Day 201

Results of Wrong Priorities

Read: Ecclesiastes 1-4

Some think Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon in his old age. It is the work of a man who has had the opportunity to live life to the full and ends up disillusioned. The theme is “all is vanity.” It describes how a life of earthly success that leaves God out of the picture is ultimately meaningless.

The author put forth great effort to acquire wisdom but found the search unsatisfying. He tried pleasure, the accumulation of wealth, and hard work, and yet all his success in these areas did not bring him lasting happiness. Many people seek happiness in the same ways. But lasting happiness is not found by making these things the top priority in life.

At the end of chapter 3, he considers the role of God in life and comes to the conclusion that it is best simply to enjoy the gift of life which God gives us. In the chapter 4, he uses the “better” formula that we saw in Proverbs. Perhaps he is thinking about himself when he says, “Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who will no longer take advice” (4:13). Tragically, Solomon’s spiritual life deteriorated over the years. This is true of a number of characters in the Old Testament, and it is a warning to us. Our spiritual life deepens over the years only if we nourish it through continuing to take the advice given to us in God’s Word.

PRAYER
Father, fill our lives with meaning and purpose through our relationship to Christ. In his name. Amen.