“Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?” Solomon reminds us that both the day of prosperity and the day of adversity are appointed by God. Rather than resisting His sovereign will, we are called to submit to Him and find our joy and peace in Christ. In a world that prefers folly to wisdom, believers are to live according to the wisdom that comes from above.
Solomon teaches that adversity and difficulty reveal whether a person will respond with wisdom or folly. The wise exercise self-control under oppression, are patient and humble in uncertain situations, are “slow to anger,” and learn to live contentedly in the present. Though wealth offers some protection, “wisdom giveth life to them that have it,” and is therefore better than riches.
Solomon teaches that “it is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting,” because death causes the living to “lay it to his heart.” The wise seriously consider mortality and the realities of life, while fools distract themselves with laughter and amusement. Likewise, “it is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.”
Solomon teaches that riches and wealth do not satisfy because they cannot satisfy. Wealth is uncertain and cannot be carried beyond death, and the pursuit of it only increases vanity and anxiety. Instead, life is to be enjoyed as a gift from God, who gives food, drink, work, and the ability to rejoice in them. “Full and ultimate satisfaction is to be found only in the Son of God.”
Solomon teaches that it is “good and comely… to enjoy the good of all his labour… which God giveth him: for it is his portion.” Yet he also observes a man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honour, “yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof… this is vanity.” True joy is not found in wealth itself, but in God who gives both the gift and the ability to enjoy it.
“He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver… this is also vanity.” Solomon shows that the increase of wealth does not bring satisfaction, for the more a man has, the more he desires, the more burdens he bears, and the less rest he enjoys, for “the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it… better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.” Solomon teaches that careless words and unfulfilled promises bring sin and judgment. True worship requires sincerity, obedience, and the fear of God, for “in the multitude of words there are also divers vanities: but fear thou God.”
“Be not rash with thy mouth… therefore let thy words be few.” Solomon teaches that we must be careful and thoughtful in our speech before God, remembering that He is in heaven and we are upon earth. A few sincere and reverent words are far better than many careless and empty ones, for “a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.”
“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God… and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools.” True worship involves coming thoughtfully and reverently to hear the Word of God and to obey it. Those who engage only in outward worship without heart and obedience offer sacrifices that are evil and offensive to God.
Solomon shows the meaninglessness of political success through the rise and fall of kings: a wise youth replaces a foolish king, yet he too is later replaced. Popularity fades, and those who come after do not rejoice in him. “Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit.” True meaning is not found in power or fame, but in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
