The theme for our study of the book of Ecclesiastes is “Living life in a Broken World”. The point being that the world is not at all like God initially created it to be. The fall of man, the entrance of sin and the corresponding curse has altered things dramatically. Man is however yet in the image of God, though that also is greatly distorted. However, we have the innate sense that things just are not right.
The great danger of that intuitive understanding is to become discouraged with the events and conditions of this world. Now, there have been times when life held out much more promise and yet, for us as Americans the potential of life is yet quite attractive. However, even for us, who are in this great country of freedom, there often seems to be quite a gap between effort and achievement.
It is for that cause that Solomon urges upon us the necessity of enjoying life as it is. That is the meaning of this verse:
Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.
The pronoun “them” in this verse stands for the events and circumstances of our lives. Notice how similar this is to this verse in Hebrews:
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
As we study through this book of Ecclesiastes Solomon will teach us how to enjoy our lives and how to spend them well.
