Blog Index
The journal that this archive was targeting has been deleted. Please update your configuration.
Navigation

Excellence

Ecclesiastes 9:10

 

Why is Ecclesiastes 9:10 significant?

 In the two opening chapters the author describes himself as the son of David, and king over Israel in Jerusalem, presenting himself as a philosopher at the center of a brilliant court. This could apply only to king Solomon. The work emphatically proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently "meaningless," as the lives of both wise and foolish men end in the same way. While the teacher clearly promotes wisdom for the enjoyment of an earthly life, in light of this perceived senselessness, the teacher suggests that one should enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life, such as eating, drinking, and taking enjoyment in one's work, which are gifts from the hand of God.

Ecclesiastes 9:10 specifically says that whatever we set out to do, we should do it well. Considering the uncertainties of the future, we should live in the now, doing everything as best as we can. Every one of us is only here for a short time. Once this time is gone we cannot change what we have or have not done, so Solomon recommends enjoying life as God’s gift