Walking Thru Ecclesiastes

Solomon’s Final Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 9:1 - 12:14

 

“I have observed something else under the sun. The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn’t always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives. It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time. People can never predict when hard times might come. Like fish in a net or birds in a trap, people are caught by sudden tragedy.” - Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 ^{New Living Translation}

            Doesn’t it seem odd that a man of faith and wisdom such as Solomon would digress from his way of thinking to incorporate the word ‘chance’, as if anything simply happens by chance? It is my belief that ALL things are orchestrated or allowed by God, for if it were not so he couldn’t be who he says he is. Solomon is stating in these two verses that you can be in possession of all these wonderful attributes yet still not attain worldly success. Nor will you attain success in the eyes of God.

                  Our days are uncertain from the moment we wake up in the morning. We are told that we must take each day as it comes, for we cannot foresee the future. Therefore, some days will end up being good and some bad. We have no control over the daily outcome of our lives. We cannot see every threat or obstacle as it approaches. 

                  God has a plan for each one of us. We must accept that he has a plan for us and then accept the plan itself. We won’t know the specifics of said plan but will advance throughout our lives seeking to know his plan and incorporate it into our lives. There is a proper time for each action we must take and so we use our gifts to attain kingdom success. The past is past, and the future has yet to come. We cannot change the past but can alter our path ever so slightly to correct errors in judgment we may have made. While Solomon has not used the words faith and trust in these verses, still side stepping our full reliance on God. That shall be the ultimate final conclusion he comes to in chapter 12. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Old Testament