Life is a gift from God—each day, food, drink, friendship, marriage, family, work, and every blessing. Youth is wonderful, but life is a vapor of smoke, and the world can’t give the purpose or peace we’re chasing. Solomon’s conclusion is simple: Fear God and do what He says. Real life is found in Jesus Christ—the way, truth, and life. Trust God’s way as the best way to live and remember your Creator in all the details of life.

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Summary — Ecclesiastes 9: Facing the Reality of Time & Death

Solomon searched for wisdom and discovered that life is full of mysteries only God understands. We can’t explain why good or bad things happen or why time keeps moving no matter what we do. Everyone faces the same destiny—death—whether righteous or wicked. Time is fleeting, like vapor, and death is unavoidable. But through Jesus, death has been defeated—He gives victory to all who believe in Him.

Because life is short, we should accept its reality, be present in our current season, and enjoy life’s simple gifts—good food, love, and meaningful work. These moments are not empty pleasures but reminders of God’s goodness. Gratitude helps us live wisely and joyfully in a world we can’t control.

Ecclesiastes 8 says, “How wonderful it is to be wise, to analyze and interpret things.” Wisdom is “skill in living” — skill in taking care of yourself, your relationships, your work, your finances, and your faith. It produces joy and lights up a person’s face. We develop from personal experience and from watching and listening to others. also teaches that it’s wise to learn how to live under authority. Authority comes from God, and we can’t escape it in life — at home, work, church, or government. Living wisely under authority means knowing who’s in charge, respecting and trusting leadership, and responding appropriately.

Ecclesiastes 7 teaches that wisdom gives us an advantage in life, but it comes slowly through life’s challenges. A good reputation is more valuable than wealth, and sorrow, correction, and patience refine our character far more than comfort or praise. Wisdom helps us navigate life, yet even the wise face corruption, frustration, and limits. Solomon reminds us to accept both prosperity and adversity as coming from God. In the end, human wisdom cannot save us because all people are sinful and flawed—pointing us to our need for divine wisdom found in Christ alone.

Ecclesiastes 7 teaches that wisdom gives us an advantage in life, but it comes slowly through life’s challenges. A good reputation is more valuable than wealth, and sorrow, correction, and patience refine our character far more than comfort or praise. Wisdom helps us navigate life, yet even the wise face corruption, frustration, and limits. Solomon reminds us to accept both prosperity and adversity as coming from God. In the end, human wisdom cannot save us because all people are sinful and flawed—pointing us to our need for divine wisdom found in Christ alone.

Solomon says, do not be surprised when you see oppression, injustice, and people in power milking the land—because all of it comes from greed and the love of money.

Those who love money will never have enough or be satisfied.

The more you have, the more people help you spend it, and the harder it is to sleep. Hoarding riches only harms you, and in the end, you can’t take any of it with you. Some people gain everything they want but never get to enjoy it.

Solomon tells us to practice being thankful for what you have instead of dreaming about what you don’t, and to practice being present where you are and who you’re with.

Too often, we come to God with selfish motives—using worship, words, and promises to get what they want rather than to honor Him.

True worship means remembering who God is: He’s in heaven, we’re on earth. Our words should be few, our hearts sincere, and our promises genuine.

Solomon warns us to approach God with honesty, reverence and humility, not carelessness or manipulation; ready to listen to what He says. 

This week we explored Ecclesiastes 4, where we learned that Solomon saw the brokenness of our world including oppression, envy, isolation, and pride.

But Jesus calls us to a better way!

➡️ From oppression to liberation

➡️ From envy to generosity

➡️ From isolation to community

➡️ From pride to humility

"Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life…" (John 14:6)

Listen to this week's sermon for insight from Ecclesiastes on living the way of Jesus.