Category Archives: Ecclesiastes

May 1, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Monotony

 10 Whatever one is, he has been named already, For it is known that he is man; And he cannot contend with Him who is mightier than he. 11 Since there are many things that increase vanity, How is man the better? 12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?     

Ecclesiastes 6:10-12

The monotony of life occupied much of the author’s inspired writings. Three themes emerge in that last part of this chapter.

  • God knows us. He knows our situations and our circumstances. And God is under no obligation to tell us why He does what He does. The creature cannot contend with His creator.
  • God knows what is best for us. This premise can be difficult to grasp as we struggle in a sinful world. But, it is the truth. He knows what we need before we even ask Him (Matthew 6:8)
  • We do not know what is best for us. Humans honestly believe that more of the world’s riches, fame, pleasure, and authority will bring ultimate happiness in peace. We are pushed towards that end every day through our media, our entertainment, and even our own minds. But at the end of the day, we don’t know what we truly need. Thankfully, God’s Word reveals to us the nature of the need and the only one who can truly meet that need.

Let us thank God for His wisdom and grace for our daily lives.

Tony French

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April 24, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Unfulfilled

7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, And yet the soul is not satisfied. 8 For what more has the wise man than the fool? What does the poor man have, Who knows how to walk before the living? 9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Ecclesiastes 6:7-9

The author revisits a previous theme. Whether we have much or whether we have little, the things of this life don’t truly satisfy. Solomon should know. He tried it all and found it all wanting.

Solomon sought meaning in riches, fame, and building projects. None of them brought satisfaction. He searched for meaning in philosophical pursuits and in relationships with women (He had over a 1000 wives and concubines!-1 Kings 11:3). Even that wasn’t enough.

Our only satisfaction is found in Jesus Christ. Life will not be perfect. But, in Christ, we can find meaning and purpose that will carry us through to heaven.

Tony French

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April 14, 2025 · 9:00 am

Unfulfilled

3 If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he– 4 for it comes in vanity and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness. 5 Though it has not seen the sun or known anything, this has more rest than that man, 6 even if he lives a thousand years twice–but has not seen goodness. Do not all go to one place?

Ecclesiastes 6:3-6

We must recall that Solomon’s writing is basically from an earthly perspective. Apart from God, there is no fulfillment in life. It is through our relationship with Christ and Christ alone that we are brought peace, power, and contentment.

Solomon’s book seems true for those who are without God. One could paraphrase these verses in the following way; not being born seems to be superior to an unfulfilled life. If there is no contentment, no peace, and no purpose to life, then why be born in the first place?  All die and are forgotten.

I am thankful that there is more to the story. Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again so that we may have life in abundance. Our lives have meaning and purpose because He lives.

Tony French

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April 3, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Fleeting Riches

1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: 2 A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction.

Ecclesiastes 6:1-2

Let us examine the futile nature of riches this week. Solomon was one of the wealthiest men who ever lived. Yet, His riches could not bring true peace and contentment. The preacher examines this thought in depth in chapter 6.

God is the one who gives riches. The writer understood this and gave God the credit for all he had. God is also our source and our supply. Thankfulness to God should be a regular part of our prayers and our conversation.


Solomon relates that while wealth is important, it can be lost and taken by others. The King had no doubt seen the brutality of war under his father, David. He knew how the control of earthly riches was responsible for deceit, war, and death. Riches are nice. However, they can be lost and be a great affliction.

Better to trust in the Lord than to place our faith in wealth.

Tony French

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March 27, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Blessings

18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. 19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor–this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20  

This chapter closes with a simple command to enjoy God’s blessings and be thankful to Him. God is the source of all our wealth and material blessings. Without Him, we would have nothing.

Being content requires us to focus on what God has done for us. We should give thanks each day for the litany of blessings He has bestowed upon us. He is worthy of all our praise. Hear the words of the psalmist.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

Psalm 100:4

Tony French

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March 20, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Riches

10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, They increase who eat them; So what profit have the owners Except to see them with their eyes? 12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, Whether he eats little or much; But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep. 13 There is a severe evil which I have seen under the sun: Riches kept for their owner to his hurt. 14 But those riches perish through misfortune; When he begets a son, there is nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return, To go as he came; And he shall take nothing from his labor Which he may carry away in his hand. 16 And this also is a severe evil– Just exactly as he came, so shall he go. And what profit has he who has labored for the wind? 17 All his days he also eats in darkness,

Ecclesiastes 5:10-17

Money doesn’t always equal peace in this world. Some of the richest people on planet earth are constantly worried and anxious. While the Bible never expressly condemns wealth, Christians are given warnings about trusting in riches in the Holy Scriptures. (Matthew 6:18-34 & 1 Timothy 6:10) God’s people should trust in God and God alone.

Solomon was one of the most affluent individuals in history. He had the money and the time to pursue every worldly allure. Here, he dispels the myth which permeates human thought that money can buy contentment. “If I only had more, I would be happy” is how this thinking is shared in our day. However, the King tells us “not so fast my friend.”

We need finances to live in this world. There is nothing wrong with having money or possessions. Nevertheless, Solomon advises against placing trust in wealth. Why? Because wealth doesn’t satisfy us and it requires much energy to oversee. We will leave all of our money behind. Trust in the Lord, Child of God.

Tony French

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March 13, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Wealth

8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent perversion of justice and righteousness in a province, do not marvel at the matter; for high official watches over high official, and higher officials are over them. 9 Moreover the profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field.

Ecclesiastes 5:8-9

Solomon now moves to a general discussion of generosity and wealth in these final verses of chapter 5. Once again, he notes the oppression of the poor and the corruption of the justice system of his day. And once again, these observations are extremely applicable in our day.

Corruption, greed, and mistreatment of others are rampant in our society. Daily media regularly showcases instances of oppression. Things surely haven’t changed much.

Our task as Christians is to fight injustice wherever we can. Let us not excuse it but root it out when we have the chance. As the prophet Amos stated in chapter 5:24, But let justice run down like water, And righteousness like a mighty stream.

Tony French

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March 6, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Promises

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it; For He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed– 5 Better not to vow than to vow and not pay. 6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger of God that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your excuse and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there is also vanity. But fear God.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

Another warning is given in these verses. The basic premise is this—when you make a promise, keep it. Breaking a promise is sin before God. Meaningless promises dishonor God and lead to his discipline.

Jesus, himself would give similar warnings about worship and promise-making in the gospel of Matthew. Consider Jesus’ words from this Scripture…

33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.

Matthew 5:33-37

Tony French

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February 27, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Careful Worship

1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

Worship and generosity occupy Solomon’s musings In Ecclesiastes 5 as he considers life on this planet. This passage is filled with warnings and exhortations. Let’s take these seriously as we study this week’s lesson.

The first warning from the preacher deals with our worship. He exhorts us to be careful in how we approach and worship God. Evidently, many words and large-scale activities do not make for true praise. Worship is always a matter of the heart first. Prudence and wisdom are needed for effective adoration.

The same warnings apply to us. Worship can become mindless and routine if we allow it.  Our goal should be to come before God with longing and yearning to worship. Let us not allow our praise to denigrate into mere songs, words, and deeds which have no meaning. May our hearts, minds, and souls be engaged as we worship the one, true God.

Tony French

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February 20, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Anxiety

13 Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more. 14 For he comes out of prison to be king, Although he was born poor in his kingdom. 15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun; They were with the second youth who stands in his place. 16 There was no end of all the people over whom he was made king; Yet those who come afterward will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

Characteristic 4—Power Does Not Bring Peace

Solomon concludes this portion of text by reminding everyone of the meaninglessness of human power and authority. God does raise up leaders and He ordains human governments. But, power and prestige do not bring lasting peace and joy.

Only Christ can bring these gifts to us.

Kings come and go and kingdoms will ultimately cease. To trust in human power and authority is a foolish venture. It is certainly “vanity and vexation of the Spirit.”

There is more to the story. The good news of the gospel tells us that Jesus entered into “life under the sun.” The Word of God teaches us that Christ lived for our righteousness, died for our sins, and was raised again on the third day. And that all who believe in Him and trust in Christ shall be saved.

It is life in Christ that brings ultimate joy, peace, and hope. Life under the sun is helpless, senseless, and totally unfulfilling. Life in Christ gives us God’s presence, God’s power, and God’s promises. Life on this planet does not have to be dull and monotonous. Through Christ, we can have strength, love, and abundance. As Paul proclaims in 1 Corinthians 15:57, “thanks be to God who gives us the victory.”

Tony French

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