18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.
REFLECTION:
These verses teach us that God wants us to look at our wealth from a correct perspective. Our wealth is given by God. Regardless of your current financial situation, you should not rely on money to get happiness, but be satisfied with what you have now and live for God with what you have. Abundance by itself cannot be the source of our happiness. Abundance makes us joyful because every good and perfect gift is from God. We should focus on God who gives people, not on His gifts. When we know that if we have God then we will have everything we need, we can be happy and satisfied with what we have now. We will have a deep gratitude for everything God has given, no matter how much, and we will become a person who is rich in spirit.
PRAYER:
Come to God with a grateful heart, count God’s blessings, and thank Him for His abundant provision in all aspects of your life. No matter if you are rich or poor, ask God to give you more faith and wisdom to make you understand that it is God who gives and who takes away. In all these things, God has a good will for you, that you can receive true abundance and joy from Him.
7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
REFLECTION:
Some people are lazy, while others are workaholics. Laziness is certainly not pleasing to God, but workaholic is often driven by jealousy and greed, hoping to outstand, and it is not pleasing to God either. Solomon taught us that the correct attitude to work should be diligent but restrained. At the same time, we should also use time to enjoy God’s blessings, and recognize that it is God who gives work and blessings, not ourselves. Solomon also pointed out that there are many benefits to working with others. The life that God arranges is to live in company, not to be isolated from others; to establish an intimate relationship with others, not to live alone. Some people are so proud and stubborn that they would rather work alone than trust anyone. However, we live in this world, not to serve ourselves, but to serve God and others. Don’t isolate yourself and do everything alone. It is best to seek cooperation and teamwork. Are you very busy right now? Are you walking alone now? Please stop and think about Solomon’s teachings in this chapter, and examine the motive of your busyness, and correct your direction and pace in life in time.
PRAYER:
Regardless of whether your current state is too lazy or too busy, ask God to give you a balanced and healthy work and life. Ask God to examine your inner motives, so that you can see whether everything you do is to glorify God or to glorify yourself. Ask God to give you a humble and gentle heart, so that you can actively participate in church ministries, and work with brothers and sisters to build the house of God and extend His Kingdom.
1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
2 a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; …
9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.
14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.
REFLECTION:
Solomon’s point in this chapter is to say that God has a plan for everyone. God has arranged different stages for our lives, and each stage has something we should do. Although we will encounter many difficulties that seem to conflict with God’s plan, these difficulties should not become an obstacle to our faith, but should be an opportunity for us to rely on God. Without God, there will not be a satisfactory solution to the problems in life! The secret of reconciliation with God lies in having wisdom to discern, accept, and appreciate the time God has set. Suspicion or resentment of the time set by God is dangerous. This can make people disappointed, rebellious, and even disregarding God’s will and acting on their own. God has “put eternity into man’s heart” (v.11) means: we can never be completely satisfied with the pleasures and pursuits of the world. Since we were created in the image of God, we have spiritual hunger and thirst, and only the living God can truly satisfy us. God places the desire for eternity in our hearts and allows us to see the beauty of His creation, but we cannot see into the future or fully understand God’s plan. Therefore, we must fear God, be joyful and beneficent in the world, and be blessed by God as you walk the journey of life with Him.
PRAYER:
Come to God quietly, ask God to give you confidence, patience, and wisdom, and understand that God has made everything beautiful in its time according to His will. Ask God to lead you, no matter if your current situation is good or bad, that you will fear God, and not deviate from the path God destined for your life.
4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man.
9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
REFLECTION:
Solomon used his life as an experiment to explore the meaning of life. He first tried to pursue pleasure: he did major projects, bought servants, cattle and sheep, gathered wealth, gathered singers, added many concubines in the harem, and became the most prominent king of Jerusalem. But none of this satisfies him, so he said, “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” (v.11). The pleasure he pursued may bring him short-term satisfaction, but if it was the purpose of life, all these pursuits were in vain. Solomon exhausted all his methods to find the meaning of life, but the result was “a striving after wind.” When the wind blows, we can feel it, but we cannot hold it firmly in our hands. All our achievements, even great achievements, are similar. Only in the love of God, not in human achievement, can we find true peace and self-worth. Please reflect in your life what do you think is valuable and make you spend your time, energy and money on it? One day when you look back on the past, do you realize that these are also “a striving after wind”? Is your goal in life to pursue the meaning of life in your own way, or to pursue God who gives true meaning to life?
PRAYER:
Pray for God to enlighten you so that you can clearly see that the things you are currently working on are like “a striving after wind” and are of no benefit to your life? Ask God to give you the confidence and courage to let go of the love in your heart, strive to seek God who gives you peace and eternal blessing, and live according to His will.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
