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SERIES: “LIFE UNDER THE SUN” -- #8 - BETTER LIFE LESSONS -- ECCLESIASTES 4:1-16
Review: Solomon, the king, the wise man, the man whom God has blessed greatly is looking at life “under the sun” – from a purely human viewpoint, without considering God, or Heaven, etc. He has come to the conclusion that “all is vanity” for life lived “under the sun.” believe the Holy Spirit led him to write this book so that all who read it can see that there is more to life than just life “under the sun.” In the first 3 verses of this chapter Solomon returns to thoughts of oppression “under the sun.” He had already mentioned in in 3:16 – “. . . I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there . . . ” Oppression involves cheating one’s neighbor, defrauding and/or robbing, and making unjust gain off of him/her. It is the abuse of power. It is often associated with violence and bloodshed. God’s Word is not vague about oppression! Amos the prophet preached against people who oppressed the poor and the needy. Ezekiel warned against extortion and stealing. Zechariah listed the people most likely to be oppressed – widows, orphans, the poor. Now, Solomon takes a look at oppression from a purely “under the sun” point of view. He saw the tears of the oppressed. He saw that the oppressed “had no comforter” (one to pity or console; avenger). He said it twice. This presents the difference between the lost (those “under the sun”) and the saved. Both can be oppressed. Those without Christ have no Comforter. Romans 12:17-20 tells the saved: a) Repay to no one “evil for evil.;" b) Be honest; c) As much as possible live peaceably with all; d) Give place to wrath; e) Avenge not yourselves. Why? Because we are to allow God to take care of the “repayment” for us. But, viewing things from “under the sun,” what does Solomon say about those who are oppressed? He first praised those already dead (because they have escaped oppression). He says it would be better to have never been born. Those are the “lucky” ones. Then, in the remaining verses of this chapter, he made several comparisons based on what he saw happening around him “under the sun” and offered instruction for “better” living in this transient world. He points out:
I. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE THE BLESSING OF CONTENTMENT – VV.4-6.
II. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE THE BENEFIT OF COMPANIONSHIP--VV. 7-12.
III. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE A TEACHABLE SPIRIT – VV. 13-16.
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By JWHReview: Solomon, the king, the wise man, the man whom God has blessed greatly is looking at life “under the sun” – from a purely human viewpoint, without considering God, or Heaven, etc. He has come to the conclusion that “all is vanity” for life lived “under the sun.” believe the Holy Spirit led him to write this book so that all who read it can see that there is more to life than just life “under the sun.” In the first 3 verses of this chapter Solomon returns to thoughts of oppression “under the sun.” He had already mentioned in in 3:16 – “. . . I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there . . . ” Oppression involves cheating one’s neighbor, defrauding and/or robbing, and making unjust gain off of him/her. It is the abuse of power. It is often associated with violence and bloodshed. God’s Word is not vague about oppression! Amos the prophet preached against people who oppressed the poor and the needy. Ezekiel warned against extortion and stealing. Zechariah listed the people most likely to be oppressed – widows, orphans, the poor. Now, Solomon takes a look at oppression from a purely “under the sun” point of view. He saw the tears of the oppressed. He saw that the oppressed “had no comforter” (one to pity or console; avenger). He said it twice. This presents the difference between the lost (those “under the sun”) and the saved. Both can be oppressed. Those without Christ have no Comforter. Romans 12:17-20 tells the saved: a) Repay to no one “evil for evil.;" b) Be honest; c) As much as possible live peaceably with all; d) Give place to wrath; e) Avenge not yourselves. Why? Because we are to allow God to take care of the “repayment” for us. But, viewing things from “under the sun,” what does Solomon say about those who are oppressed? He first praised those already dead (because they have escaped oppression). He says it would be better to have never been born. Those are the “lucky” ones. Then, in the remaining verses of this chapter, he made several comparisons based on what he saw happening around him “under the sun” and offered instruction for “better” living in this transient world. He points out:
I. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE THE BLESSING OF CONTENTMENT – VV.4-6.
II. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE THE BENEFIT OF COMPANIONSHIP--VV. 7-12.
III. IT IS BETTER TO HAVE A TEACHABLE SPIRIT – VV. 13-16.