The Solomon Project Ecclesiastes 9:3-8

This section is Solomon's climactic point in this discussion of the great leveler--death. Surely death is evil but the irony is that mankind is also evil. As the little cartoon character Pogo said "We have met the enemy and he is us." Verse 9:3 states: "This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of men, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead." (Ecc 9:3 NIV) It is not just that this evil happens to all. But that this evil is in man (Genesis 6:5). Man according to the Bible was separated from God when he sinned against God (Genesis 3:5-24, 4:1-8). Mankind as it turns out are not only headed toward a common destiny but also share a common malady: the proclivity of hurrying ourselves and others toward that destination. Since death awaits all, the view of life "under the sun" is to do whatever; knowing that ultimately we die anyway. It should not escape our notice that Solomon has just laid out three different types of evil persons beginning in chapter 8:9 ff. The controlling person, the hypocritical person and the indulgent person. All will be traits of addictive and compulsive personalities. Those who know the scourge of addiction and compulsivity understand full well Solomon's wise words here. There are times when we all feel like we are hurtling towards oblivion. Let us take time today to Stop: Accept the moment where we are as perfect for this time. Live in a recovery state of mind right now and make wise choices for the next moment.

Chapter 9:4 presents a proverb, a gem of wisdom, to help cut the edge of the reality of death "Anyone who is among the living has hope--even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" (Ecc 9:4 NIV) Dogs held an ignoble station in Israelite life. They were seen as scroungers and scavengers. The lion was honored for it's power and regal stature. But the author is saying no matter how you are perceived it does you no good dead. In fact if you have a lowly station in life and may not be well received by those of society you are better off than being dead. The author also talks here about hope. What kind of hope? It is my opinion that it is the hope that you will take his words to heart and live out your days wisely in meaningful activity enjoying your work and family. You may not know what life has for you today. The adage applies "At least I have my health." Some reading this will understand the proverb of being a live dog. You may have never held high stations in life but you are alive. Alive to read this and hopefully able to be in grateful recovery. You may be alone, isolated at this time, through your choosing or someone else's. Be grateful to be alive to either begin or continue on the journey of recovery.

Ecclesiastes 9:5 states: "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten." (Ecc 9:5 NIV) This is prima facie statement that does not need further elucidation. But perhaps as with all wisdom literature the worth of the statement is in the reflection. The living know that they will experience what the dead already have--death. In the context verse 4 talks of hope. Hope may be intertwined with the reward in this verse. Solomon is trying to find some advantage for the living as he views this predicament "under the sun." Reward here does not speak of future rewards but the present life. Interestingly the memory of them is forgotten hearkening back to 8:9-10: "All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. Then too, I saw the wicked buried--those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless." (Ecc 8:9-10 NIV). Even if the experiencing of life is death at least you still have awareness that you are alive. This is better than being dead. Yes it is and each of us must take that universal truth to heart today. We can experience much more than death if we will simply live in the light of this book. Enjoy the life and the family and the work that God has given you. I would ask those reading this: what is one thing that you can do intentionally today that will move you towards experiencing life if not to its fullest then to its reality for you?

The next verse continues this previous thought: "Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun." (Ecc 9:6 NIV) This verse is not a contradiction to previous statements by the author i.e. 4:2-3. This verse is talking about the finality of death. After death a person no longer has the opportunity to love or hate, They no longer have anything to do with life. For some who read this you may be applauding the death of perpetrators, violators, or persecutors. You may have endured tremendous suffering. I'm truly sorry that those things happened to you. If the wicked have died there is a finality to it. They are no longer here. The memories are though. The wicked that you know may have not died yet. They will. Their just reward will follow them. Death is the great leveler.

This verse seems a stark contradiction: "Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do."(Ecc 9:7NIV) In light of the unpredictabilities that Solomon has laid out before us He encourages the reader to enjoy life in the midst of uncertainties. These are life events that cannot be controlled--even with your best efforts--they cannot be controlled. Anxiety usually has to do with thinking about feelings and attempting to control your environment in order to avoid those feelings. Solomon is saying life is more than you can control, but not more than you can handle. Do not be overwhelmed by the positive and negative things that happen in life. Enjoy life as it comes to you. Enjoy each and every minute of life. Solomon elaborates here what to enjoy: food, wine, life's necessities and life's luxuries. Dean Koontz says: "Although the constant shadow of certain death looms over everyday, the pleasures and joys of life can be so fine and affecting that the heart is nearly stilled in astonishment. (Dean Koontz, "Watchers"). He says it better than I can. Solomon slips in here one of those statements that is easy to slide over. Those who face the unpredictabilities of life may have a tendency to think that all their efforts are for naught. Solomon says no: God has seen all your efforts to live the way of wisdom and he favors what you do. There is in the midst of meaningless under the sun a satisfaction that God favors our lives.

Verse 8 is a continuation of thought from verse 7: "Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. (Ecc 9:8 NIV) White can have a multiplicity of meanings, here is signifies joy. Oil helps to protect the skin from the hot dry climate of Palestine. Also the white clothes would protect by reflecting rather than absorbing heat from the sun's rays.

In conclusion, If God is in favor of what you do (read this within the Parameters of the Covenant made between God and his people). Then lay aside the unpredictability of the future and the pain of the past and live life as fully in reality today as possible, embracing reality as fully and powerfully as you embraced addictive and compulsive behaviors powerlessly in the past. Our time is up for today so until next week "Keep coming back it works if you work it and you're worth it."