Ecclesiastes 8:1-17
Q.1. What did Solomon say about obeying rulers? How do wisdom and experience benefit a person? Why is it important to accept our limitations? – (Ecc.8:1-9)
Solomon was one of the most powerful and wise kings to ever live. Therefore, he knew what he was talking about. He knew the satisfaction of uncovering deep mysteries (Ecc.8:1). As king, he warned everyone about breaking promises and reneging on agreements. As the king, he maintained this standard, even though he had the authority to punish and – do whatever he pleases (Ecc.8:3 & 4). Experience is a great teacher, and will stand a person in good stead, when he needs to know the proper time and manner in which to act (Ecc.8:5-6). Solomon, with all his wealth and influence, understood that there were many limitations to his resources – 7 If no one knows what will happen, who can tell him when it will happen? 8 No man has authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; and there is no discharge in the time of war, and evil will not deliver those who practice it (Ecc.8:7-8).
Q.2. What were Solomon’s observations about evil? Why is fearing God crucial? How should we approach life? Why? – (Ecc.8:10-17)
Solomon observed how easily evil grows, and that the wicked may prosper in life (Ecc.8:14). It is always better to fear God, since He will bring everyone into judgment – 12 … still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly. 13 But it will not be well for the evil man and he will not lengthen his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God (Ecc.8:12-13). Because of all the inconsistencies in life, Solomon advocated a care-free approach to life – So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun (Ecc.8:15). Solomon wearied himself, trying to get to the bottom of life. He concluded that it was not possible to discover any clear pattern, this side of glory (Ecc.8:16-17). Jesus gave us a much better formula – 19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal … 33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Mt.6:19-20 & 33). To look at life without God, will lead to futility and depression.