The Meaning of Life Studies in Ecclesiastes “Time Flies when You’re Serving God” Ecclesiastes Chapter 5

The theme of Ecclesiastes is “vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (1:2). That is, if you look at life simply as what happens “under the sun.”

But God is never far away from Solomon’s thoughts when he writes Ecclesiastes and reflects on the transitoriness of life. “God” is used 41 times in the book. Solomon does not write much on theology. Largely God is the Creator and Judge. Forty-one times Solomon mentions God. That’s an average of 3.4 per chapter.

But Solomon has a dense concentration of “God” in chapter 5. “God” is mentioned 11 times in this chapter (NASV). Therefore, God is important in these thoughts.

Solomon begins by reflecting on worship: “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.” Fools go to worship to talk, to make demands, to try to negotiate with God. Wise men go to “listen.” And the Hebrew verb “listen” can be translated “obey.” Wise men go to the house of God to obey.

Solomon warns not to think that your many words in prayers, promises, threats, vows, are going to manipulate God: “For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few.”

In fact, be very hesitant to make a vow before God: “It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay.” Additionally, do not reject the message of God through His messengers. The truth is the truth regardless of who speaks it: “Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake.” That is why I sign each Daily Droplets with President James Madison’s motto: Veritas non verba magistri – “Truth, not the word of the teacher.”

The bottom line is: “Fear God” (5:7). Solomon does not wait until 12:13-14 to remind us that our highest calling is to fear God. He reminded us in 3:17 that we will be judged for our behavior here on earth.

Yet on earth, there is, always has been, always will be corruption among politicians (5:8-9). Twenty-first century America will be no exception and I doubt the new administration will be any exception. Only the Lord knows.

Under the watchful eye of God, be careful about your attitude toward money (5:10-17). Money and stuff does not bring ultimate satisfaction. Money can buy you acquaintances but not friends. Be a working man and your sleep will be pleasant. Don’t hoard your riches; they’ll do nobody any good.

From Job (1:21) to Timothy (1 Tim. 6:7), the Bible warns that there will be no wealth carried into the next life and wealth in this life will have no bearing on our salvation. “This also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind?”

But, as Solomon frequently does, in this context he tempers his pessimism with spiritual reality. Life is a gift from God. The ability to work is a gift from God. It is okay to enjoy the fruits of your labor: “He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart.” (5:19-20).

This chapter begins and ends with “God.” Be thoughtful as you worship Him. Remember that He gives you abilities to make your living. Enjoy it.

Paul Holland

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