I saw all of this as I considered all that is done here on earth. Sometimes people harm those they control. I saw the funerals of evil people who used to go in and out of the holy place. They were honored in the same towns where they had done evil. This is useless, too. When evil people are not punished right away, it makes others want to do evil, too. Though a sinner might do a hundred evil things and might live a long time, I know it will be better for those who honor God. I also know it will not go well for evil people, because they do not honor God. Like a shadow, they will not last. Sometimes something useless happens on earth. Bad things happen to good people, and good things happen to bad people. I say that this is also useless. So I decided it was more important to enjoy life. The best that people can do here on earth is to eat, drink, and enjoy life, because these joys will help them do the hard work God gives them here on earth.
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Compare All Versions: Ecclesiastes 8:9-15
5 Days
The study of Ecclesiastes begins the final quarter with some unsettling teachings. Can you really understand the meaning of life for humans? Do we really get what we deserve? These and other questions are explored in our five day journey in this brief chapter.
12 Days
God created us to find meaning in our lives. But we live in a broken world where we’re continually frustrated in our search. So, what’s the point of living life? This is the question the Teacher in Ecclesiastes is asking. At first, the message of this wisdom book seems to lead to despair, but in fact points to the hope of life found in God alone.
Written by an elderly King Solomon, Ecclesiastes reflects on a life of meaningless pursuits. Solomon writes that the world's pursuits, from wealth to self-indulgence, are vain and unfulfilling. Ecclesiastes determines that God and his presence make life fulfilling, and true wisdom is to fear God and keep his commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
15 Days
Ecclesiastes is tough to read! The author, Solomon, is deeply reflective and concludes that everything is meaningless. Interestingly, these words are still relatable three thousand years later. Is everything meaningless? Why is this book in the Bible? Study the book of Ecclesiastes with the Story Bible guide, exploring what it meant when it was first written and what it means to us today.
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