SWHW Bible Reading Plan - Year 2 January 2021Sample

January 4

Top Takeaway from Caroline Foster:

Before we dive into today’s Scripture, let's first define the word “meaningless.” Clearly the word meaningless is pretty important considering Solomon used it over eight times in Ecclesiastes 4-7. 

Meaningless is an adjective used to describe something having no meaning or significance. 

In this Scripture, Solomon described several things as meaningless, so let's take a look:

1. “And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (4:4) What was Solomon saying here? He was essentially saying that some people are lazy and some are workaholics. Oftentimes workaholics are filled by greed, discontentment, and insecurity. They feel like they have something to prove through their work. On the other hand, lazy people see success as futile, and as a result, hurt those dependent on them. Both of these extremes are meaningless.

2. “There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. ‘For whom am I toiling,’ he asked, ‘and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?’ This too is meaningless- a miserable business!” (4:8) What does this tell us? We were not made to do life alone. We were made to serve others and live in community. Be a team player and embrace different people and ways of doing things!

3. “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.” (4:13) Advancement or getting to the top is meaningless. The world will tell you that advancement, popularity, and positions matter, but our goal should be God’s approval. Period.

4. “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless.” (5:7) In a world that tells us we can speak things into existence or create our own destiny; remember this: GOD HOLDS THE FUTURE. Focus on today. Surrender today. Work hard, give your best, and trust God with the outcome.

5. “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.” (5:10) The world will tell you that happiness = wealth. If you could just get that car. If you could just buy that house. If you could just have the cute clothes. But hear this—you will never “have enough” if money is your focus. Want to know what matters? People. Relationships. Money will come and go—never satisfying. 

6. “Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” (6:9) Don’t waste time dreaming and wishing for what you don’t have. Focus on what’s in front of you and the people God has called you to serve TODAY.

This world will offer a lot of “little g” gods that try to steal your focus as a believer. Solomon’s charge to us in today’s Scripture could easily be summed up with JESUS > EVERYTHING. As women in the workforce, championing our homes and the gospel, let’s be about serving others and always pointing them to Jesus.

Lord, thank You for Solomon and his bold words that remind us that all of this is meaningless compared to knowing You and making much of You. In a world that tempts us with rankings, money, and success, help us to keep our eyes on You alone. I pray that our goal would be making much of You > anything the world offers. Give us the eyes to see the people we are called to help today!  Amen.