Ecclesiastes - good advise…
My personal devotion time in this book has been rich as I have worked my way through the brain-twisters of each passage. Of course often Solomon was speaking from a worldly point of view (he calls vanity; or things under the sun) so you have to be careful to discern whether his statements are of the world or of God which he also brings out at certain points throughout the book.
But this morning as I was reading in the 9th chapter it’s pretty clear the advise given is from God’s perspective and not the world’s. Now what he says in these verses make for a good way to go about your life every day… try this on:
Verse 7 - Choose to live with an attitude of joy! - “Go eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart for God has already accepted your works.
Don’s interpretation… favor in life comes much more from God’s grace than it does from our striving, so relax, enjoy each day and be thankful to the Lord.
Verse 8a - Choose to live a holy life! - “Let your garments always be white”
Don’s interpretation… Holiness will always serve you better than sin!
Verse 8b - Choose to live passionate toward God! - “And let your head lack no oil”
Don’s interpretation… oil is always representative of the Holy Spirit and his anointed presence - so it’s simple - strive to keep the Spirit’s oil flowing over your life.
Verse 9 - Choose to love your wife more each and every day (or husband; or if single - Jesus) - “live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of your vain life…
Don’s interpretation… relationships are key to happiness and your marriage partner must say at the top of the list in caring for relationships.
Verse 10 - Choose to live a productive and not lazy life! - “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…”
Don’s interpretation… Personal esteem is crucial to our well-being and being intentional about working hard and not being slothful will serve us well.
So, I hope these little pointers help you make it through your day with a little more hop in your step!
