Eclesiastes 2

Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin

Eclesiastes 2

Utley - There is value in wisdom, but it is not ultimate (cf. Eccl. 7:11,12,19; 9:18; 10:10). Human wisdom is always tenuous and partial. Duane Garrett writes that "In context this line states that there is little chance that humans will behave with greater wisdom than their first ancestor, Adam, who came directly from the hand of God." Wisdom is like light. The wise know where they are going, even if they only know they are heading for trouble. They therefore can avoid some disasters and be prepared for others. Fools, however, are always surprised by events that befall them.(Borrow Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs page 294) Christ Is Light - Ian Paisley "Light excelleth darkness" Ecclesiastes 2:13 How delightful is light! How dismal is darkness. Darkness destroys our vision, Light increases our vision. Darkness brings incapability. Light brings enablement. Yet we can pray this night the time honoured words, "Lighten our darkness", we beseech Thee O Lord—for our God can give us, the Israel of God, light in our dwellings while the Egyptians sit in a darkness that can be felt. We need not fear then the darkness of this night or any other night for in Christ's light, even in the darkest night, we shall see light. Parting thought: "God enlargeth the day to His friends, the night to His enemies"—Thos. Adams. READ: Ecclesiastes 10:1-15 IT was a clear-cut case of arson. The perpetrator had torched his own home. But he would never be brought to justice. Why? The criminal was a jackdaw, a member of the crow family. He had picked up a red-hot cigarette and dropped the "prize" into his nest. The jackdaw's name comes from an Old English word used to ridicule foolish, thievish, and overly talkative people. The bird lives up to its reputation. On the ground, it struts about with a swagger; in flight, it has a flair for showy aerial displays. And at roosting time, the jackdaw loves being part of the noisy crowd. Some of the most enjoyable people have a similar zest for life. Their love of a practical joke and a good laugh makes them the life of any party. But, like the jackdaw, these happy-go-lucky individuals can come up short on discernment. They can start fires of anger, resentment, and distrust in their own homes by being careless with their words, attitudes, and actions. Lord, sometimes what I consider a clever twist of phrase sounds to others like a cruel attack. Help me keep in mind not only what I want to say, but how others might interpret it. May I never value cleverness over kindness. Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun AM I WISE OR AM I FOOLISH? I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both. Ecclesiastes 2:13-14NIV Sergei Nikolaev, pastor of the Temple of the Gospel in St. Petersburg, Russia, knows Billy Graham well, having served as the evangelist's translator during one of Graham's missions to Moscow. Somehow the question came up: Why is Billy Graham so effective? Pastor Nikolaev said that in his opinion Billy Graham's sermons are not profound. They are usually incredibly simple, so simple that learned scholars dismiss him because he doesn't use high-sounding language or speak with theological subtlety. What is the evangelist's secret? "It is the way he presents his message," Pastor Nikolaev answered. "When you listen to Billy Graham, he preaches it in such a way that you can only come to one conclusion: If I am a normal person, I must say yes to Jesus Christ." Dr. Graham preaches so that the only logical, rational decision is to come to Christ. Therefore, Pastor Nikolaev said, the hearer must ask himself this question: Am I normal or am I crazy? If I am normal, I must accept Christ. So Dr. Graham is constantly bringing people to ask the question: Am I smart or am I stupid? Am I wise or am I foolish? During one Graham crusade in St. Petersburg, a very brilliant architect, an atheist, came to hear him. Night after night he listened to the preaching of the gospel. He didn't make a decision during the crusade. As he thought about the matter later, he realized the question was not "What should I do with Jesus?" but rather "Am I smart or am I stupid?" And so while he was taking a shower one day, it all came together for him. With the water splashing in his face, he looked to heaven and said, "Jesus Christ, forgive my sins." In that moment, he was saved, and his sins were forgiven. He is now active in Pastor Nikolaev's church. So I ask: Are you wise or are you foolish? Remember, you can't help being a sinner. That comes by virtue of being a descendant of Adam. But God has made a way for you to pass from Adam to Christ. Your first birth put you in Adam; your second birth puts you in Christ. That's why Jesus said, "You must be born again." Have you ever been born again? Have you ever passed from death to life? If you are in Adam, don't despair. You don't have to stay there. You can come to Christ right now. It's the smartest move you'll ever make. Lord Jesus, I am trusting You and You alone as my only hope for eternal salvation. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT Do you believe that trusting Christ is the wisest decision any person can make? Why or why not? Are your sins forgiven? MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Proverbs 4:18-19; John 16:8; and Romans 1:21-22. The World Wide Web I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. —Ecclesiastes 2:13 Brewster Kahle has a vision for the Internet. He dreams of universal access to all human knowledge. As Digital Librarian and Director and co-founder of Internet Archive, Kahle believes we have only begun to tap the vast potential of the Internet to change and improve our world. “My interest,” he says, “is to build the great library. . . . It is now technically possible to live up to the dream of the Library of Alexandria.” He’s referring to a huge vault of writings in ancient Egypt that was said to house all the world’s knowledge. But knowledge is not the same as wisdom. King Solomon was a man of vast knowledge (1 Kings 4:29-34). In his better moments, he used his God-given capacity to collect information and insight from every corner of life. In unguarded moments, however, he showed that all the knowledge in the world does not keep a person from missing the purpose of life (Eccl. 1:16-18). In spite of his knowledge, Solomon married many women, and when he was old he built altars to their gods (1 Kings 11:1-11). His foolishness eventually led to his downfall. True wisdom is in living Near Jesus every day; True wisdom is in walking Where He shall lead the way. —Anon. Wisdom gives wings to knowledge 🙏 THOUGHT - When Light Breaks Through” Solomon had seen the heights of wisdom and the depths of foolishness—and though both end in death, he still writes “Wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.” Because even if the destination is the same, the journey matters. Wisdom helps you see what’s ahead. Wisdom saves you from needless pain. Wisdom generally shows you what’s true. On the other hand, darkness never leads you anywhere safe, but causes you to stumble, fear, and grope for meaning. Wisdom is a lamp in the darkness. Though wisdom doesn’t erase sorrow, it helps us walk through it with purpose. Am I walking in God’s light, or stumbling in self-made darkness? Do I value wisdom not just intellectually, but as a way of life? Ultimately we should seek God's light in His Word and in Christ (Jn 8:12) to enable us to walk through the spiritual darkness of this fallen world. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105 Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I know that one fate befalls them both. KJV Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:14 τοῦ σοφοῦ οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ἐν κεφαλῇ αὐτοῦ καὶ ὁ ἄφρων ἐν σκότει πορεύεται καὶ ἔγνων καί γε ἐγὼ ὅτι συνάντημα ἓν συναντήσεται τοῖς πᾶσιν αὐτοῖς LXE Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness: and I perceived, even I, that one event shall happen to them all. NET Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man can see where he is going, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also realized that the same fate happens to them both. CSB Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them. NIV Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man has eyes in his head, while the fool walks in the darkness; but I came to realize that the same fate overtakes them both. NLT Ecclesiastes 2:14 For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark." Yet I saw that the wise and the foolish share the same fate. YLT Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise! -- his eyes are in his head, and the fool in darkness is walking, and I also knew that one event happeneth with them all; NJB Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise have their eyes open, the fool walks in the dark. No doubt! But I know, too, that one fate awaits them both. NRS Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise have eyes in their head, but fools walk in darkness. Yet I perceived that the same fate befalls all of them. NAB Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness.Yet I knew that one lot befalls both of them. GWN Ecclesiastes 2:14 A wise person uses the eyes in his head, but a fool walks in the dark. But I have also come to realize that the same destiny waits for both of them. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head, but the foolish man goes walking in the dark; but still I saw that the same event comes to them all. RSV Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness; and yet I perceived that one fate comes to all of them. NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head, But the fool walks in darkness. Yet I myself perceived That the same event happens to them all. wise: Ec 8:1 10:2,3 Pr 14:8 17:24 1Jn 2:11 one: Ec 9:1-3,11,16 Ps 19:10 49:10 DIFFERENT PATHS BOTH SHARE THE SAME END The wise man’s eyes are in his head - TEV = "see where they are going"; NJB = "have their eyes open" Literally this reads "The wise! -- his eyes are in his head" which is a Hebrew idiom meaning the wise man is alert, prudent, and observant. Solomon is figuratively referring to the wise man's mental and spiritual faculties. The wise person has insight, awareness, and foresight. He sees what’s ahead and lives carefully. But (term of contrast) the fool (kesil; Lxx - aphron) walks in darkness (choshek ignorance, moral blindness)- He has no light. He does not see obstacles in his path. Even wisdom under the sun provides some light to one's paths, but the fool walks in darkness and incurs the dangers inherent in such a journey. The fool is blind to truth, stumbles through life, and makes careless decisions. This is the picture of one led by impulse and/or ignorance, lacking spiritual or moral light. And yet I know that one fate (miqreh) befalls them both - What's the old saying "Death and Taxes!" Here of course by one fate befalls both he means death. Despite their differences in understanding and conduct, death remains the great equalizer. Solomon always seems to be cognizant of the brevity of life and the assurance of death in making his assessments of what is of value in our short sojourn on earth (cf Ec. 2:15; Ec 3:19 [twice]; Ec 9:2,3). Yes, wisdom helps us live better, but cannot change our ultimate destiny. Duane Garrett writes that "The wise man can see death coming and contemplate it. This is better than the mindless tumble into death taken by the fool, but he can do nothing to stop it. Both the wise and the fools are equal heirs of human mortality described in Gen 3. (Borrow Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs page 294) Fool (03684) kesil is a stupid fellow, a morally insensitive dullard, whether it be in spiritual, intellectual, or moral matters. One who despises wisdom and discipline. These are stupid people who are totally confident in own wisdom, thinking they have it all figured out without God's assistance. Swanson adds that kesil refers to (1) foolishness, stupidity, insolence, i.e., the state of being in complete lack of understanding, implying rebellion (Pr 10:1); (2) fool, insolent person, i.e., one completely lacking understanding, implying to be a rebel against standard or person (Pr 10:18). Vine - The kesil is “insolent” in religion and “stupid or dull” in wise living (living out a religion he professes)....They have knowledge of God but do not properly evaluate or understand what they know...(In Proverbs the fool) rejects the claims and teachings of wisdom. However, in the Bible wisdom is the practical outworking of one’s religion. Therefore, even in these contexts there is a clear connotation of insolence in religion. KESIL IN ECCLESIASTES - Eccl. 2:14; Eccl. 2:15; Eccl. 2:16; Eccl. 4:5; Eccl. 4:13; Eccl. 5:1; Eccl. 5:3; Eccl. 5:4; Eccl. 6:8; Eccl. 7:4; Eccl. 7:5; Eccl. 7:6; Eccl. 7:9; Eccl. 9:17; Eccl. 10:2; Eccl. 10:12; Eccl. 10:15 🙏 THOUGHT - “The Same Grave” Solomon’s honesty is raw. It shakes us out of comfort. You can live wisely, walk carefully, think deeply—and still end up in the same grave as the fool. Does that mean wisdom is pointless? Not at all. It means: wisdom is not ultimate—Christ is, for only in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:3+). Wisdom may help illuminate our path, but it cannot change our ultimate destination after death. Only faith in Christ gives one a sure hope, an eternal perspective and true meaning to life beyond the grave. “It is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment.” – (Hebrews 9:27+) “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory (OVER DEATH) through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57+). May God's Word and Spirit enable us to supernaturally walk with spiritual eyes open, not trusting our wisdom, but trusting solely in Christ Jesus our Savior, the Giver of eternal life. Amen. D L Moody - One event happeneth to them all. When Severus, Emperor of Rome, found his end approaching, he cried out, “I have been everything; and everything is nothing.” Then, ordering the urn to be brought to him in which his ashes were to be enclosed on his body being burned, he said, “Little urn, thou shalt contain one for whom the world was too little.” Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then I said to myself, “As is the fate of the fool, it will also befall me. Why then have I been extremely wise?” So I said to myself, “This too is vanity.” KJV Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:15 καὶ εἶπα ἐγὼ ἐν καρδίᾳ μου ὡς συνάντημα τοῦ ἄφρονος καί γε ἐμοὶ συναντήσεταί μοι καὶ ἵνα τί ἐσοφισάμην ἐγὼ τότε περισσὸν ἐλάλησα ἐν καρδίᾳ μου διότι ἄφρων ἐκ περισσεύματος λαλεῖ ὅτι καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης LXE Ecclesiastes 2:15 And I said in my heart, As the event of the fool is, so shall it be to me, even to me: and to what purpose have I gained wisdom? I said moreover in my heart, This is also vanity, because the fool speaks of his abundance. NET Ecclesiastes 2:15 So I thought to myself, "The fate of the fool will happen even to me! Then what did I gain by becoming so excessively wise?" So I lamented to myself, "The benefits of wisdom are ultimately meaningless!" CSB Ecclesiastes 2:15 So I said to myself, "What happens to the fool will also happen to me. Why then have I been overly wise?" And I said to myself that this is also futile. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then I said in my heart, "What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?" And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. NIV Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then I thought in my heart, "The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?" I said in my heart, "This too is meaningless." NLT Ecclesiastes 2:15 Both will die. So I said to myself, "Since I will end up the same as the fool, what's the value of all my wisdom? This is all so meaningless!" YLT Ecclesiastes 2:15 and I said in my heart, 'As it happeneth with the fool, it happeneth also with me, and why am I then more wise?' And I spake in my heart, that also this is vanity: NJB Ecclesiastes 2:15 'Since the fool's fate', I thought to myself, 'will be my fate too, what is the point of my having been wise?' I realised that this too is futile. NRS Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then I said to myself, "What happens to the fool will happen to me also; why then have I been so very wise?" And I said to myself that this also is vanity. NAB Ecclesiastes 2:15 So I said to myself, if the fool's lot is to befall me also, why then should I be wise? Where is the profit for me? And I concluded in my heart that this too is vanity. GWN Ecclesiastes 2:15 I thought to myself, "If the destiny that waits for the fool waits for me as well, then what is the advantage in being wise?" So I thought that even this is pointless. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then said I in my heart: As it comes to the foolish man, so will it come to me; so why have I been wise overmuch? Then I said in my heart: This again is to no purpose. RSV Ecclesiastes 2:15 Then I said to myself, "What befalls the fool will befall me also; why then have I been so very wise?" And I said to myself that this also is vanity. NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:15 So I said in my heart, "As it happens to the fool, It also happens to me, And why was I then more wise?" Then I said in my heart, "This also is vanity." Then I said to myself Ec 1:16,18 1Ki 3:12 Why thenI: Ec 2:1 1:2,14 SOLOMON SOBERED BY THOUGHT THOUGHT OF HIS OWN MORTALITY Then I said to myself is literally to my heart = leb, to his "control center" so to speak. “As is the fate (miqreh) of the fool (kesil; Lxx - aphron), it will also befall me. Why then have I been extremely wise (chakam)?” - This rhetorical question expresses his frustration and is an example of negative affirmation, expecting a negative answer: “I gained nothing!” So did wisdom give Solomon longer life or answer the question of the meaning of life? No, not really. In fact Solomon died at about age 60, ten years younger than his father David, despite the fact that Solomon's wisdom far superseded David's! So I said to myself, “This too is vanity (hebel; Lxx - mataiotes - emptiness, nothingness, purposelessness) And so he laments not that the fate of the wise man is the same as that of the fool, but that even he himself the wisest man of all would fare no better in the end than the most foolish. The value of wisdom is ultimately meaningless, not because it is inherently bad, but because it cannot save or outlast death. Vanity (hebel) speaks of transience, futility, and lack of lasting value in worldly things. This verse is a turning point and reveals Solomon's wrestling with mortality, and his realization that wisdom alone cannot deliver ultimate purpose or eternal life. NET NOTE - Qoheleth’s (SOLOMON'S) acquisition of tremendous wisdom (Ec 1:16; 2:9) was “excessive” because it exceeded its relative advantage over folly: it could not deliver him from the same fate as the fool. He had striven to obtain wisdom, yet it held no ultimate advantage. Fate (04745) miqreh from qarah - to encounter, meet, befall. Miqreh refers to a chance event, happenstance, fortune. It is something that occurs without human planning or intervention. Miqreh is used with the sense of fate especially in Ecclesiastes where the preacher insists that the same lot (death) happens to everyone and life's efforts are all vain (Eccl 2:14-15, 3:19, 9:2-3). Fate refers to a predetermined state, end or outcome. Oxford English dictionary definition - the development of events outside a person’s control (ED: BUT NOT OUT OF CONTROL OF GOD WHO IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL), regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power. Miqreh means "happenstance," "chance," "fate," "fortune." The preacher of Ecclesiastes insisted that the same lot, i.e., death, happens to all, and life's efforts and labor are all vain (Ecc. 2:14f; 3:19; 9:2f). The overall tie between usages of this Hebrew word is that it all describes something which did not happen by human planning. MIQREH - 8V - accident(1), chance(1), fate(6), happened*(1). Ruth 2:3; 1 Sam. 6:9; 1 Sam. 20:26; Eccl. 2:14; Eccl. 2:15; Eccl. 3:19; Eccl. 9:2; Eccl. 9:3 Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun TEMPORARY ADVANTAGES Then I thought in my heart, "The fate of the fool will overtake me also. What then do I gain by being wise?" I said in my heart, "This too is meaningless." For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten. Like the fool, the wise man too must die! Ecclesiastes 2:15-16NIV Some years ago an artist painted a picture showing a mountain of skulls. At first glance all the skulls seem to be the same, but when the observer looked closely he noticed some writing on each skull. One said "doctor," another "teacher," another "secretary," another "technician," another "salesman"; still others were labeled "foreman, driver, captain, lawyer, and judge. There were hundreds of skulls in the painting, each one representing a different occupation. The artist and Solomon would agree. No matter what your position in this life may be, you will eventually die. Rich man, poor man, beggar man, thief—they all die sooner or later. In one sense, this is certainly true. You will eventually die. No one escapes death forever, no matter how much one may try or how hard he exercises or how carefully he avoids catastrophe. The Grim Reaper knocks on every door sooner or later. Yet there is another side to the truth. While death comes eventually to all men, death does not erase all the distinctions between men. From the standpoint of the Christian faith, it is at death that the real differences among people become apparent. I speak not of the artificial differences of money, power, fame, and worldly achievement. Those truly will all perish with the grave. Years ago I received a phone call at 10:30 P.M. Someone had died. Would I please call the family? Before I could pick up the phone a second time, the mother called me. Her son had taken drugs and had died earlier that evening. As I got dressed to go to the home, I wondered what I would say. When I got there everyone was milling around in a state of confusion. At length the mother took me aside and through her tears she asked me the inevitable question, the question I had known was coming: "Why? Why did God let this happen to my son?" As I recall, the young man had been a bouncer at a topless nightclub. At the funeral, I preached the gospel to row upon row of rough-looking people who seemed frightened to be in the same room with their dead friend. Afterwards the reception area was blue with cigarette smoke as if everyone lit up at the same time to calm their collective nerves. But then I think of many other funerals I have done across the years. Without fail, whenever the time comes to bury a Christian, along with the sorrow comes an enormous amount of joy. There is triumph as the people of God rehearse the promise of God—of resurrection to life in heaven—even as they lay their loved ones to rest. What happens when you die depends on what happens to you before you die. Jesus Christ makes the difference. Lord Jesus, You showed us how to live and You showed us how to die. I want to follow in Your steps so that I'll be ready when my time comes. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT How does the Christian gospel answer the problem of death? Why is the life Jesus offers truly "eternal" life? Have you received the gift of eternal life through faith in Christ? MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Psalm 49:10-11; 2 Timothy 1:10; and 1 John 5:12. Ecclesiastes 2:15-26 Heaven On Earth? Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. —Colossians 3:2 The Singapore developer of an extravagant condominium advertised its new project as, “Rediscover Heaven on Earth.” I suppose it meant to convey to prospective buyers that their purchase would be so luxurious that it would be like living in heaven while here on earth. Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, was an extremely wealthy man (Eccl. 1:12). He tried to find heaven on earth and had the means to live as luxuriously as he could wish (2:1-10). Yet he wasn’t satisfied. So disillusioned was he with life, he described it with just one word—“vanity” (or “meaningless”). And he repeated the word eight times in chapter two alone. As long as he looked only at life “under the sun” (2:18), he felt hollow and dissatisfied. All of his striving was ultimately futile. There would come a day when he would have to relinquish his possessions and leave them to someone else (v.18). Lightly hold earth’s joys so transient, Loosely cling to things of clay, Grasp perfections everlasting, Where Christ dwells in heaven’s day! —Bosch Those who have their hearts fixed on heaven will hold loosely the things of earth. Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die! KJV Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:16 ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν μνήμη τοῦ σοφοῦ μετὰ τοῦ ἄφρονος εἰς αἰῶνα καθότι ἤδη αἱ ἡμέραι αἱ ἐρχόμεναι τὰ πάντα ἐπελήσθη καὶ πῶς ἀποθανεῖται ὁ σοφὸς μετὰ τοῦ ἄφρονος LXE Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise man with the fool for ever; forasmuch as now in the coming days all things are forgotten: and how shall the wise man die with the fool? NET Ecclesiastes 2:16 For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long, because in the days to come, both will already have been forgotten. Alas, the wise man dies– just like the fool! CSB Ecclesiastes 2:16 For, just like the fool, there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man, since in the days to come both will be forgotten. How is it that the wise man dies just like the fool? ESV Ecclesiastes 2:16 For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! NIV Ecclesiastes 2:16 For the wise man, like the fool, will not be long remembered; in days to come both will be forgotten. Like the fool, the wise man too must die! NLT Ecclesiastes 2:16 For the wise and the foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will be forgotten. YLT Ecclesiastes 2:16 That there is no remembrance to the wise -- with the fool -- to the age, for that which is already, in the days that are coming is all forgotten, and how dieth the wise? with the fool! NJB Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no lasting memory for the wise or the fool, and in the days to come both will be forgotten; the wise, no less than the fool, must die. NRS Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no enduring remembrance of the wise or of fools, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How can the wise die just like fools? NAB Ecclesiastes 2:16 Neither of the wise man nor of the fool will there be an abiding remembrance, for in days to come both will have been forgotten. How is it that the wise man dies as well as the fool! GWN Ecclesiastes 2:16 Neither the wise person nor the fool will be remembered for long, since both will be forgotten in the days to come. Both the wise person and the fool will die. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:16 Of the wise man, as of the foolish man, there is no memory for ever, seeing that those who now are will have gone from memory in the days to come. See how death comes to the wise as to the foolish! RSV Ecclesiastes 2:16 For of the wise man as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise man dies just like the fool! NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool! there is: Ec 1:11 Ex 1:6,8 Ps 88:12 103:16 Mal 3:16 how: Ec 6:8 2Sa 3:33 Ps 49:10 Heb 9:27 FUTURE MEMORY OF WISE MEN NO BETTER THAN FOOLS For (term of explanation - explains "vanity" of wisdom - Ec 2:15) there is no lasting (olam - forever; Lxx - eis aiona) remembrance (zikkaron) of the wise (chakam; Lxx - sophos) man as with the fool (kesil; Lxx - aphron), inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die - NET = "For the wise man, like the fool, will not be remembered for very long"' Not only do the wise and foolish share the same fate (death), Solomon now goes a step further saying that not only do they both die, but they are both eventually forgotten. Forgetfulness is the common destiny of all so that even greatness fades. Both wise and foolish people are forgotten over time. Obscurity does not play favorites for both wise men and fools will fade into the abyss of obscurity! Future generations no more remember the wise man than they do the most abject fool, for in time both will be forgotten. While wisdom may improve one’s life temporarily, it cannot preserve one's memory to future generations nor can it delay mortality. In short, time erases names, memories, and legacies! Solomon acknowledges that even the best of human endeavors cannot defeat the grave. To reiterate, Solomon is saying wisdom cannot preserve memory, nor prevent mortality. In the end, legacy fades, and death equalizes everyone. Without an eternal perspective, even wisdom feels futile. This prepares the heart for the later call in Ecclesiastes “Fear God and keep His commandments.” (Eccl. 12:13+) Eric Ortlund - Lives completely different in their moral character end in exactly the same way. However wise one is, one dies just like a fool. In this sense, pursuing wisdom is pursuing the wind (Ec 2:16). (Laboring in Hopeless Hope: Encouragement for Christians from Ecclesiastes) 🙏 THOUGHT- The Unseen Line Beyond the Grave Death is the great equalizer. But Christ is the great Redeemer. We spend much of life trying to leave a legacy—building a name, a reputation, a monument that will outlast us. But Solomon reminds us that even wisdom and greatness cannot defeat forgetfulness. Time swallows kings and fools alike. Libraries gather dust. Statues crumble. But there is the sure hope of the Gospel of grace for... While earth forgets, God remembers. While death erases, Christ redeems. Jesus said, “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20+) Jesus also promised to give overcomers (all believers) "a new name written on the stone which no one knows but he who receives it." (Rev 2:17+) Again He promised "'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." (Rev 3:5+) And finally again to overcomers Jesus promised "I will write upon him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name." (Rev 3:12+) And finally at the end of the Bible Jesus promises that all believers "shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads." (Rev 22:4+) Dearly beloved of the Father, this is just a small preview of our eternal legacy in Christ. While we may not be remembered for long by man, we will be known eternally by God. Ponder these questions: Are you living for a name on earth or a name in heaven? Or better yet are you living for His Name? What does it mean to be wise in the eyes of God, not just in the eyes of men? Two Lives, Two Views How does a wise man die? As the fool. --Ecclesiastes 2:16 Ecclesiastes 2:12-16 reminds me of the story about two brothers whose lives went in opposite directions. The younger one broke the hearts of his parents by his godless lifestyle. He became a bitter cynic and died relatively young. Few people mourned his passing. The other brother believed on Jesus as a child, became a minister, and raised a lovely family. He had a far more satisfying life. When he died in his eighties, he was mourned by his family and friends. But a skeptic might say, "The godly man is just as dead as his brother. So what!" That was the view Solomon expressed when he wrote, "How does a wise man die? As the fool!" (v.16). Even though Solomon later abandoned his cynicism and saw the wisdom of living obediently for God, he didn't have the benefit of knowing about Jesus and the hope He offers. The apostle Paul, for example, while facing imminent execution, could speak of joyously anticipating the day when he would meet Jesus and receive from Him "the crown of righteousness." This reward is reserved for "all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:6-8). While some view death as ending all, The Word of God does not agree-- Eternal pain awaits the fool; Unending joy the wise will see. --Sper Those who are prepared to die are prepared to live Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind. KJV Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:17 καὶ ἐμίσησα σὺν τὴν ζωήν ὅτι πονηρὸν ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ τὸ ποίημα τὸ πεποιημένον ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον ὅτι τὰ πάντα ματαιότης καὶ προαίρεσις πνεύματος LXE Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I hated life; because the work that was wrought under the sun was evil before me: for all is vanity and waywardness of spirit. NET Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I loathed life because what happens on earth seems awful to me; for all the benefits of wisdom are futile– like chasing the wind. CSB Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore, I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind. NIV Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. NLT Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I came to hate life because everything done here under the sun is so troubling. Everything is meaningless-- like chasing the wind. YLT Ecclesiastes 2:17 And I have hated life, for sad to me is the work that hath been done under the sun, for the whole is vanity and vexation of spirit. NJB Ecclesiastes 2:17 Life I have come to hate, for what is done under the sun disgusts me, since all is futility and chasing after the wind. NRS Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind. NAB Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I loathed life, since for me the work that is done under the sun is evil; for all is vanity and a chase after wind. GWN Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I came to hate life because everything done under the sun seemed wrong to me. Everything was pointless. It was like trying to catch the wind. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I was hating life, because everything under the sun was evil to me: all is to no purpose and desire for wind. RSV Ecclesiastes 2:17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a striving after wind. NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind. I hated: Nu 11:15 1Ki 19:4 Job 3:20-22 7:15,16 14:13 Jer 20:14-18 Jon 4:3,8 Php 1:23-25 work: Ec 1:14 3:16 Eze 3:14 Hab 1:3 because: Ec 2:11,22 6:9 Ps 89:47 SOLOMON'S BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT IN LIFE So (term of conclusion) I hated (sane; Lxx - miseo) life - Solomon hates that which is associated with life, that is, the profitlessness and futility of human secular achievement. ESV Study Bible - The fact that he elsewhere states that life is superior to death (9:4-5) and commends its enjoyment (e.g., 3:12-13; 9:9) indicates that this statement is not to be interpreted as a capitulation to utter despair. Rather, his use of “hate” in this instance is to be understood as the common rhetorical technique of stating a relative contrast in absolute terms (see the use of “hate” in Gen. 29:30-31; Deut. 21:15; Luke 14:26). The Preacher “hates” life in the sense that he finds it deeply disappointing in certain key respects; life has lost much of its sweetness for him. (See ESV Study Bibl - Page 395) For (term of explanation - explaining why he "hated life") the work which had been done under the sun was grievous (frustrating, distressing, awful, troubling) to me - Solomon is saying that even his achievements under the sun (apart from God) were wearisome. Because (term of explanation - explaining why work was "grievous") everything (wisdom, work, success) is futility (hebel; Lxx - mataiotes - emptiness, nothingness, purposelessness) and striving (reuth) after wind - Solomon expresses the futile efforts of attempting to control or capture what cannot be seized (like the wind). 🙏 THOUGHT - Can we not all identify to some degree with Solomon? We have poured everything into our work, only to realize it did not give us true, lasting satisfaction? But this honest despair and is the doorway to true hope. God allows the collapse of earthly idols (remember first use of hebel is "idols" in Dt 32:21+) so we might find rest in Him (Mt 11:29+). The antidote to hating life is receiving new life from Christ (2Co 5:17+) and living with vertical vision, daily fixing our eyes on our Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13+). Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 Is Work Your God? The ability to work is a wonderful gift, but are we taking it too far? In the past, people left their jobs at the office, but now they come home to e-mail and phone messages. Dr. Dave Arnott, associate professor of management at Dallas Baptist University, says, "I don't know whether work is taking over family and community, or whether family and community are giving up their place to work. But I know the movement is going on. Everyone's job seems to be who they are." We tend to equate our identity with what we do for a living. The president of the Families and Work Institute says, "How busy you are has become the red badge of courage. . . . It's become a status symbol," even though people complain about it. Making a god out of work is not a new problem. In the first commandment, God said, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). That includes our jobs. Through God's gift of work, we can honor Him, care for our families, and help people in need. Work is not to be our main source of fulfillment; that must come from God Himself. Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun I HATED LIFE So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:17NIV “Sometimes I get so lonely it’s unbelievable. Life has been so good to me. I've got a great wife, good kids, money, my own health—and I'm lonely and bored. . . . I often wondered why so many rich people commit suicide. Money sure isn't a cure-all." Those were the words of O. J. Simpson in 1978. More people than we know have said with Solomon, "I hated life." Not all of them have thought about suicide, but many have and more than we'll ever know have taken at least one step in that direction. What happens to those who commit suicide? Does God automatically send them to hell? I believe the answer is no. Romans 8:38-39 contains Paul's triumphant statement that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. He lists a succession of extreme opposites: height or depth, length or breadth, things present or things to come. He includes "neither death nor life." By life he means all the various experiences of life: No matter how difficult our circumstances, how discouraging our defeats, how frustrating our days may be, how badly others may mistreat us—nothing in this life can separate us from the love of God. It’s true. You may lose your wealth, your health, your happiness, your friends, your influence, your job, and everything you have worked for. But no one can take Jesus away from you. You are saved and saved forever. God’s love is secure despite the discouragements of life. But note that the apostle writes "neither death nor life." That can only mean one thing. Death itself cannot conquer the child of God. The grave has lost its victory; death has lost its sting. Death separates us from many things—from our loved ones, from our friends, from our conscious life on this earth, from all that we have said and done and accomplished—all of that vanishes when we die, but death cannot win the one battle that matters. It cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. But what about suicide? Surely you don't believe that suicide is stronger than God's love. A man or a woman may, in a desperate, sad moment feel so trapped, so oppressed, so discouraged, so angry, so despondent that they may take their own life. Can that act, you wonder, separate us from the love of God? No. Do some people who commit suicide go to hell? Yes, but not because of the death they died, but because of the life they lived. Suicide doesn't send people to hell. Sin sends people to hell, especially the greatest sin, the sin of saying "No" to Jesus Christ. The real issue of life and death is this: What have you done with Jesus Christ? The issue isn't suicide; it's Jesus Christ. What have you done with Him? That's the one decision that determines where you go when you die. Lord, may I not count my life so important that I forget to look beyond it to eternity. Give me eyes to see what lies beyond the river. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT Have you ever felt like saying, "I hate my life"? If so, what did you do about it? How do you handle times of discouragement in your own life? MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Luke 14:26; John 10:10; and Revelation 12:11. Ecclesiastes 2:18 Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. KJV Ecclesiastes 2:18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:18 καὶ ἐμίσησα ἐγὼ σὺν πάντα μόχθον μου ὃν ἐγὼ μοχθῶ ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον ὅτι ἀφίω αὐτὸν τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ τῷ γινομένῳ μετ᾽ ἐμέ LXE Ecclesiastes 2:18 And I hated the whole of my labour which I took under the sun; because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. NET Ecclesiastes 2:18 So I loathed all the fruit of my effort, for which I worked so hard on earth, because I must leave it behind in the hands of my successor. CSB Ecclesiastes 2:18 I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:18 I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, NIV Ecclesiastes 2:18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. NLT Ecclesiastes 2:18 I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned. YLT Ecclesiastes 2:18 And I have hated all my labour that I labour at under the sun, because I leave it to a man who is after me. NJB Ecclesiastes 2:18 All I have toiled for under the sun and now bequeath to my successor I have come to hate; NRS Ecclesiastes 2:18 I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to those who come after me NAB Ecclesiastes 2:18 And I detested all the fruits of my labor under the sun, because I must leave them to a man who is to come after me. GWN Ecclesiastes 2:18 I came to hate everything for which I had worked so hard under the sun, because I will have to leave it to the person who replaces me. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:18 Hate had I for all my work which I had done, because the man who comes after me will have its fruits. RSV Ecclesiastes 2:18 I hated all my toil in which I had toiled under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me; NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:18 Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. I hated: Ec 2:4-9 1:13 4:3 5:18 9:9 I must: Ec 2:26 5:13,14 1Ki 11:11-13 Ps 17:14 39:6 49:10 Lu 12:20 16:27,28 Ac 20:29,30 1Co 3:10 WHEN SUCCESS BREEDS BITTERNESS AND FUTILITY Thus I hated (despised) all the fruit of my labor (amal - toilsome, wearying work; Lxx - mochthos) for which I had labored under the sun - NET - "So I loathed all the fruit of my effort." Labor is in effect a metonymy of cause (i.e., toil) for effect (i.e., fruit of labor). For (term of explanation explaining why he hated the fruit of his work) I must leave it to the man who will come after me - Why did Solomon hate the fruit of his labor? Because he despaired having to leave it to his heir. Solomon once delighted in his achievements—now he despises them, not for what they are, but for what they cannot do: stay with him. Because death demands we let go. Our houses, businesses, ministries—even our families—will eventually be led by someone else. Everything he built and achieved through hard labor would one day be left behind, inherited by someone else—possibly unworthy or foolish (as stated in v.19). This verse reveals a shift from pleasure-driven despair to legacy-driven disillusionment. Even when work produces visible success, its impermanence renders it bitter, especially when it must be relinquished in death. He "hated" the very fruit he once celebrated—because it would outlive him but not stay with him. John Stevenson - Solomon realizes that, no matter what he has collected or built or accomplished, he will have to leave it all behind when he dies. You will never see a hearse with a U-Haul. But that is not the worst of it. To make matters worse, you do not really know if the person to whom you leave all of your inheritance will be deserving of that inheritance. It doesn't matter that you have acted wisely in whatever you have built and in whatever you have invested your time and effort and finances. There is no guarantee that the person to whom you leave it will act wise or whether he will squander it. Indeed, Solomon will spend 40 years in building a united kingdom of Israel and making it into the premier nation of the world of that day. It will take his son, Rehoboam, only a few months to tear apart the nation. At Solomon's death, Rehoboam will meet with the elders of Israel and he will act so badly that 10 of the tribes of Israel will secede from the union. But that is not all. A few years later Egypt will invade Rehoboam's weakened kingdom and he will attempt to bribe the Egyptians by stripping off the gold from the Temple that Solomon had built. As a result, Solomon says that he came to hate the fruit of his labor for which he had labored. There is a lesson here. It is that the fruit of your labor will not endure. The only thing that will last is the fruit of the Spirit. From where are you seeking fruit? What are you sowing? What kind of seed are you planting? If you only look at life "under the sun" then the only fruit you will enjoy will be the fruit of your own labor. Solomon has shown what will happen to such fruit. It will be passed to another and you don't even have a guarantee as to whether he will make a full use of it or merely throw it away. It is only the fruit of the Spirit that will endure. Fruit of Your Labor Fruit of the Spirit Those things which you attempt to accomplish in this life. Those things that are accomplished in you through the working of God. Temporal Eternal Bob Utley - Traditional wisdom teachers put great faith in one's prosperity, not so Qoheleth. Everyone leaves everything (cf. v. 21; Ps. 39:6; 49:10). Under the sun (תַּחַת הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ taḥath ha-shemesh) is a key phrase in Ecclesiastes and refers to life without reference to God and eternity, but describes purely an earthly, temporal perspective. UNDER THE SUN - 29x/27v Eccl. 1:3; Eccl. 1:9; Eccl. 1:14; Eccl. 2:11; Eccl. 2:17; Eccl. 2:18; Eccl. 2:19; Eccl. 2:20; Eccl. 2:22; Eccl. 3:16; Eccl. 4:1; Eccl. 4:3; Eccl. 4:7; Eccl. 4:15; Eccl. 5:13; Eccl. 5:18; Eccl. 6:1; Eccl. 6:12; Eccl. 8:9; Eccl. 8:15; Eccl. 8:17; Eccl. 9:3; Eccl. 9:6; Eccl. 9:9; Eccl. 9:11; Eccl. 9:13; Eccl. 10:5 Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun PASSING THE BATON I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 2:18-19NIV It turns out that Solomon was quite right to worry about his successor. His son Rehoboam was so inept as a leader that he presided over the breakup of the kingdom. Perhaps Solomon saw some character defect in his son and feared the worst. In the early chapters of Proverbs he appeals over and over to "my son" to heed his words, turn from wickedness, and seek wisdom with all his heart. Check out these verses: Proverbs 1:10; 2:1; 3:1; 3:11; 4:20; 5:1; 5:20; and 6:20. These are only a few of the verses where Solomon appeals to his son's heart. From our vantage point we perhaps tend to read those verses in a generic sense—as if Solomon is writing for young people in general. But perhaps there is something deeper here—the anxious heart of a father who knows that one day he will have to hand over to his son all that he has spent a lifetime building. I know of no way to guarantee that your children will follow in your steps. Children have minds of their own, and in the end our sons and daughters must choose for themselves whether they will serve the Lord. However, I do believe we can tip the scales in the right direction by the way we live day to day. Training up a child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6) certainly means living a consistent Christian life. Our kids have excellent baloney detectors and can smell a phony a mile away. On the other hand, we don't have to be perfect either. Consistency matters, time spent with our children matters, prayer matters, and faith matters. Children make many mistakes in the course of life, but those raised in godly homes will be inclined toward righteousness. Christian parents need to take the long view when evaluating how their children are doing. Many teenagers and young adults go through a period of questioning values and testing their limits. But the good seed planted in childhood will eventually bear fruit, though not necessarily as soon as we would like or as abundantly as we would like. Our children belong to the Lord, not to us. This is a hard lesson to learn, and most of us have to relearn it many times. They are gifts from the Lord, entrusted to our care for a few brief years. A few months ago I heard someone say a most reassuring thing: "God is not worried about your children." He knows them better than we do and He loves them with an everlasting love. He will not stop until His work in them is complete. Our part is to be faithful, and God will take care of the rest. Help me to pass along my faith, O Lord, so that the things I believe in won’t die with me. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT What steps have you taken to prepare for the distribution of your assets after you die? What steps do you still need to take? What can you do to pass along your faith to those who will come after you? MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Genesis 47:29-30; 50:24-25; Joshua 24:32; and Hebrews 11:22. Frustrated Or Content? I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun. --Ecclesiastes 2:18 King Solomon, who had studied diligently and worked hard for worthwhile earthly goals, realized that at his death his fortune would go to people who had not worked for it and might misuse it. This caused him to become resentful because of all the "sorrowful" days and sleepless nights (2:23) he had invested. He's not alone in feeling this way. A highly successful lawyer told me he often wonders why he works so hard. He said his sons and daughters had been misusing his money and making a mess of their lives. He knows they will probably waste everything he leaves them. Another man who had worked hard and managed his money well said sadly, "All my hard work! And my kids can hardly wait for me to die." Solomon, however, did not remain in this dejected state. He found meaning and satisfaction through faith in God. He said that inner contentment is a gift of God to His children. This enables them to enjoy the fruit of their labor (v.24). God replaces frustration with contentment! O Lord, help us to be content With all that we possess; And may we show our gratitude With heartfelt thankfulness. --Sper Contentment is the soil in which true joy thrives Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity. KJV Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:19 καὶ τίς οἶδεν εἰ σοφὸς ἔσται ἢ ἄφρων καὶ ἐξουσιάζεται ἐν παντὶ μόχθῳ μου ᾧ ἐμόχθησα καὶ ᾧ ἐσοφισάμην ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης LXE Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? and whether he will have power over all my labour in which I laboured, and wherein I grew wise under the sun? this is also vanity. NET Ecclesiastes 2:19 Who knows if he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will be master over all the fruit of my labor for which I worked so wisely on earth! This also is futile! CSB Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:19 and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. NIV Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. NLT Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! YLT Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knoweth whether he is wise or foolish? yet he doth rule over all my labour that I have laboured at, and that I have done wisely under the sun! this also is vanity. NJB Ecclesiastes 2:19 who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all the work into which I have put my efforts and wisdom under the sun. That is futile too. NRS Ecclesiastes 2:19 -- and who knows whether they will be wise or foolish? Yet they will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. NAB Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruits of my wise labor under the sun. This also is vanity. GWN Ecclesiastes 2:19 Who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? He will still have control over everything under the sun for which I worked so hard and used my wisdom. Even this is pointless. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who is to say if that man will be wise or foolish? But he will have power over all my work which I have done and in which I have been wise under the sun. This again is to no purpose. RSV Ecclesiastes 2:19 and who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity. who knows: Ec 3:22 1Ki 12:14-20 14:25-28 2Ch 10:13-16 12:9,10 wise: Ec 9:13 Lu 16:8 Jas 1:17 3:17 SOLOMON'S DESPAIR OVER UNCERTAINTY OF HEIR'S WISDOM And who knows whether he will be a wise (chakam; Lxx - sophos) man or a fool (kesil; Lxx - aphron)? - This is the author's major concern. So he asks a rhetorical question calling for a negative response - "No one!" Solomon admits a painful uncertainty. After all his wisdom-driven work, he cannot control whether his successor will be wise or foolish. It’s a fear every builder, leader, parent, and worker faces. Will the one who inherits my labor use it wisely or squander it? As it turns out, Solomon was describing his heir, his son Rehoboam, who proved to be a fool, taking the advice of younger men and disregarding advice of older men (1Ki 12:6-11+). Yet he will have control over (shalat - authority over) all the fruit of my labor (amal - toilsome, wearying work; Lxx - mochthos) for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity (hebel; Lxx - mataiotes - emptiness, nothingness, purposelessness). The unpredictability of legacy deepens Solomon’s sense of futility. It was vanity because he did not know whether his son would squander the family fortune. All the striving, planning, and labor cannot secure the future of what we leave behind and cannot guarantee that your legacy will be honored after you are gone.. Ecclesiastes 2:20 Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. KJV Ecclesiastes 2:20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:20 καὶ ἐπέστρεψα ἐγὼ τοῦ ἀποτάξασθαι τῇ καρδίᾳ μου ἐπὶ παντὶ τῷ μόχθῳ ᾧ ἐμόχθησα ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον LXE Ecclesiastes 2:20 so I went about to dismiss from my heart all my labour wherein I had laboured under the sun. NET Ecclesiastes 2:20 So I began to despair about all the fruit of my labor for which I worked so hard on earth. CSB Ecclesiastes 2:20 So I began to give myself over to despair concerning all my work that I had labored at under the sun. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:20 So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, NIV Ecclesiastes 2:20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. NLT Ecclesiastes 2:20 So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world. YLT Ecclesiastes 2:20 And I turned round to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labour that I laboured at under the sun. NJB Ecclesiastes 2:20 I have come to despair of all the efforts I have expended under the sun. NRS Ecclesiastes 2:20 So I turned and gave my heart up to despair concerning all the toil of my labors under the sun, NAB Ecclesiastes 2:20 So my feelings turned to despair of all the fruits of my labor under the sun. GWN Ecclesiastes 2:20 Then I fell into despair over everything for which I had worked so hard under the sun. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:20 So my mind was turned to grief for all the trouble I had taken and all my wisdom under the sun. RSV Ecclesiastes 2:20 So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:20 Therefore I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. Ge 43:14 Job 17:11-15 Ps 39:6,7 1Co 15:19 2Co 1:8-10 1Th 3:3,4 SOLOMON DESPAIRS OVER HIS LABOR Therefore (term of conclusion) - What is Solomon concluding? Solomon understood that the future of his legacy was uncertain. In the prior verses (esp. vv. 18–19), Solomon lamented that everything he had built could be handed to someone unwise or careless and he could not guarantee the value or stewardship of what he was leaving behind. I completely despaired (Lit = turned aside my heart to despair) of all the fruit of my labor (amal -toilsome, wearying work; Lxx - mochthos) for which I had labored under the sun - He reaches a low point of despair, not because his work was unproductive, but because its ultimate fate is out of his control. The Hebrew word for “despaired” (יָאַשׁ – ya’ash) means to give up hope or fall into deep discouragement. This is not mild disappointment but is a soul-level collapse of confidence in the value of his earthly labor. The verb despaired is used in the Piel stem (often conveys intensified, stronger, or more deliberate action), where the preacher despairs over the futility of hard work. One works hard to accumulate wealth and then turns it over to another person who will benefit from it but who has not worked for it. This, he writes, is a frustrating dilemma. Bob Utley on despaired - The VERBAL (BDB 384, KB 382, Piel INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) means "despair," "be hopeless," "desperate." Qoheleth uses strong language to describe the depth of his emotions about the utter futility of human effort! Solomon is exposing a painful truth that if one's hope is in their accomplishments, they will be devastated when they face mortality. Without a view of eternity, even our best work feels like sand slipping through our fingers. Solomon had it all—kingdoms, vineyards, wisdom, wealth. But here he sits, looking at the fruit of his labor with empty hands and a heavy heart. Why? Because he knows it can’t follow him past the grave. The palaces will stand, but he will fall. The vineyards will bloom, but he won’t taste them again. His despair is deeply human. It’s the ache of a soul who built for time, but not for eternity. Why Do I Sigh? I turned my heart and despaired of all the labor in which I had toiled under the sun. —Ecclesiastes 2:20 According to the Guinness Book of World Records, a 15-year-old girl yawned continually for 5 weeks in 1888. No details were given as to the reason for the girl's plight. It made me wonder why we yawn. Why does a person suddenly stretch his mouth wide open, take a deep breath, and give forth a sigh? The answer is that shallow breathing, warm stuffy air, or nervousness can deplete the oxygen in the body. So our Creator-Designer equipped us with a deep-breath reflex that sends a rush of oxygen to the rescue. Aside from this technical explanation, a yawn or a sigh usually signals nervousness, tiredness, or boredom. Then there's the "sigh" of the soul. Reading Ecclesiastes, we can almost hear Solomon sigh as he tried one thing after another in an effort to find meaning. Time after time his spirit reacted to various situations, only to cry, "All is vanity." Everything he touched produced emptiness (1:2; 2:11). He finally realized that nothing satisfies except to fear God and keep His commandments (12:13). Christian, are you disappointed With the world and all around? Turn your eyes from earth to heaven, Where true joys may all be found. —Anon. Once we've feasted on the goodness of God, nothing else will satisfy Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun GOD’S CURE FOR ANXIOUS CARE So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 2:20-23NIV The king sounds a little depressed in the above verses, doesn't he? I can't blame him for his down -to-earth honesty. Nothing numbs the heart more than realizing that your children don't appreciate what you have done for them. As Ecclesiastes makes clear, there are no guarantees in this life—except that one day we will die. Everything is up for grabs. The foundation of gratitude is the expectation of nothing. Often we live in disappointment because we expect more than life has to offer. Many of us complain about the thorns when we ought to give thanks for the roses. If we expected less, we would be more grateful. We complain because we think we deserve more than we have. The less you expect out of life, the more you can be grateful for every blessing you receive. In the end we all receive far more than we deserve. The Christian gospel teaches us that God gives us what we don't deserve (salvation) and withholds from us what we do deserve (punishment). Somehow we accept this truth when it comes to salvation but neatly overlook it when we evaluate our lives on a daily basis. Some friends moved to Ireland to begin a new ministry. It hasn't been an easy transition. In a letter the wife wrote without regret of what she is missing—especially her two-year-old nephew's birthday party. Her heart longs to be with her extended family, but she has no doubts about the path she and her husband have chosen. "There is the calm assurance that this is where we're supposed to be (most days, that is)." I appreciate the parenthetical comment and the little smiley-face she drew beside it. That makes it very real. Is it worth it? she wonders. Then she ponders what Jesus said about losing your life for His sake and gaining it in the end. Here is her conclusion: "That compels me to recognize the joy I have in living where He wants me— even on the days when I don't feel happy to be here." How wonderful that statement is. Because she is where God wants her, she can have joy even when she isn't particularly happy to be there. If you know that God is sovereign, then you can be content—and even find joy—in the midst of circumstances that are less than ideal. Lord, I do not pray for a lighter load but I do ask for stronger shoulders. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT Are you a worrier? How would your friends answer that question? Stop and pray about your three greatest concerns at this moment. MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Psalm 119:165; Isaiah 26:3; and Philippians 4:4-7. Ecclesiastes 2:21 When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil. KJV Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:21 ὅτι ἔστιν ἄνθρωπος οὗ μόχθος αὐτοῦ ἐν σοφίᾳ καὶ ἐν γνώσει καὶ ἐν ἀνδρείᾳ καὶ ἄνθρωπος ὃς οὐκ ἐμόχθησεν ἐν αὐτῷ δώσει αὐτῷ μερίδα αὐτοῦ καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης καὶ πονηρία μεγάλη LXE Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is such a man that his labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in fortitude; yet this man shall give his portion to one who has not laboured therein. This is also vanity and great evil. NET Ecclesiastes 2:21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; however, he must hand over the fruit of his labor as an inheritance to someone else who did not work for it. This also is futile, and an awful injustice! CSB Ecclesiastes 2:21 When there is a man whose work was done with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, and he must give his portion to a man who has not worked for it, this too is futile and a great wrong. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:21 because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. NIV Ecclesiastes 2:21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. NLT Ecclesiastes 2:21 Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn't worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. YLT Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity, and to a man who hath not laboured therein he giveth it -- his portion! Even this is vanity and a great evil. NJB Ecclesiastes 2:21 For here is one who has laboured wisely, skilfully and successfully and must leave what is his own to someone who has not toiled for it at all. This is futile too, and grossly unjust; NRS Ecclesiastes 2:21 because sometimes one who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by another who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. NAB Ecclesiastes 2:21 For here is a man who has labored with wisdom and knowledge and skill, and to another, who has not labored over it, he must leave his property. This also is vanity and a great misfortune. GWN Ecclesiastes 2:21 Here is someone who had worked hard with wisdom, knowledge, and skill. Yet, he must turn over his estate to someone else, who didn't work for it. Even this is pointless and a terrible tragedy. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:21 Because there is a man whose work has been done with wisdom, with knowledge, and with an expert hand; but one who has done nothing for it will have it for his heritage. This again is to no purpose and a great evil. RSV Ecclesiastes 2:21 because sometimes a man who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave all to be enjoyed by a man who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:21 For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, knowledge, and skill; yet he must leave his heritage to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. whose: Ec 2:17,18 9:18 2Ch 31:20,21 33:2-9 34:2 35:18 36:5-10 Jer 22:15,17 leave: Heb. give THE VANITY OF LEAVING A LEGACY This verse continues Solomon’s reflections on the futility of human labor when viewed “under the sun”—that is, apart from an eternal perspective. When there is a man who has labored (amal - toilsome, wearying work; Lxx - mochthos) with wisdom (chokmah; Lxx - sophia), knowledge and skill - Solomon (uses the phrase "there is") introduces a hypothetical situation, describing a diligent, thoughtful worker who has invested care, intelligence, and effort into his life's work. The three virtues mentioned (wisdom, knowledge, skill) indicate both mental excellence and practical craftsmanship. Then - Marks progression. Solomon mourns that earthly wisdom cannot protect or preserve a legacy for it may pass to someone unworthy or careless. He gives his legacy (cheleq - portion, share; Lxx - meris) to one who has not labored (amal - toilsome, wearying work; Lxx - mochthos) with them. After all that wearisome effort, the fruit of his labor is inherited by someone who did nothing to earn or contribute to it. This too is vanity (hebel; Lxx - mataiotes - emptiness, nothingness, purposelessness) and a great evil (NET - "an awful injustice!" GWN - "terrible tragedy") - Vanity emphasizes the futility of passing one's legacy on, because everything they have carefully built is now surrendered to chance. A great evil (raʿ gādōl) expresses Solomon’s deep emotional disturbance at this potential unfairness, for a lifetime of wisdom, excellence, and sacrifice can end up in the careless hands of someone who did nothing to earn it. There is no control of wealth beyond the grave! NET NOTE on great evil - The noun רָעָה (ra’ah, “evil”) probably means “misfortune” (HALOT 1263 s.v. רָעָה 4) or “injustice; wrong” (HALOT 1262 s.v. רָעָה 2.b). The phrase רָעָה רַבָּה (ra’ah rabbah) connotes “grave injustice” or “great misfortune” (e.g., Eccl 2:17; 5:12, 15; 6:1; 10:5). It is expressed well as: “This too is … a great misfortune” (NAB, NIV, MLB) and “utterly wrong!” (NEB). Duane Garrett - Not only the man’s possessions but even the skill and intelligence by which he acquired them are nullified by death. Hence the fact that he was a great businessman means very little. (Borrow Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of songs page 294) Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? KJV Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun? BGT Ecclesiastes 2:22 ὅτι τί γίνεται τῷ ἀνθρώπῳ ἐν παντὶ μόχθῳ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐν προαιρέσει καρδίας αὐτοῦ ᾧ αὐτὸς μοχθεῖ ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον LXE Ecclesiastes 2:22 For it happens to a man in all his labour, and in the purpose of his heart wherein he labours under the sun. NET Ecclesiastes 2:22 What does a man acquire from all his labor and from the anxiety that accompanies his toil on earth? CSB Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what does a man get with all his work and all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? ESV Ecclesiastes 2:22 What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? NIV Ecclesiastes 2:22 What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? NLT Ecclesiastes 2:22 So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? YLT Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what hath been to a man by all his labour, and by the thought of his heart that he laboured at under the sun? NJB Ecclesiastes 2:22 for what does he gain for all the toil and strain that he has undergone under the sun- NRS Ecclesiastes 2:22 What do mortals get from all the toil and strain with which they toil under the sun? NAB Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what profit comes to a man from all the toil and anxiety of heart with which he has labored under the sun? GWN Ecclesiastes 2:22 What do people get from all of their hard work and struggles under the sun? BBE Ecclesiastes 2:22 What does a man get for all his work, and for the weight of care with which he has done his work under the sun? RSV Ecclesiastes 2:22 What has a man from all the toil and strain with which he toils beneath the sun? NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:22 For what has man for all his labor, and for the striving of his heart with which he has toiled under the sun? man: Ec 1:3 3:9 5:10,11,17 6:7,8 8:15 Pr 16:26 1Ti 6:8 and of the: Ec 4:6,8 Ps 127:2 Mt 6:11,25,34 16:26 Lu 12:22,29 Php 4:6 1Pe 5:7 Related Passages: Ecclesiastes 1:3+ What advantage does man have in all his work Which he does under the sun? WHAT'S THE PAYDAY FOR ALL THE TOILSOME LABOR? For what does a man get in all his labor (amal -toilsome, wearying work; Lxx - mochthos) and in his striving with which he labors under the sun - NET= "What does a man acquire from all his labor and from the anxiety that accompanies his toil on earth?" NLT = "So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety?" What’s the return on all this effort? It’s not just the physical work—but the mental and emotional turmoil that comes with it. What’s the gain that endures? Solomon's question implies even the most ambitious human labor and passionate striving when disconnected from eternal purpose ultimately yields nothing of lasting worth. Solomon is concluding that, under the sun, apart from God, man gains no ultimate benefit from his work. It may fill time, produce wealth, or build empires—but it cannot satisfy the soul, prevent death, or secure lasting peace. This question drives us toward the ultimate answer Solomon will give in the final chapter: “Fear God and keep His commandments…” (Ecclesiastes 12:13) 🙏 THOUGHT - This passage does not have to be a believer's lament. Here are two verses that change this somber perspective entirely: (1) Ephesians 2:10+ "For (see what Paul is explaining - Eph 2:8-9+) we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that (term of purpose) we would walk in them." This should motivate us to seek His face and ask Him to show us those divinely pre-prepared good works in Christ. (2) John 15:5+ “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do (absolutely) nothing (that lasts past the grave)." So once God shows us the good works, we need to be diligent to abide in Christ, allowing His Spirit to supernaturally enable us to accomplish those works, bearing fruit for the glory of the Father (Mt 5:16+), works, unlike those mentioned by Solomon, which will endure forever and ever. (Jn 15:16+). Amen A W Tozer - WHAT REALLY MATTERS? Mornings with Tozer: Daily Devotional Readings - Page 12 For what hath man of all his labour…wherein he hath laboured under the sun? Ecclesiastes 2:22 It is all but impossible these days to get people to pay any attention to things that really matter. The broad cynic in our modern civilization is likely to ask: “What really matters, after all?” It is our personal relationship to God that really matters! That takes priority over everything else, for no man can afford to live or die under the frowning displeasure of God. Yet, name one modern device that can save him from it. Where can a man find security? Can philosophy help him? or psychology? or science? or atoms or wonder drugs or vitamins? Only Christ can help him, and His aid is as old as man’s sin and man’s need. A few other things matter to be sure. We must trust Christ completely. We must carry our cross daily. We must love God and our fellow men. We must fulfill our commission as ambassadors of Christ among men. We must grow in grace and in the knowledge of God and come at last to our end like a ripe shock of corn at harvest time. These are the things that really matter! The Reason to Rest What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? Ecclesiastes 2:22 Today's Scripture & Insight : Ecclesiastes 2:17–26 If you want to live longer, take a vacation! Forty years after a study of middle-aged, male executives who each had a risk of heart disease, researchers in Helsinki, Finland, followed up with their study participants. The scientists discovered something they hadn’t been looking for in their original findings: the death rate was lower among those who had taken time off for vacations. Work is a necessary part of life—a part God appointed to us even before our relationship with Him was fractured in Genesis 3. Solomon wrote of the seeming meaninglessness of work experienced by those not working for God’s honor—recognizing its “anxious striving” and “grief and pain” (Ecclesiastes 2:22–23). Even when they’re not actively working, he says their “minds do not rest” because they’re thinking about what still needs to be done (v. 23). How can you invite God into your labors? How might you allow Him to be your satisfaction even when your work isn’t “finished”? God, You bring meaning and purpose to all my labors. From God’s Hand Moments of Hope: Devotions for Morning and Evening What do people get from all of their hard work and struggles under the sun? Their entire life is filled with pain, and their work is unbearable. Even at night their minds don’t rest. Even this is pointless. Ecclesiastes 2:22–23 Some might ask themselves, “Why did I bother?” when a frustrating outcome is the result of hours or years of hard effort. For example, when you spent hours cleaning the house for a family gathering only to find your efforts criticized or undermined by others trashing the house. Or, if you spent years chasing after a dream only to have the dream become a nightmare. This realization sadly turns to bitterness or disillusionment. Perhaps you’re feeling like that right now. The writer of Ecclesiastes isn’t telling you to adopt a “why bother” attitude, even though he alludes to some activities as pointless. Worrying about matters totally outside the realm of your control or spending your whole life chasing after satisfaction outside of the will of God is like trying to sweep the sand off the beach—pointless. But just one verse later, he leads us to the right attitude: “There is nothing better for people to do than to eat, drink, and find satisfaction in their work. I saw that even this comes from the hand of God” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). Note that satisfaction comes “from the hand of God.” You have access to a heavenly Father who craves your friendship and obedience to His ways. In return, He allows joy and peace to saturate your spirit. Turn your mind to Him as you settle into bed this evening. Allow yourself to be comforted by His Spirit. Smile. Now slide into your night of sleep. Ecclesiastes 2:23 Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity. KJV Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity. BGT Ecclesiastes 2:23 ὅτι πᾶσαι αἱ ἡμέραι αὐτοῦ ἀλγημάτων καὶ θυμοῦ περισπασμὸς αὐτοῦ καί γε ἐν νυκτὶ οὐ κοιμᾶται ἡ καρδία αὐτοῦ καί γε τοῦτο ματαιότης ἐστίν LXE Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all his days are days of sorrows, and vexation of spirit is his; in the night also his heart rests not. This is also vanity. NET Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all day long his work produces pain and frustration, and even at night his mind cannot relax! This also is futile! CSB Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all his days are filled with grief, and his occupation is sorrowful; even at night, his mind does not rest. This too is futile. ESV Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity. NIV Ecclesiastes 2:23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless. NLT Ecclesiastes 2:23 Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless. YLT Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail sadness; even at night his heart hath not lain down; this also is vanity. NJB Ecclesiastes 2:23 since his days are full of sorrow, his work is full of stress and even at night he has no peace of mind? This is futile too. NRS Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all their days are full of pain, and their work is a vexation; even at night their minds do not rest. This also is vanity. NAB Ecclesiastes 2:23 All his days sorrow and grief are his occupation; even at night his mind is not at rest. This also is vanity. GWN Ecclesiastes 2:23 Their entire life is filled with pain, and their work is unbearable. Even at night their minds don't rest. Even this is pointless. BBE Ecclesiastes 2:23 All his days are sorrow, and his work is full of grief. Even in the night his heart has no rest. This again is to no purpose. RSV Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all his days are full of pain, and his work is a vexation; even in the night his mind does not rest. This also is vanity. NKJ Ecclesiastes 2:23 For all his days are sorrowful, and his work burdensome; even in the night his heart takes no rest. This also is vanity. all: Ge 47:9 Job 5:7 14:1 Ps 90:7-10,15 127:2 his heart: Ec 5:12 Es 6:1 Job 7:13,14 Ps 6:6,7 32:4 77:2-4 Da 6:18 Ac 14:22 SOLOMON EXPLAINS WHY LABOR IS STRIVING UNDER THE SUN Because (Hebrew conjunction כִּי kî, used to introduce a term of explanation) What is Solomon explaining? In effect Solomon is answering the rhetorical question and explaining why a man's labors are striving under the sun. All his days his task is painful (עִנְיָן – makob - burdensome, draining and wearisome, not merely difficult) and grievous (כַּעַס – kaas - implies emotional distress or frustration that accompanies the toil, mental anguish not just physical effort); even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity (hebel; Lxx - mataiotes - emptiness, nothingness, purposelessness) -- Man gains nothing lasting from his labor because (1) his work is painful ("his task is painful" – עִנְיָנוֹ, literally “his occupation is sorrowful”), (2) it causes grief, emotional or mental distress, not just physical hardship, and (3) it robs him of rest so that even at night, his thoughts are troubled and he can’t “shut off” his mind. Bob Utley on "his task is painful and grievous" This is the recurrent description of fallen humanity's search for happiness. It always turns to despair (cf. Eccl. 1:18; 2:23; 5:17; 11:10). His mind does not rest is literally “his heart (leb = mind, will, and emotions) does not lie down” - Describes a person who is mentally restless, with no peace or contentment, even during sleep (BEEN THERE, DONE THAT!!!) 🙏 THOUGHT - Have you ever fallen into bed exhausted, only to stare at the ceiling as your thoughts race—budgets, deadlines, regrets, plans? Solomon gets it. Even after a lifetime of building, achieving, and succeeding, he found no rest in his work—not by day, not by night. The more he gained, the more it cost him emotionally. And in the end? It was all vanity. This verse exposes a painful reality that work without God wears us down but never fills us up. When God is absent from our daily grind, even success becomes a burden, and rest becomes a stranger. But Jesus offers us a better way calling out “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) In Christ, filled with (Eph 5:18+) and walking in (Gal 5:16+) HIS SPIRIT, we are not just promised rest after labor, but rest within it—peace for our minds, and purpose for our days. Ask yourself... Am I working for a reward that time and stress will consume? Have I invited God's Spirit into my labor, or am I shouldering it alone? F B

Eclesiastes 2

Utley - It is true there is no lasting benefit (cf. Eccl. 2:11) apart from God, but Eccl. 2:24-26 finally brings "above the sun" into focus. There is more to life than birth, life, and inevitable death. There is God, judgment, and an afterlife. Things will be set straight (cf. Eccl. 1:15), but not here, not now. Unfairness, injustice, and vanity seem to reign (because of the Fall, cf. Genesis 3), but wait, God reigns! He and His (i.e., humans made in His image, cf. Gen. 1:26-27) will spend eternity together. For now, the righteous must trust in His revelation and enjoy the simple daily pleasures that this world offers (when and while one can). The Believer's Study Bible - (Eccc 2:24-26) This is the first of six occurrences of the book's refrain (see "Book note: Theme"), which gives the reader relief from the otherwise pessimistic viewpoint from which life is being examined. God's blessing provides even the most mundane aspects of life, i.e., eating and drinking. True enjoyment of the basics of life is possible, but even these natural gifts on the simplest and lowest level are not within man's power to bestow upon himself, but must come from a higher source. Ec 2:2-3 stand solidly against an Epicurean misinterpretation of this verse, which would interpret "eat and drink" only in its most narrow sense of bodily pleasure. Rather the emphasis is this: the power of enjoyment depends upon the will of God (cf. James 1:17). The end of Ec 2:26 could be translated "This indeed is vanity ..." Among the Hebrew names for God, elohim is the most general one. In Ecclesiastes it is the only name used. Yahweh, the personal covenant name of God, the name associated with His redemptive purpose, is not used. Ryrie Study Bible page 984 (borrow) - Vs. 2:24 Solomon's solution to the paradoxes of life, set forth six times (Ec 2:24-26, 3:12-13; 3:22; 5:18-19; 8:15; 9:7-9), is to enjoy to the fullest the life that God has given, recognizing it as His gift. God has not revealed the solution to all of life's inconsistencies but has given man a life to enjoy while living in obedience to Him. This is vastly different from the solution of the Epicurean sensualists, "Let us eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die." Solomon advises that one's life must be regulated by an awareness of future divine judgment (Ec 12:14). To emphasize Ryrie's point, note that there are 6 times in which Solomon gives the reader some relief from the otherwise pessimistic view of life. Those passages are Ec 2:24-26, 3:12-13; 3:22; 5:18-19; 8:15; 9:7-9. Temper Longman III points out that "Ecclesiastes 2:24–26 is the first of six so-called carpe diem passages (the others are 3:12–14; 3:22; 5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7–10). In other words, they encourage the reader to “seize [the pleasures] of the day.” They should be read with a tone of resignation. After all, the passage begins with “there is nothing better than …” In other words, this is the best that a person can hope for in this life that will end with death....In the interest of fairness, it should be pointed out that some scholars hold a different view on these carpe diem passages. Kaiser (1979:463–466) and Whybray (1982) both suggest that these passages really represent the Teacher’s ultimate conclusion and that we should read him as more orthodox than the present commentary is suggesting. However, as one continues in the book, one observes that the Teacher himself finds no peace in eating, drinking, or work. In the present passage (2:24), he admits that even these simple pleasures are God’s gift; but from his tone and what he says to follow, we are led to conclude that this is a gift that he himself did not receive. The fact that the carpe diem passage ends with another expression of the meaninglessness of life also supports the idea that his conclusion is a pessimistic one—not that one should enjoy the simple pleasures of life. (See Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs - Page 272) FINDING MEANING IN LIFE NIV, Once-A-Day: Worship and Praise Devotional: 365 Days to ... A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? ECCLESIASTES 2:24 – 25 Perhaps no one in history has illustrated this longing for meaning in life more than Solomon. The second son of David and Bathsheba, the boy grew up to become Israel’s third king. Blessed with unearthly wisdom (see 1 Kings 4:29 – 34), Solomon enjoyed a reign of remarkable prosperity and unprecedented peace. He oversaw the building of Jerusalem’s greatest and most glorious temple. He dabbled in engineering and botany, and became famous worldwide. But over time, proving that even wise people can do stupid things, he accumulated a household of 700 wives and 300 mistresses — many of them foreigners and worshipers of other gods. Not surprisingly, Solomon’s heart for the one true God cooled. His restlessness multiplied. Eventually he found himself in the ultimate mid-life crisis — a time of frantic searching, boredom and despair. His diary from this period, the ancient book of Ecclesiastes, reads like the bitter ramblings of a depressed old skeptic. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Yet at the end of this book, after experimenting with every pleasure and pursuit this world has to offer, he concluded, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). What was Solomon’s great discovery? That a life divorced from God is no life at all. That meaning and joy in life can only be found by relating rightly to the source of life. To fear God is to worship him. To worship him is to make him the top priority in your thoughts and actions. PRAYER Lord, my life has meaning because … ECCLESIASTES 2:24 The 19th-century British author Charles Kingsley wrote, "Thank God every morning when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not." Consider what these three people gave to the world by working with diligence: Noah Webster labored 36 years and crossed the ocean twice to produce his dictionary. John Milton rose at 4 o'clock every morning to compose and rewrite his poetry. Edward Gibbon spent 26 years writing his famous history, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. To LEAVE LASTING FOOTPRINTS ON THE SANDS OF TIME, WEAR WORK SHOES. Bob Utley -There is an interesting list concerning Qoheleth's understanding of God's actions in this fallen, temporal world (i.e., NIDOTTE, vol. 4, p. 553): creator, Eccl. 11:5; 12:1,7 (like Psalms) judge, Eccl. 3:17,18; 11:9 benefactor, Eccl. 2:24-26; 3:13; 5:18-20 one to be feared, Eccl. 3:14; 5:1-7; 7:18 (like Proverbs) one to be obeyed, Eccl. 5:4; 7:26; 8:2; 13:13-14 (like Proverbs) one causality in the universe, Eccl. 3:11; 5:18-6:2; 7:13-14 (like Psalms) unknowable, Eccl. 3:11; 8:16-9:1 (like Job) fair, Eccl. 8:12,13 The simple pleasures of life are gifts from God (cf. Eccl. 3:13; 5:19; 9:7; Prov. 13:22; Job 27:16-17). See note at Eccl. 2:1. This is one of just a few great truths in this book! enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life (Eccl. 2:1,24; 3:12,13,22; 5:18; 8:15; 9:7-9) food (fellowship) drink (although this can refer to revelry [cf. Exod. 32:6; 1 Sam. 30:16; 1 Kgs. 1:25] in this context it refers to daily family and social life) sense of self-worth from life's work rejoicing in life (Eccl. 9:8) marriage and family (Eccl. 9:9) Norman Geisler - ECCLESIASTES 2:24—Is Solomon commending hedonism here? - When Critics Ask PROBLEM: Solomon concluded, “There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor.” But this is hedonism, which is condemned elsewhere in the Bible (Luke 12:19–20; 1 Cor. 10:7). SOLUTION: Solomon is not recommending pleasure-seeking hedonism apart from God. There is a big difference between the hedonist’s “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die” and Solomon’s exhortation to enjoy life because it comes “from the hand of God” (Ecc. 2:24). The kind of pleasures Solomon commended is that “which God gives him under the sun” (Ecc. 8:15), and that “is the gift of God” (Ecc. 3:13). God is not a cosmic killjoy or a heavenly scrooge. He “gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17) and at His “right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11). However, Solomon warns, “Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth; walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these God will bring you into judgment” (Ecc. 11:9). God wants us to enjoy this life, but to live it in the light of the next one. Thankful for Monday A person can do nothing better than to . . . find satisfaction in their own toil. Ecclesiastes 2:24 Today's Scripture & Insight : Ecclesiastes 2:17–25 I used to dread Mondays. Sometimes, when I got off the train to head to a previous job, I’d sit at the station for a while, trying to delay reaching the building, if only for a few minutes. My heart would beat fast as I worried over meeting the deadlines and managing the moods of a temperamental boss. For some of us, it can be especially difficult to start another dreary workweek. We may be feeling overwhelmed or underappreciated in our job. King Solomon described the toil of work when he wrote: “What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain” (Ecclesiastes 2:22–23). What gives you the Monday blues? How will you lean on God’s help to find satisfaction in your work today? Faithful God, help me to see the good You’re enabling me to accomplish through my work today! For further study, read How Can I Find Satisfaction in My Work? Walter Kaiser - 2:24–26 Eat, Drink and Be Merry? - Hard Sayings in the Bible All too often the writer of Ecclesiastes has been blamed for all too much. For example, with regard to the text before us, it is not uncommon to hear charges of Epicureanism, the philosophy that advises us to eat, drink and be merry for we only go around once and then we die! But this charge is false on several counts. For one thing, the text has not been translated correctly. For another, it misses the point that death is not the natural sequel to eating and drinking. Instead, the text insists that even such mundane experiences as eating and drinking are gifts from the hand of a gracious God. But let us begin with the translation issue. Literally rendered, the text here affirms, “There is not a good [inherent?] in a person that he [or she] should be able to eat, drink or get satisfaction from his [or her] work. Even this, I realized, was from the hand [or ‘the power’] of God.” This translation avoids the phrase “there is nothing better.” Even though such a comparative form does exist in a somewhat similar formula in Ecclesiastes 3:12 and 8:15, it does not appear in this context. Scholars uniformly assume that the word for better has dropped out of this context, but there is no evidence to back up that assumption. Furthermore, the writer is not saying at this point that no other options exist for the race other than to try calmly to enjoy the present. This indeed would be a hedonistic and materialistic philosophy of life that would effectively cut God off from any kind of consideration. The Preacher’s point is not one of despair—“There’s nothing left for us to do than the basically physical acts of feeding one’s face and trying to get as many kicks out of life as we can.” Rather, his point is that whatever good or value is to be found, its worth cannot be determined merely by being part of the human race. We mortals must realize that if we are to achieve satisfaction and pleasure from anything in life, even things as base and mundane as eating and drinking, we must realize that it all comes from the hand of God. The source of pleasure, joy and goodness does not reside in the human person, as humanism or idealism would want us to believe. Ecclesiastes 2:25 is more adamant on this point. Who will be able to find any enjoyment unless they first find the living God who is the only true source of all joy, satisfaction and pleasure? The text assures us that “without him” such satisfaction is a lost search. The ground for the distribution of this joy is carefully set forth in Ecclesiastes 2:26: it is a matter of pleasing God first. The opposite of pleasing God is “one who continues to live in sin.” This same contrast between pleasing God and being a sinner is found in Ecclesiastes 7:26 and 8:12–13. Another way to define the one continually choosing sin is “one who does not fear God.” Such a call to please God as a basis for realizing joy, pleasure and satisfaction is not, as some claim, too cheery a note for such a pessimistic book. The truth of the matter is that all too many have missed the positive note that is deeply rooted in the repeated refrains in Ecclesiastes. God will grant three gifts to those who please him: wisdom, knowledge and joy. But to the sinner who persists in trying to remake God’s world, there is also an outcome: “a chasing after the wind.” This reference to the chasing of wind is to the frustrating activity in which the sinner works night and day to heap things up only to find in the end that he must, and as a matter of fact does, turn them over to the one who pleases God. If only the sinner would come to know God and please him, then he too would receive the ability to find joy in all of life just as the one who fears God has found it. Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun LEARNING TO ENJOY LIFE A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? Ecclesiastes 2:24-25NIV Twice in verses 24-25 Solomon speaks of "finding" satisfaction and "finding" enjoyment. He then informs us that while we are called to search, we will never find what we are looking for unless God gives it to us. This calls to mind the staccato commands of the apostle Paul: "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB). Someone has called these three commands "the standing orders of the gospel." They are "standing orders" because they always apply to every Christian in every situation. This is a great challenge, isn't it? After all, we would have no problem if the text said: "Rejoice sometimes"; "Pray occasionally"; and "Give thanks when you feel like it. That's the way most of us live—on the "sometimes, occasionally, when you feel like it" plane of life. How do we rise to the higher level of "always," "without ceasing," and "everything"? Surely it relates to how we view the goodness of God. I know one family living in a very difficult and sometimes dangerous area of the world. Yet the parents believe this is where God wants them to be. After recounting many of the setbacks and heartaches that are routine to missionary work, they included this telling paragraph. As much as anything else, it explains how a person can rise to the level of giving thanks in every situation: Believers in our country frequently have a "Thanksgiving" offering, or even a special service. These offerings are usually given by grateful members of the congregation—even after a tragic event. Yes, in ALL things we are to give God our thanksgiving and gratitude. It is in-teresting that one of the standard greeting lines here is: Q: "How is the work?" A: "We thank God." I do not mean to suggest that this is easy, only that it is absolutely necessary. As hard as it may be to rejoice always, what is your alternative? To give in to despair and anger? If you refuse to give thanks in every situation, you are virtually saying that you know better than God how to run the universe. By giving thanks when we don't feel like it, we are proclaiming that God's wisdom is greater than ours. That simple act of giving thanks in the midst of sorrow and heartache is a testimony worth more than 10,000 words spoken when things are going well. Perhaps we should end this section with a prayer by George Herbert: Gracious God, You have given so much to me. Give me one thing more—a grateful heart. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT How much joy does God give you? Have you ever thanked God for the prayers He didn't answer? Take a moment and ask God for the gift of a grateful heart. MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Nehemiah 12:31-42; Psalm 103; and Revelation 4:9-11. 56,000 Hours Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. — Ecclesiastes 2:24 Today's Scripture : Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 By age 50, a person who has worked full-time since college will have put in about 56,000 hours of work. Whether you’re teaching school, working as a nurse, running a press, or whatever else you do, that’s a lot of time. Keep that in mind and look at what Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 2:17. “I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity.” Think of 56,000 hours of worthless activity. That’s 28 years of a career spent “grasping for the wind.” But wait. There’s more. Keep reading in chapter 2. Hope shines through the otherwise dull efforts of the workplace—there can be satisfaction in work. Joy comes when work is done to please God (Eccl. 2:24-26; Col. 3:23-25). So all of our work, when done as a service to our Lord, has significance. An airline employee who was struggling through a long delay in a flight’s departure kept her composure as the passengers grew angrier. When someone asked her name so he could write a letter of commendation, she replied, “Oh, I don’t work for this airline. I work for Jesus Christ.” O what can I give to the Master, The One who from sin set me free? I'll give Him a lifetime of service To thank Him for dying for me. —K. De Haan Daily work takes on eternal value when it is done for God. The Futility of Wealth and Pleasure 2:1-11 - Don Robinson Solomon's conclusion of his initial reasoning: Enjoy and be content with the providence of God. 2:24-26 1. Recognize that life is a gift from God...so enjoy it. 2. There is no enjoyment in life without God. 3. God gives the righteous wisdom, knowledge, and joy. 4. For the unrighteous to seek after these things apart from God is another example of vanity. 5. Since there is more than just "living for today", Solomon backtracks for some deeper observations. Warren