With a series of imperatives Qohelet begins the last section of this "vain" book. He instructs the hearer to live life in the way of wisdom, which means to realize there are limits to what one can know. To involve oneself in diverse endeavors is good because the future is unknown to us. Ultimately, we should live life with the knowledge that God watches and judges all actions.

With a series of imperatives Qohelet begins the last section of this "vain" book. He instructs the hearer to live life in the way of wisdom, which means to realize there are limits to what one can know. To involve oneself in diverse endeavors is good because the future is unknown to us. Ultimately, we should live life with the knowledge that God watches and judges all actions.

The difference between wisdom and foolishness is stark. The Qohelet uses many examples to hammer home the idea that wisdom has great advantages for those who apply it, whereas foolishness can lead to a quick downfall. But still, wisdom can't answer all the questions you may have.

The difference between wisdom and foolishness is stark. The Qohelet uses many examples to hammer home the idea that wisdom has great advantages for those who apply it, whereas foolishness can lead to a quick downfall. But still, wisdom can't answer all the questions you may have.

The Qohelet is still perplexed by life and how things are distressing because there is no way to tell that what happens to the righteous is any different than what happens to the wicked. Yet he admonishes his readers still to the idea that God knows what he is doing and he has a plan. What is good to do for sure is to eat and drink and enjoy life with the loved ones God has given you--for "God approves of this!" Wisdom will have its limits, but in this at least, you kind find a daily peace and enjoyment. 

The Qohelet is still perplexed by life and how things are distressing because there is no way to tell that what happens to the righteous is any different than what happens to the wicked. Yet he admonishes his readers still to the idea that God knows what he is doing and he has a plan. What is good to do for sure is to eat and drink and enjoy life with the loved ones God has given you--for "God approves of this!" Wisdom will have its limits, but in this at least, you kind find a daily peace and enjoyment.

The Qohelet contiues to build his idea of "enigma" and how so much of what happens in life cannot be figured out. When it comes to being obedient to the King, one is much better off to do what is commanded, but if you disagree with a command, look for a proper way and time to address the matter. You cannot know what the future holds and a wise person knows that to cooler heads prevail and there can be a proper time to address matters of disagreement later. Beginning in v.10, the author again starts a key text for us as readers to understand the main point of his teaching, i.e., that there is no way to understand why things work like they do just by observing the lives of poeple, no matter how long and hard one may try. The best thing there is to enjoy the life you have today, celebrate with those close to you, and trust that God knows what he is doing and will put everything right in the end. FAITH is the key to the best life. 

The Qohelet contiues to build his idea of "enigma" and how so much of what happens in life cannot be figured out. When it comes to being obedient to the King, one is much better off to do what is commanded, but if you disagree with a command, look for a proper way and time to address the matter. You cannot know what the future holds and a wise person knows that to cooler heads prevail and there can be a proper time to address matters of disagreement later. Beginning in v.10, the author again starts a key text for us as readers to understand the main point of his teaching, i.e., that there is no way to understand why things work like they do just by observing the lives of poeple, no matter how long and hard one may try. The best thing there is to enjoy the life you have today, celebrate with those close to you, and trust that God knows what he is doing and will put everything right in the end. FAITH is the key to the best life.

We begin this week's podcast by putting our attention on a couple of passages in Ecclesiastes we have been over already and showing how vital they are for understanding what the author is trying to say as a whole in this great book--specifically, 3:16-22 and 5:1-7. Then we get into this week's section which is all about the Qohelet's determination of search out the difference between wisdom and folly. He uses some language that could be taken as misogynistic, but should it be? Is this really just a common biblical way of talking about the dangers of being ensnared by "woman folly?"

We begin this week's podcast by putting our attention on a couple of passages in Ecclesiastes we have been over already and showing how vital they are for understanding what the author is trying to say as a whole in this great book--specifically, 3:16-22 and 5:1-7. Then we get into this week's section which is all about the Qohelet's determination of search out the difference between wisdom and folly. He uses some language that could be taken as misogynistic, but should it be? Is this really just a common biblical way of talking about the dangers of being ensnared by "woman folly?"