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ECCLESIASTES

INTRODUCTION

Ecclesiastes is the collected words of a “teacher” or “preacher.” The Teacher is described as having been king over Israel in Jerusalem, and as the son of David. Both of these mean that he was in the royal line of Judah. He is not further identified, and while tradition identifies him with Solomon, it is appropriate to leave this cloak of anonymity in place.

The repeated phrase Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless! Warns us that life’s rewards are uncertain and ultimately unsatisfying. The Teacher pursues this insight in a long discourse that shifts between prose and poetry, and between autobiography and straightforward teaching. The book makes observations and poses questions, returning to themes like the wind— round and round it goes, ever returning on its course.

When the Teacher says what is crooked cannot be straightened, he reminds us that something wrong has intruded into our world. This fits the larger Jewish story told in the rest of the Scriptures. Setting things right again is what this bigger drama is about. The Teacher, however, does not tell us about God’s attempts at straightening the world. He is content to say that God is sovereign over all things and it is our duty to follow his ways for living, since God will bring every deed into judgment.

 

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Ecclesiastes 1 (ESV)

¹ The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem…

¹² I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. ¹³ And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. ¹⁴ I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.

¹⁵ What is crooked cannot be made straight,
and what is lacking cannot be counted.

¹⁶ I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” ¹⁷ And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.

¹⁸ For in much wisdom is much vexation,
and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

 

REFLECTION:

The author of Ecclesiastes is Solomon, “the king in Jerusalem, son of David”. He called himself a preacher, gathered the people to listen to his message, and collected words of wisdom (Proverbs). He is the person in the Bible who has everything in the world (including wisdom, power, wealth, honour, fame, and God’s favour), but he said that everything in the world is ultimately vanity. Although the state of Israel under Solomon was in its heyday, he wanted the people to understand that success and prosperity cannot last for a long time. All human achievements are like chasing after the wind, and one day they will disappear. We should keep this truth in mind so that we can live wisely. His purpose in writing this book is to show that only knowing God can bring true satisfaction and declare that this is “great wisdom.” “What is crooked cannot be made straight” refers to the confusion and chaos caused by the many unanswerable questions in our lives. When Solomon described his life, he found that neither his achievements nor wisdom could make him truly happy. The true wisdom is in God, and true happiness comes from pleasing God. We should respect God in words, thoughts, and all actions, and obey God’s will. Think about whether you have such great wisdom in your heart and really live according to this great wisdom?

 

PRAYER:

Come to God quietly, just like Solomon asked God for wisdom back then. Ask God to give you true wisdom in life, so that under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, you can gradually understand that everything in the world is emptiness. You have to walk with God and live according to His will to get true peace and joy.

 

HYMN:

I Give You My Heart – youtu.be/mZGzu6oI9b4

 

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Proverbs 31 (ESV)

¹ The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:…

¹⁰ An excellent wife who can find?
She is far more precious than jewels.
¹¹ The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
¹⁴ She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
¹⁵ She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
²⁰ She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
²⁶ She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
²⁷ She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.

 

REFLECTION:

1. There are many passages in Proverbs mentioning women, and it is extremely appropriate to end with a portrayal of a talented woman. She has a strong character, a high degree of wisdom, versatile skills, and a heart of sympathy and compassion. Some people have a misconception that the ideal woman in the Bible is a person who hides behind a man and takes care of housework. This is not the case. This virtuous woman is not only a good wife and mother, but also a manufacturer, importer, manager, real estate agent, farmer, tailor, interior designer and businessman. It can be said that she is a talented woman who is proficient in everything. However, her strength and honour do not come from her wonderful achievements, but from her fear of God. In modern society, people attach great importance to appearance. However, to our surprise, Proverbs never mention the appearance of this woman. Her charm is based on her virtue. This virtuous woman has amazing abilities. In fact, she may not be a specific woman, but the incarnation of an ideal woman with many virtues. Sisters do not have to imitate everything she does, because your environment is not the same as hers. But might as well use her to inspire you to pursue your ideals. Although we cannot be exactly the same as her, we can learn from her virtues of diligence, integrity, and wisdom.
2. Proverbs begins with a command to fear the Lord (1:7) and ends with a description of a woman who fulfills this command. Her characteristics are also throughout the book: diligence, fear of God, respect for spouse, foresight, encouragement, caring for others, caring for the poor, and good financial management. These qualities, in conjunction with the fear of God, make life joyful, fulfilling, honourable, and valuable. The teachings of Proverbs are still very applicable in our time, because it tells us how to be wise and use wisdom to make useful decisions to live a life that conforms to God’s will.

 

PRAYER:

Pray for God to guide your life so that you can become a person who fears God and has the wisdom given by God in everything; whether you are a brother or a sister, ask God to give you faith and strength so that you can imitate this virtuous woman, work hard, make good use of your gifts and wealth, and do not deviate from God’s way. May you be blessed throughout your life and live a wise, valuable life after God’s own heart.

 

HYMN:

Way Maker – www.youtube.com/watch?v=29IxnsqOkmQ

 

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Proverbs 30 (ESV)

¹ The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle…

⁵ Every word of God proves true;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
⁶ Do not add to his words,
lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.

⁷ Two things I ask of you;
deny them not to me before I die:
⁸ Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
give me neither poverty nor riches;
feed me with the food that is needful for me,
⁹ lest I be full and deny you
and say, “Who is the Lord?”
or lest I be poor and steal
and profane the name of my God.

 

REFLECTION:

The source of the proverb verses in this chapter is not clear, and we don’t know much about Agur, except that he is a wise teacher, and he may be a citizen of the kingdom of King Lemuel mentioned in the next chapter. We don’t know much about King Lemuel either. We only know that King Lemuel received wisdom from his mother, and his name means “offering to God”. “Neither poverty nor wealth” advocated by Agur here has profound wisdom. Too rich can make people indulge, lazy, or greedy and arrogant, and fall into many dangerous trials and snares. The Lord Jesus pointed out that it is more difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God than it is for a camel to go through the eye of a needle (see Matthew 19:23-24). But too poor is the same. Poverty will damage the health of the spirit and the body, and it will also make people fall into many sins and temptations. We must know how to be brought low, and how to abound as Paul taught (cf. Philippians 4:12). If we are “neither poor nor rich” and have no worries about the needs of life, we will focus on spiritual enrichment and spiritual growth, more actively rely on God, and bear a good testimony for God in all aspects.

 

PRAYER:

Ask God to give you the wisdom to “neither be poor nor rich”. If you are prosperous, ask God to protect your heart from being filled with many material desires, but to return the wealth you gained to God’s work and pursue spiritual growth with gratitude. If you are worried about the economy, ask God to provide for your needs, remove many unnecessary worries in your heart, learn to entrust everything to God, and rely on Him.

 

HYMN:

Give Thanks – www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGSR1-nGsLI

 

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Proverbs 29 (ESV)

¹⁵ The rod and reproof give wisdom,
but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
¹⁶ When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
¹⁷ Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
he will give delight to your heart.
¹⁸ Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,
but blessed is he who keeps the law.
¹⁹ By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
for though he understands, he will not respond.
²⁰ Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.
²¹ Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
will in the end find him his heir.

 

REFLECTION:

These few proverb verses once again teach parents how to discipline their children. Many parents often indulge their children, worrying that too strict discipline will harm their young children mentally. Are you also such a parent? If you want to give up discipline, let your children do their own way, or dare not to discipline lest the relationship with your children be damaged, please remember: disciplining with both love and strictness is beneficial to the growth of your children. Disciplining your children with enduring love will eventually teach them self-discipline, make them more wise and capable, and receive long-term blessings from God.

 
PRAYER:

Ask God to give you wisdom and patience. Be able to discipline your children in a coexisting way of love and sternness, so that they can walk in the Word of God throughout their lives. Ask God to establish a closer relationship between you and your children. For your children, pray for them to understand that your strict discipline is for their benefit and long-term blessing from God.

 

HYMN:

How Deep the Father’s Love – www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLDGVl8D5UU

 

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Proverbs 28 (ESV)

 ⁶ Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
⁷ The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
⁸ Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit
gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
⁹ If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
even his prayer is an abomination.
¹⁰ Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
will fall into his own pit,
but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance…

¹⁸ Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
¹⁹ Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
²⁰ A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.

 

REFLECTION:

These few proverb verses teach us what the real poverty and abundance, ignorance and wisdom are. Only those who walk in integrity, obey God’s laws and regulations, and pray to God often, are “blameless” (v10) with true abundance and wisdom. This does not mean that we have to be cautious in everything and sinless. In fact, no one can do this. It is that we should not be far away from God at any time, and even if we fall, we are willing to repent immediately and be willing to return to God’s embrace. If we sin again immediately after praying, God will not answer such prayers, but as long as we are willing to abandon our sins and believe in God, no matter how serious the sins we have committed, He is willing to listen. The reason that kept Him from listening to our prayers was not the depth of our sins, but the intention to sin again. A truly “blameless” person is one like David who is willing to repent no matter how great a sin one has committed. The person is abundant and wise in life, after God’s own heart.

 

PRAYER:

Pray for God to give you true abundance and wisdom, to act with integrity in everything, without deceit in your heart. Pray for God to make you a blameless person, and if you commit a sin and fall, be willing to have a sincere and contrite heart and ask God for forgiveness. You will be blessed by God.

 

HYMN:

Give Me Jesus – www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rZ8k9m2hwo

 

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Proverbs 27 (ESV)

⁵Better is open rebuke
than hidden love.
⁶ Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
profuse are the kisses of an enemy…

⁹Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.
¹⁰ Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend,
and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity.
Better is a neighbor who is near
than a brother who is far away…

¹⁷Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.

 

REFLECTION:

These few proverb verses especially teach us how to communicate with friends sincerely. Who would like a friend’s rebuke rather than an enemy’s compliment? Who would like the wounds of a friend better than the kisses of an enemy? They are those who have the wisdom to see the hidden motives behind them. A friend who really cares about you will give you unpleasant advice, like a bitter medicine, you know it is for your benefit; on the contrary, the enemy will use sweet words to send you to death when you are burst with joy. But everyone likes to listen to what is pleasant to the ear, even if the enemy says it. Remember that no matter how unpleasant a friend’s advice is, it is better than an enemy’s compliment. When people get along with good friends, they get mutual encouragement. The sincere exchange of ideas between good friends can give people new insights, and they can get rid of the bad ideas. Reflect if someone is always your good friend. And are you often other people’s good friends?

 

PRAYER:

Pray for God to give you wisdom to discern right from wrong, be willing to listen to unpleasant words of truth, and be able to discern people’s secret motives, and not listen to sweet words of harm. Pray for God to give you more brothers and sisters in the church to be good friends with you. Encourage each other, watch over each other, build up each other, and walk together on the path of truth.

 

HYMN:

Above All – www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7EPZV56PuA

 

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Proverbs 26 (ESV)

²⁰For lack of wood the fire goes out,
and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
²¹ As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
²² The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
they go down into the inner parts of the body.
²³ Like the glaze covering an earthen vessel
are fervent lips with an evil heart.
²⁴ Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
and harbors deceit in his heart;
²⁵ when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
for there are seven abominations in his heart;
²⁶ though his hatred be covered with deception,
his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
²⁷ Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
²⁸ A lying tongue hates its victims,
and a flattering mouth works ruin.

 

REFLECTION:

Saying things that irritate people or spreading gossip will only keep the fire of anger burning. Keeping quiet is like taking away the firewood under a cauldron, and the fire naturally goes out. Does anyone keep irritating you? Make up your mind not to blame that person and see if your anger will be extinguished due to lack of firewood. In order to fight back, do you intentionally or unintentionally anger others, especially those close to you? May you control your tongue from now on, no matter how others treat you, you only treat others with a gentle and kind heart. We must also guard against the sweet words of deceitful people, and have the wisdom to discern their hidden motives. We all love to listen to words of praise and flattery, and we should be awakened to the dangers, and avoid unknowingly falling into the trap dug by the deceitful. These proverb verses also warn those who are double-tongued that they will eventually harm themselves by trying to harm others, and they will be judged by God justly.

 
PRAYER:

If someone irritates you, ask God to calm your anger and give you patience, kindness, and goodness. Do not insist on a tooth for a tooth or an eye for an eye; ask God to give you the strength to trust Him, protect your heart, and control your tongue, never say anything that irritates people, and treat those who oppose or hurt you with gentleness, integrity, and honesty.

 

HYMN:

This Is the Air I Breathe – www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEDcKZB7r2A

 

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Proverbs 25 (ESV)

¹These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied…

¹¹A word fitly spoken
is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
¹² Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear…

¹⁵With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
and a soft tongue will break a bone…

²¹If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
²² for you will heap burning coals on his head,
and the Lord will reward you.

 

REFLECTION:

1. Appropriate words have precious value. They can encourage people to be more active toward good, and they can also persuade people to abandon evil. Appropriate words are not flattering, but to speak honestly with love, without seeking your own benefit, and with patience and humility to exhort and build others. Appropriate words also contain wisdom from God, and this wisdom teaches us how to look at other people’s difficulties from their perspective with empathy. Do you often say appropriate words in your family, church, and workplace? Ask God to give you the wisdom to do this.
2. Repaying evil with good is a way of return pleasing to God, and it is also the most effective way of return, but it is difficult to implement in humans. Paul quoted this Proverb verse in Romans (cf. Romans 12:19-21), and the Lord Jesus also urged us to pray for our persecutors in the Gospel of Matthew (cf. Matthew 5:44). Repaying evil with good means that God who is righteous will judge everything. He will reward those who do this and will also redress for those who have been wronged. Consider whether you have encountered or are experiencing injustice. Are you willing to deal with it in a way that pleases God?

 

PRAYER:

Pray for God to give you wisdom and dexterity, so that you can speak appropriate words with honesty and love on different occasions, resolve disputes, and encourage others; pray for tolerance and kindness, so that you can learn the lesson of returning evil with good. Not only are you willing to forgive those who have hurt you, but also willing to pray for them and lead them to God. Please pray for someone who has hurt you.

 

HYMN:

Jesus Lover of My Soul – www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5jxwHjC6Xk

 

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Proverbs 24 (ESV)

²³ These also are sayings of the wise…

³⁰ I passed by the field of a sluggard,
by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
³¹ and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
the ground was covered with nettles,
and its stone wall was broken down.
³² Then I saw and considered it;
I looked and received instruction.
³³ A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
³⁴ and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.

 

REFLECTION:

These few proverb verses warn of the evil consequences of laziness and teach us to be vigilant at all times in our lives, to take precautions for everything, and to have a sense of alertness, otherwise danger and corruption will come quickly. This is not just a reminder that we must be prepared for everything in our lives, but more of a spiritual reminder. Our spiritual growth is like sailing against the current. If we relax, we will retreat for a thousand miles and we will be caught by the devil’s tricks. The devil often uses laziness and slack to cage us, allowing us to unknowingly retreat in our daily comfort. When we are awakened, the spiritual land has been overgrown with thorns and weeds, and there is no place for crops to grow. Reflect if you are living a “comfortable” Christian life? May you be enlightened by these few proverb verses, wake up from your comfortable sleep, serve faithfully in the church, build God’s house together with your brothers and sisters, and have daily devotion diligently. Cultivate your own spiritual fertile land so that your life will have a rich harvest.

 

PRAYER:

Pray for God to make you understand that spiritual growth is like riding a boat against the current and retreating without advancing, so that you can get out of your comfort zone, entrust yourself to God, and let God lead your way and shape your life. Ask God to give you more perseverance and diligence, serve in more church ministries, and persevere in Bible reading, devotion, and praying every day, living a holy life, leaving no place for the devil, and walking in God’s way without slacking.

 

HYMN:

Take My Life – www.youtube.com/watch?v=agROj9nTQP4

 

Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Proverbs+023

 

Proverbs 23 (ESV)

²²Listen to your father who gave you life,
and do not despise your mother when she is old.
²³ Buy truth, and do not sell it;
buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
²⁴ The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;
he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
²⁵ Let your father and mother be glad;
let her who bore you rejoice.

²⁶ My son, give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways.

 

REFLECTION:

The verses in the previous chapter exhort us on how to discipline children as parents, and the verses in this chapter teach us how to listen to the teachings of parents and ask their wisdom for guidance from the children’s perspective. We do this to please our parents as well as to please God. This does not mean that parents are always correct so we have to obey them unconditionally. Their thinking and value may be different from ours, their mental strength may decline due to old age, and their lives may also deviate from God, but none of this allows us to despise them. We should treat our parents with kindness and filial piety, and commemorate their hard work in bringing us up. The greatest filial piety to our parents is not merely to provide for them with abundant material conditions, but to walk in humility on the path that God has ordained, and respect our parents, listen to their words, and help them not to deviate from God’s way when growing old. Together you and your parents will have an abundant spiritual life in God.

 
PRAYER:

Pray for God to help you to respect and obey your parents more, and be a humble listener of your parents. Try hard to obey their wisdom teachings, be compassionate to their weaknesses, and never contempt. Pray for God to strengthen your faith, be a good testimony to your parents, and strive to walk with them on the path God ordained.

 

HYMN:

Humble King – youtu.be/YV_3l6Ng5lA