Wisdom in Ecclesiastes

This post comes from a synopsis paper on the book of Ecclesiastes I had to write for my Old Testament survey class. The question I am answering is seen below.

What did the book of Ecclesiastes teach concerning how to live wisely in this world of futility?

A quick glance at the book of Ecclesiastes will yield the perspective that “all is vanity” (1:2); therefore even living wisely has no value. However, once beyond the immediate shock of a book of the Bible suggesting that “all is vanity,” one will see that, although there is a sense of futility to this world, there is still a rock solid reason for living wisely. The wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes is in showing that living by human wisdom will expose the futility of the world, while living according to God’s ways produces the full life.

Solomon gives a clue to the reason things of this life and world appear so futile when he writes, “…[God] has put eternity into man’s heart…” (3:11). With a man’s heart holding eternity, it is no wonder this world, which is composed of temporal things, appears so futile. If a man seeks joy only in the things of this world he is not living wisely because he is foregoing the fact that he is meant for eternity. Nothing in the world will bring full satisfaction. Solomon says that he sought to indulge himself with pleasure (2:1), working hard (2:18), and human wisdom (2:12), and found that they all were worthless and ultimately futile (2:17). None brought full satisfaction. Living wisely, therefore, does not involve seeking the things of this world only.

The seeming futility of the world does not open the doors to living however one wants. Solomon realizes an important principle when he wrote, “…God will judge the righteous and the wicked…” (3:17). There is an appointed time for judgment of man. If there is judgment then there are consequences for actions. Ecclesiastes teaches that life must be lived with a view to judgment. Much else may be uncertain about life, but judgment is not. It is coming and should impact the way one lives.

In the vein of judgment, Solomon discusses approaching God (5:1-7). Solomon declares, “fear God” (5:7). Wise living in this world recognizes that the God of heaven and earth is to be approached with reverence. There is no futility to fearing God. In fact, Solomon states that “it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear God” (8:13). In contrast, “it will be well with those who fear God…” (8:12).

It should be noted, although Solomon expounds the futility of pursuing the pleasures of this life, there is pleasure in this life. There is joy in a wife (9:9), eating and drinking, and toil (3:13). These are God’s gift to man (3:13). Therefore, the conclusion one ought not to reach is that people should flee from joy. There is joy in this life, and it is God’s gifts, however, there are caveats to that joy. It must be sought within the boundaries of what is allowed by God (12:13), otherwise it will not go well in the judgment.

Solomon’s conclusion for living life wisely in this world of futility is that one must “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (12:13). All will face death, both the righteous and the wicked, the wise man and the fool, but there will be judgment, and it will go well for some and not well for others. Therefore, the ultimate wisdom for this life is to fear God, for He is the One who is the judge, and keep His commandments.

Minimizing Sin is Minimizing Hope

Sin can very uncomfortable to talk about. So uncomfortable in fact, that there has been a trend to practically deny the existence of the word! To change the way we speak is to change the way we think. The terminology for sin has been transformed by some to become "mistakes," or "sickness." Using terminology like this can be dangerous. Take sickness. If we begin to discuss sin as sickness, the implication follows that the sinner merely has contracted some illness, through no fault of their own. This trend seeks to avoid the uncomfortable reality that humans are indeed culpable for their actions - refusing to identify one's condition as sinful and instead calling it illness deflects the guilt and places it anywhere but on the one who is guilty. It is very natural to want to minimize sin. We don't like being notified of our shortfalls one bit, and it is uncomfortable to tell others of theirs.
I don't have in mind here that we ought to run around self-righteously calling others sinners. The point here is that the denial of sin is the denial of hope.
Why is denying sin denying hope? Because Jesus Christ died for sinners! He died for those who recognize they are sinful and need Him for the forgiveness of their sins. When sin is minimized, so is the cross. Everybody on the planet has the same problem of sin. The Bible is very clear about that and does not shy away from addressing it. Some have problems with illnesses, certainly, but all have problems with sin. And it is sin, not sickness that separates us from God. Therefore, our ultimate need is for our sin problem to be taken care of. That is what Jesus came to handle. When sin is not addressed as sin we are denying hope. But when sin is addressed as sin, we have the most glorious hope to offer and be offered.