Short Reflection from Ecclesiastes 1-12

[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (OVU) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]

[9:16 pm, 03/06/2022] S.R: 𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟙:𝟙𝟜

"I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind."

Reputation, Achievement, Success, Legacy, and even Pleasure are all in vain if we are never found in God

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟚:𝟙𝟘

"All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor."

This preacher had tried everything imaginable and concluded that everything we do, have, and desire is vanity under the sun.

So, I don't need to be envious of Elon Musk, Einstein, or Alexander!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟛:𝟙𝟞

"Furthermore, I have seen under the sun that in the place of justice there is wickedness and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness."

What to do in this fallen world! It shall always be. And life has to be hard.

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟜:𝟙𝟛

"A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction."

Beloved, let's be teachable people!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟝:𝟙𝟘

"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity."

Let's not be materialistic, let's be rich in good works too!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟞:𝟟

"All a man's labor is for his mouth and yet the appetite is not satisfied."

While others are looking for good food, millions are working even for a basic meal!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟟:𝟚𝟙-𝟚𝟚

"Also, do not take seriously all words which are spoken, so that you will not hear your servant cursing you. For you also have realized that you likewise have many times cursed others."

Let's be kind to those who gossip about us.

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟠:𝟙𝟚

"Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well for those who fear God, who fear Him openly."

Do not be envious of the wicked. Do not pity yourself seeing the prosperity of the wicked. Do not fret. Do not be intimidated.

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟡:𝟙𝟞

“So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded.”

That's why we need to have some money to be heard!

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟙𝟘:𝟚𝟘

"Furthermore, in your bedchamber do not curse a king, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse a rich man, for a bird of the heavens will carry the sound and the winged creature will make the matter known."

Indeed, it's better to not raise a fight we cannot win.

 

𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟙𝟙:𝟡

"Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things."

People say, "Follow your heart."

The Bible doesn't forget to warn about the coming judgment.

 

[2:26 pm, 14/06/2022] S.R: 𝔼𝕔𝕔𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕚𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕤 𝟙𝟚:𝟙𝟛

"The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person."

Exactly the opposite of what the world wants.

They don't want the fear of God. They don't want the commandments of God. They don't fear God. They don't obey God. They don't even care to know who God is and what He says.

But this is what humans must do