Ecclesiastes: Searching for Permanence
Many people search the scriptures looking for answers to their questions but few search the scriptures looking for the right questions to ask. The right approach to the book of Ecclesiastes is to look for the questions that Solomon was asking about the world around him. Most people who study the book of Ecclesiastes are looking for answers they are asking about life and world around them and not looking for the answers to Salomon’s questions. What were the questions Solomon asked?
A survey of the entire book leads to the conclusion that Solomon was looking for permanence in the work and labor of men. He finds none. While this leads Solomon to despair, he is still able to acknowledge the enjoyment and satisfaction that comes from work done well. He was also able to recognize that this enjoyment is a gift from God.
Ultimately, Solomon was unsuccessful in finding permanence in the works of men, but he does find permanence in the work of a sovereign God. This leads Solomon to conclude his search with this statement…
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.
The world around us is looking for permanence in the works of men. They pretend to find it in money, love, achievement and family. Anyone who takes a hard look at life as Solomon did, will recognize that all is vanity; all is breath. As a Christian, we should value permanence; not the world’s permanence, but the permanence of the creative and sovereign acts of God. God invites us to partake in permanent things when He asks us to fear Him and keep His commandments.
