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Ecclesiastes 3 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
The universe is made well and finds its rhythm through structure and order. There most definitely is a time for everything and only our Lord and Savior knows of those times. There is a knowledge that God keeps to Himself. This is the primary reason for so much frustration in our world today, and I would argue, for so many to try and deny the God they know exists. We are not in control. God knows the time for all things and mostly keeps it to Himself. As a result, human wisdom is limited to only what He chooses to reveal to us. There is nothing we can come to know apart from God.
Therefore, Solomon encourages the reader to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. To chase after the things we will never know produces nothing but frustration. To trust God and submit to Him provides purpose.
In the second half of this chapter, Solomon explores justice. Many of us have wondered these same questions. Why is there so much injustice in our world today if God is truly in control? As these questions are explored, Solomon once again comes back to the enjoyment of the simple things of life.
Ecclesiastes 3:22 HCSB I have seen that there is nothing better than for a person to enjoy his activities because that is his reward. For who can enable him to see what will happen after he dies?
If God revealed everything to us, we would be God. There’s a reason so much is hidden from us. First, we can’t handle it. Just like the burden Adam and Eve faced after they gained knowledge of good and evil, we would flounder knowing what God knows. Second, there are many more important things to be found in life than material possessions or even maximum knowledge. Faith, hope, love, and joy are all unbelievable blessings that can only come from above. Through Jesus Christ, we have the ultimate hope. We can face life and death knowing that we are secure in His sacrifice.