June 20, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Ecclesiastes 7 - Several things are "better" as seen in verses 1, 5, and 8.  A good name is better than expensive ointment; rebuke is better than flattery; and, the "end" is better than the "beginning."  In other words, perfume can't cover-up a rotten personality; nice things said about you won't help you mend your flaws; and, live your life well so the evaluation at the end will be good.  Don't dwell on what people say about you.  Apply the wisdom God has given you to avoid the pitfalls of life.

Ecclesiastes 8 - Verse 11 has a real strong case for expediency in our legal system.  I've often said, "The death penalty  does not deter crime.  Carrying out the death penalty does!"  Far too many years pass from the time a crime is committed before the penalty is administered.  Many criminals see this and "chance" doing something wrong and figure they won't have to suffer for it until later. 

Ecclesiastes 9 - Life can be meaningless, but at least enjoy what you can while you can.  Marriage is definitely one blessing to enjoy while you can.  Work hard to do you best and gain satisfaction in doing so.

Ecclesiastes 10 - This chapter warns against "a little folly"!  As dead flies defile perfume so little foolish acts can spoil a good reputation.  Careless words spoken quickly can cause a life-time of regret. 

Ecclesiastes 11 - Do your best early in your life and you won't regret it.  Live righteously in your youth and put evil out of your life to avoid needless sorrow.

Ecclesiastes 12 - This body will wear down!  Therefore, live to please your Creator early in your youth.  Don't wait to do good "later" and then find that your body is too weary to accomplish anything worthwhile.  Your life will end, but fear God and obey Him while you can.  You won't regret that!

Having read through Ecclesiastes I hope you've recognized some valuable lessons you should seek to master as you grow older.  But praise the Lord that God's plan for our lives will bring us to a glorious eternal future!  Life lived for the Lord is never in vain!  "Only one life, 'twill soon be past.  Only what's done for Christ will last."  C. T. Studd