"The TRUE Source of Good"

 

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 "There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of GOD. For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I ? For GOD giveth to a man that is good in HIS sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner HE giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before GOD. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit."

     In the concluding section of this chapter, King Solomon proposes a way of living that coincides with his observation concerning the plight of all men. But remember - his suppositions stem from his personal perspective "under the sun," not the LORD's point of view. In light of the evident truth that GOD at times blesses the fool as well as the prudent with good things from HIS hand (v.24b). Solomon proposes that a reasonable approach to pursuing the best that life can afford would be to "eat and drink, and . . . make his soul enjoy good in his labor" (v.24a). The King had traveled this road for a while; no one on earth had as much capacity for enjoying the finest things that money could buy (v.25 pictured above). But once again, Solomon is not considering the reality of a GOD in Heaven WHO has a great deal to say to the sons of men, both the saved as well as the lost. In a later chapter of Ecclesiastes, we read that the one who does not know the LORD might as well enjoy this present life as much as he possibly can, while he can, because this is the only good, he will ever see - GOD's sure judgment lies ahead !

     The concluding verse in this chapter is unique, for here we have the interjection of revealed truth relating to the Almighty GOD and HIS dealings with men (v.26 pictured above). Yes, as we have already noticed, the LORD is the source of any good that can benefit man, but HE is also the Righteous JUDGE who will call into account the life lived "under the sun." The phrase "GOD giveth to a man" speaks of HIS grace -- GOD provides that which man cannot attain by his own efforts. But, the LORD also brings "travail" to the sinner. Man must answer to GOD, and this fact is truly "vexation of spirit" to the self-sufficient. DWC

Your servant in CHRIST,

Julie

Copyright, FEATURE: A Daily Bible Study Guide.

Used  with  permission.    www.featoday.org

https://www.fivestarchristianministries.com/salvation