ECCLESIASTES (4 - 1)
(Message by Tanny Keng)
0. Introduction
a) The wisest man ever lived, Solomon, left us a legacy of written wisdom in three books (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon). In these books, he gives practical insights and guidelines for life.
b) The book of Ecclesiastes shows that certain paths in life lead to emptiness. This profound book also helps us discover true purpose in life. Such wisdom can spare us from the emptiness that results from a life without God. Solomon teaches that people will not find meaning in life in knowledge, money, pleasure, work, or popularity. True satisfaction comes from knowing that what we are doing is part of God's purpose for our lives. This is the book that can help free us from our scramble for power, approval, and money, and draw us closer to God.
c) Although the tone of Ecclesiastes is negative and pessimistic, we must not conclude that the only chapter worth reading and applying is the last one, where he draws his conclusion. In reality, the entire book is filled with practical wisdom (how to accomplish things in the world and stay out of trouble) and spiritual wisdom (how to find and know eternal values). All of his remarks relating to the futility of life are there for a purpose - to lead people to seek true happiness in God alone.
d) Read Ecclesiastes and learn about life. Hear the stern warnings and dire predictions, and commit yourself to remember your Creator now.
1. Ecclesiastes 4 (1)
a) The Vanity of Selfish Toil (4:4-8)
i) 4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
The End ...
0. Introductiona) The wisest man ever lived, Solomon, left us a legacy of written wisdom in three books (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon). In these books, he gives practical insights and guidelines for life.
b) The book of Ecclesiastes shows that certain paths in life lead to emptiness. This profound book also helps us discover true purpose in life. Such wisdom can spare us from the emptiness that results from a life without God. Solomon teaches that people will not find meaning in life in knowledge, money, pleasure, work, or popularity. True satisfaction comes from knowing that what we are doing is part of God's purpose for our lives. This is the book that can help free us from our scramble for power, approval, and money, and draw us closer to God.
c) Although the tone of Ecclesiastes is negative and pessimistic, we must not conclude that the only chapter worth reading and applying is the last one, where he draws his conclusion. In reality, the entire book is filled with practical wisdom (how to accomplish things in the world and stay out of trouble) and spiritual wisdom (how to find and know eternal values). All of his remarks relating to the futility of life are there for a purpose - to lead people to seek true happiness in God alone.
d) Read Ecclesiastes and learn about life. Hear the stern warnings and dire predictions, and commit yourself to remember your Creator now.
1. Ecclesiastes 4 (1)
a) The Vanity of Selfish Toil (4:4-8)
i) 4 Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
5 The fool folds his hands
And consumes his own flesh.
6 Better a handful with quietness
Than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun:
8 There is one alone, without companion:
He has neither son nor brother.
Yet there is no end to all his labors,
Nor is his eye satisfied with riches.
But he never asks,
“For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?”
This also is vanity and a grave misfortune. (Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 NKJV)
And consumes his own flesh.
6 Better a handful with quietness
Than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.
7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun:
8 There is one alone, without companion:
He has neither son nor brother.
Yet there is no end to all his labors,
Nor is his eye satisfied with riches.
But he never asks,
“For whom do I toil and deprive myself of good?”
This also is vanity and a grave misfortune. (Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 NKJV)
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