion of our own minds and hearts. Yet, neither can we hold on to. Both escape us or fail us. Then, we are left with deeper despair than ever before. As we watch the futility of nature itself, always returning to what was before. For all the progress of humanity, there remains the oppressed and the depressed. Time enters and time fades with little to show for all the labor we have done. In his search for meaning, King Solomon looked to see if religion or government could bring lasting happiness or prosperity. Yet, once more, this was but a vapor.
Regarding Religion
As we look first at Ecclesiastes 5, it begins with a warning and an admonition.
“Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil.”
How many people go through the motions of religion, without truly worshiping God? Going through the motions; yet, not truly trusting Him nor worshiping Him. That among the religious who call themselves Christians. And what about all the other religions and spiritualists who proclaim their rituals bring them closer to God. Yet for all their religion, they are not happy or prosperous. Oh certainly some may have money; but does money itself make one happy or prosperous spiritually?
Ecclesiastes 5:2-3
2 Do not be rash with your mouth,And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God.For God is in heaven, and you on earth;Therefore let your words be few.3 For a dream comes through much activity,And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.
What fools we prove ourselves to be when we speak rashly as though we speak for God! So many religious today or those who proclaim themselves to be Christians speak with high and mighty voices, “Surely God would not send anyone to hell! After all we must realize there are many ways to God, and He will honor them all. Let us peacefully just agree with all society places on us. Certainly, we are to love the sinner, remembering from whence we came. But religion cannot become a substitute for true worship.
To Make a Vow
How often do we try to bargain with God? If you do this, then I will do that for you. I will give up everything, if only you… It happens more often than we would like to admit. This is a dangerous place to stand.
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it;For He has no pleasure in fools.Pay what you have vowed—5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay.
6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your [a]excuse and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.
Was there ever a time that you made a promise to God that if He would just fix this you would? Then what happened.
Government
Some believe that the Government or some politician can fix things so that all might be happy and prosperous. In fact, that is what a lot of politicians campaign on; but, it would appears that they are the ones who become drunken with power. Their promise to fix the nations problems always fall by the wayside.
Ecclesiastes 5:
8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them.
9 Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.
So much is promised to be given to the poor. Yet all that when managed by government leads to further corruption. There is a movement toward dependency and social slavery in a since by the government as socialistic ideas are further embraced. Yes, the poor need to be fed; but that should be the work of the church to help by guiding people how to stand up while helping them and teaching them of the true source of all that is good.
Ecclesiastes 4:
1Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun:
And look! The tears of the oppressed,But they have no comforter—[a]On the side of their oppressors there is power,But they have no comforter.
Therefore, Happy or prosperous?
We cannot depend upon religion nor government to make us happy or prosperous. Rather we must turn to the true source of life—Jesus Christ. When we understand who the source of our happiness is, then we trust Him, our provider through it all. Joy then can fill our hearts.
Psalm 20: 6-7
Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed.
He will answer him from His holy heaven
With the saving strength of His right hand.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
But we will remember and trust in the name of the LORD our God.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
For Prayer or Comments
If you have a prayer request feel free to email me by clicking here
Furthermore, if you would like to share your story or thoughts, you can comment here
Poetry Books Available
If you enjoy poetry perhaps you would like to read more of my poetry in my newest book which can be found on Amazon
PREVIOUS
Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2021
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. Furthermore, I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash