- There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil. -
That’s five chapters down – onto the sixth! It may be slow going, but we’re chipping away =)
Appreciate everyone for reading, and hope you continue to get something valuable from this study of Ecclesiastes.
Chapter 6 is bleak. I know that’s not saying much for this book.
Do you know that moment when you’re talking through how bad things are in your life and you start to repeat yourself?
Sometimes, that’s just the feedback loop, but others it’s because the first thing you mentioned isn’t exactly the same problem when considered in light of the others.
Say you and your wife had an argument. Not your normal scuffle either; you guys were yelling.
In addition to that pressure, you’ve had a large project due at the office causing you to work 12+ hour days, meaning this argument is sitting in the background, stewing.
That argument isn’t “just” that argument anymore. It’s an argument with three days of pent-up frustration and neglect.
As Solomon shows us the futility of life, he returns to topics already considered, but with more bad news, finding additional ways the vanity of life besets us.
The first two verses are so familiar, that we could easily skip right past them, except for the phrase a stranger enjoys them.
What’s going on here?
In the past chapter, we learned about two major problems in human existence: 1) the corruption of human organizations and 2) how greed can rob someone of their wealth.
Solomon also expresses to us that a grievous evil is a man who has the blessings of a successful life yet is unable to enjoy it, due to his own failings.
This verse reminds us of that situation. Here we clearly read that our physical blessings come from God, including that of a good reputation.
What happens? The man cannot enjoy them, just like the man in the previous chapter.
But, something is different about the chapter 6 individual versus the one in chapter 5. What is it?
He has honor. Gift of God or not, his life is not one focused on greed. He has sought the goodness of life and maintains it well enough to be respected by others.
Yet, the ability to enjoy the good things in his life is not given to him by God. A stranger takes them.
What does this mean? Perhaps it’s a corrupt government oppressing from afar. More than likely, we should read it as foreigner (in fact, some translations do).
His wealth is taken by invaders. He is living a good life for his people, enjoying God’s blessings, when suddenly they are robbed by the cruelties of war or raiding.
Is it justice to invade a people and take their possessions? Is it right to have the good life only to have it stripped away?
Is Solomon repeating himself? Yes, but he’s doing it to show us that even rich, successful people lose their footing in life by the cruelties of injustice.
How can you find meaning in life when those who don’t make, take? Who don’t sow, reap?
Perhaps only if meaning is not to be found in living for this world.
Perhaps you can sow for another kingdom.
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