Ecclesiastes Chapters 4-6

Not the most uplifting read I've ever had, but I figure if you try to live opposite of the vain/prideful/selfish/self-indulgent people Solomon writes about (Because of his firsthand experience)...then life would be pretty good.

4:1 - This is interesting...Solomon sees the oppression in the world and it drives him to throw up his hands in defeat - "Why is there no one to stand up for the oppressed?" What is the point of having wisdom and clarity of vision to see what is wrong with the world if it is not going to drive you to do something about it. There are so many people who want to get angry with the way the world works - so many people that want to whine and complain and get angry with God...when are we going to do something about it? We must let the oppression and unfairness of this fallen world drive us to stand up for the weak and do what is right.

4:9 - There are some people that chase after success so intensely that they neglect their relationships with people around them. What is the point of being successful if you have no one to share it with...if you have burned every bridge trying to accomplish your goals? Money-material goods-power...these things do not make good friends. Never forget how important it is to invest in the relationships in your life. How do you think the dad who spent more time with his job than his child feels at the ends of his life when he has no relationship with his son?

4:13 - It is far better to be poor and understand exactly how little you know, then it is to be rich and think you know everything. The wisdom of the young man comes from his willingness to listen tot he advice of people around him. The folly of the king comes from his refusal to listen to anyone. Which camp do you fall into?

5:2 - Let's be clear...God is in heaven...God is in control of everything that exists...God can see everything and is weaving everything into His plan - who are you and I to think that we know what is best? Why are we complaining and arguing with God? Life is better when you speak less and trust God more.

5:15 - Plain and simple: you can't take it with you...why are you so obsessed with it?

6:3 - In ancient times, one of the signs of a God blessed life, was the birth of many offspring. People who had lots of kids where thought to be more favored by God. But Solomon wants us to understand that satisfaction cannot come from getting more and more. He tells about the man who has a hundred children, yet cannot be satisfied...the point is not that you are satisfied with what you have, but that satisfaction comes through a heart attitude. Some people have everything, but cannot be satisfied. Others have nothing and are truly fulfilled. Seek to find your satisfaction in the presence of God and you will never be left feeling empty.

6:8-9 - It is far better to be a poor man who understand what is important and shows respect to people, than it is to be a rich man who is never satisfied. This speaks to the ultimate driving force of our culture in the States - more. We were raised to believe that if you work hard, you will be successful...that the harder you work the more you will get and the happier you will be, but generation after generation of Americans has found out that the American dream does not bring the soul satisfaction that we all crave. What we are all looking for is found in the simple concepts of loving God and loving people.