This week, as we conclude this month's study series on time, we're taking a look at a few verses that come after Solomon's famous time list in Ecclesiastes 3.
"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:"
At the beginning of this chapter, Solomon lists many actions and events that could happen in one's lifetime, both good and bad. He then says in this verse that God has made everything beautiful in His time. Sometimes things happen to us that seem ugly in the moment, but God has a much greater plan that we cannot often see, and in that plan He is working to make everything beautiful in His timing for those who love Him. My study Bible also points out that anything that is truly ugly in the world is because of sin and not because God made it so.
"also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."
The Hebrew word for "world" here is ôlam, which often means eternity. God has created us with a sense of eternity. I think most people believe that there must be something after this life--they just don't know what that is. We do. We know what God has in store for us after death, and we can apply that knowledge as we live now to use our time wisely for things that will count for eternity. We have a knowledge of eternity, but we still can't know all that eternity will hold or reveal as it pertains to what God is doing in the master plan right now. It's going to be amazing!
"I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life."
"No good for them" here could also be understood as "nothing better for them." I believe God has meant for us to enjoy life, even if our life here is flawed and surrounded by sin. Paul wrote for Christians to "rejoice always." As we spend our time here on earth, we ought to live in the joy of the Lord. We also should pay attention to what we are spending our time doing. We should "do good" in our lives, and we ought to use God's Word as a standard by which we judge our actions to see whether they are good or not.
"And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."
Work is a good thing. Even in the Garden of Eden before sin there was work. God meant for us to work and then to reap the benefits of our labor. It is a gift from Him to us.
This week, and summer, pay close attention to how you are living the life God has given to you. Rejoice, do good, and remember eternity. God is at work.
Blessings,
Thank you for these insights. This is a timely reminder to consider the goal for each day the Lord gives me. May God bless you!