September 2
Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Psalm 46:1-11
Proverbs 22:15
Ecclesiastes 1:1 – Welcome to a new book in the wisdom genre! Today we’ll be getting a double dose of Solomon (Ecclesiastes as well as Proverbs)! What does the wisest man who ever lived (1 Kings 4:30) want to tell us about life? From Bob Utley:
“Its main purpose was to show the futility of human existence apart from God. It is a tract to convert self-sufficient materialists or intellectuals.”
Let’s look at the futility of human existence apart from God.
Ecclesiastes 1:4 – Generations come and go, the sun goes up and goes down (Ecclesiastes 1:5). Interestingly Abraham Lincoln quoted this verse in his second inaugural address.
Ecclesiastes 1:6-7 – From ICR: whirleth about continually. This is a remarkable anticipation of the modern discovery of the world’s great wind circuits, in the global circulation of the atmosphere. And Creation.com talks about the hydrological cycle of v.7.
Ecclesiastes 2:1 – What did Solomon try for contentment? Pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1), wine (Ecclesiastes 2:3), building projects (Ecclesiastes 2:4-6), servants and possessions (Ecclesiastes 2:7), and silver and gold (Ecclesiastes 2:8).
Ecclesiastes 3:1 – The 1965 secular song from the Byrds “Turn, Turn, Turn” was based on this passage.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 – “In His Time“, a gospel chorus, is based on this verse. Interesting that this verse talks about the capacity God has built within us.
Ecclesiastes 3:13-14 – Some call this book secular wisdom. But we know that God intends for us to enjoy His creation, and that His doings are far greater than our doings.
Ecclesiastes 3:17 – God shall judge – there is a time we must give account.
Ecclesiastes 3:21 – Mark Lowry has emphasized Psalm 36:6 as saying that dogs are going to heaven. Unfortunately his exegesis has skipped Ecclesiastes 3:21.
2 Corinthians 6:2 – There is no reason to delay salvation – Now is the accepted time!
2 Corinthians 6:5 – A sobering video features martyrs from church history quoting motivational tweets from some modern pastors. Unfortunately life is not all health, wealth, and prosperity.
Psalm 46:3 – Did Shakespeare leave a mark of his involvement with the King James Version? Kyle Butt says yes!
Proverbs 22:15 – Proverbs has much wisdom on child training. The point is not abuse, but removing foolishness.
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