Ecclesiastes 5:1-20
Q.1. How should we approach the house of God? Why can our dreams cause us to make empty vows? What advice was given about making vows? – (Ecc.5:1-7)
People have a tendency to bargain with God and make promises that may be hard to keep. However, God warned- 1 Guard your steps as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools; for they do not know they are doing evil. 2 Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few (Ecc.5:1-2). This can happen, because we want God to back our dreams, rather than wanting to do His will (Ecc.5:3). We must think carefully before making vows – 4 When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay (Ecc.5:4-5). It is easy to re-interpret God’s leading, when we don’t like paying the price. People may claim that their vow was just a mistake. However, this can bring God’s opposition, and He may destroy our efforts (Ecc.5:6-7).
Q.2. What were Solomon’s observations about officialdom and wealth? What truth are we to bear in mind when thinking of life’s circumstances? – (Ecc.5:8-17)
We should never be surprised when officials increase, to ensure the rule of leaders is enforced. Officialdom brings advantages … at a cost. Solomon also saw that wealth rarely satisfies and is never enough (Ecc.5:8-11). He wrote about his observation of hoarding riches and bad investments (Ecc.8:13-14). He reminded us – As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labour that he can carry in his hand (Ecc.5:15). We are born with nothing and leave with nothing. Life is a great equalizer unless we embrace a higher purpose (Ecc.5:16 c.f. Mt.6:19-21).
Q.3. What attitude to life’s circumstances did Solomon commend? How can we maintain an attitude of thanksgiving? – (Ecc.5:18-20)
Solomon encouraged us to be satisfied with whatever God gives us – Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one’s labour in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward (Ecc.5:18). To be given wealth and riches, is only advantageous if God empowers people to enjoy it (Ecc.5:19). Gladness of heart in our circumstances is a wonderful gift of God (Ecc.5:20 c.f. Phil.4:11-12).