A Wise Man or a Fool? - Who Knows? - Ecclesiastes 2:19

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me”, and in chapter two and verse nineteen of his book Solomon said, “who knows whether he shall be a wise man or a fool?”, where we read,

And who knows whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

 

The verse reads, “And who knows whether he shall be a wise man or a fool?” Solomon began with the words, “and who knows”  or “and what person is aware, has learned, perceived, found out and discerned” “whether he shall be a wise man” which means “if and in case he, the man that shall be after Solomon, will exist as a shrewd, prudent and understanding person” “or a fool” or “or a dullard, simpleton and foolhardy”? Solomon questioned if the person who comes after him would be “wise or foolish”. 

The verse goes on to say, “yet shall he have rule over all my labor wherein I have labored, and wherein I have showed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.” Daniel continued with the words, “yet shall he have rule over” or “still and at the same time will he, the person who follows Solomon, obtain and possess dominion, power, mastery and lordship above” “all my labor” which means “each, every, the whole and everyone of my, Solomon’s, toils, troubles, grievances and wearisome work” “wherein I have labored” or “in which I, Solomon, have toiled, grieved and tirelessly worked”, “and wherein I have showed myself wise” which means “and in which I, Solomon, have demonstrated and revealed my own self as shrewd, skilled, understanding and prudent” “under the sun” or “beneath the sun in the sky”. “This also” which means “the idea of person following him having dominion over his toils even so and indeed” “is vanity” or “exists as vapor, breath and transitory emptiness”. Solomon shared how he understood the person who follows him will have dominion over everything for which he tirelessly worked and exposed his “wisdom” beneath the sun”, and he considered this grasping for the wind and empty. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we discover through Solomon how he considered the inheritance he would leave to a person of which he did not know their character. They might be “wise”, and they may be “foolish”. Either way they would have dominion over his toils and wearisome works, and for this reason, Solomon concluded that it was as soap bubbles or grasping for the wind. God knows the things in this life are temporary at best. God owns everything, (See Psalm 24:1) and whatever we gain in this life will be left behind when we leave through death. Only when we yield our lives to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the grave after three days will we receive forgiveness of sins, everlasting life and the Holy Spirit of God who will guide us into all truth and help us to invest in riches that will not fade away. (See Matthew 6:19-21; Luke 16:11)

Next time Solomon says, “I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Hating All My Labor - Ecclesiastes 2:18

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dies the wise man? as the fool. Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit”, and in chapter two and verse eighteen of his book Solomon said, “I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun”, where we read,

Yes, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun: 

because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

 

The verse reads, “Yes, I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun:” Solomon began with the words, “yes, I hated all my labor”  or “even so and indeed, I, Solomon, loathed and was odious to and existed as an enemy and foe to each, every and the whole of my, Solomon’s, toil, trouble, weariness and work” “which I had taken” which means “that I, Solomon, suffered, toiled and had misery” “under the sun” or “beneath the sun in the sky”. Solomon said he loathed the work he performed with misery beneath the sun in the sky. 

The verse continues, “because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.” Daniel added the words, “because I should leave it” or “since and on account that I, Solomon, am to allow it to remain and be given” “unto the man” which means “to the person” “that shall be after me” or “who will exist following me, Solomon”. Solomon said the reason he “hated” all the work he performed beneath the sun was on account that he would only have to allow it to remain and be given to the person who follows him. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he loathed even the work that he performed and produced while living beneath the sun. He knew everything he owned would be left behind after his death, and all of his possessions would be given to the person who followed him. This kind of thinking can lead to despair, and it was not what God originally designed for people. God loves people, and He gives them purpose and gifts when they yield to His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us positions of service that will not only be rewarded, but shall also bless God forever and ever. 

Next time Solomon asks, “who knows whether he shall be a wise man or a fool?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Therefore I Hated Life - Ecclesiastes 2:17

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dies the wise man? as the fool”, and in chapter two and verse seventeen of his book Solomon said, “therefore I hated life”, where we read,

Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: 

for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

The verse reads, “Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me:” Solomon began with the words, “therefore I hated life”  or “wherefore, then and on this account I, Solomon, loathed, was odious to and exists as an enemy and foe to living and being alive”; “because the work” which means “since and on account that the deeds, acts and labor” “that is wrought under the sun” or “that exists as fashioned, accomplished, made and produced beneath the sun in the sky” “is grievous unto me” which means “exists as bad, disagreeable, malignant, unpleasant and evil to me, Solomon”. Solomon said he loathed living since labor that is accomplished beneath the sun existed as disagreeable and unpleasing to him. 

The verse goes on to say, “for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” Daniel continued with the words, “for all” or “because, since and on account that each, every, the whole and the complete labor” “is vanity” which means “exists as vapor, breath and unsatisfactory emptiness” “and vexation” or “and longing, grasping and striving” “of spirit” which means “pertaining to the wind, breath and mind”. Solomon concluded that every type of work was not only disagreeable to him, but also was similar to grasping the wind or as “soap bubbles”. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he detested life because every form of labor became unpleasant and malignant to him. He concluded it was “all” like grasping at the wind which leaves a person empty and vexed. In the grand scheme of things some people may come to this conclusion, however, God did not want it to be this way. He gave the first human beings, Adam and Eve, tasks to accomplish within His garden (See Genesis 2:15), and everyone is invited to serve in His Kingdom when they receive His Son Jesus who came into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days. When we yield to Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and equip us with a task or service within His Kingdom which will not only satisfy in this life, but will help us to enjoy our “lives” for ages and ages to come. 

Next time Solomon says, “I hated all my labor which I had taken under the sun”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

No Remembrance of the Wise or Fools - Ecclesiastes 2:16

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “Then said I in my heart, As it happens to the fool, so it happens even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity”, and in chapter two and verse sixteen of his book Solomon said, “there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever”, where we read,

For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dies the wise man? as the fool.

The verse reads, “For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever;” Solomon began with the words, “for there is no remembrance”  or “because, since and on account that there exists not any memorial, reminder or record” “of the wise man” which means “pertaining to the person who has skill, prudence and understanding” “more than of the fool” or “to a greater amount compared to the person who is a dullard, simpleton and stupid fellow” “for ever” which means “for long duration, everlasting, evermore and perpetually”. Solomon concluded that there existed no memorial or reminder of the person who is skilled and prudent any more than a person who is a simpleton and foolish.  

The verse continues, “seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dies the wise man? as the fool.” Daniel added the words, “seeing that which now is” or “since what already and currently exists” “in the days to come” which means “within the sunrises to sunsets in the future” “shall all be forgotten” or “will each, every, the whole and everyone exist as ignored, withered away, mislaid and oblivious from want of memory or attention”. “And how dies the wise man” which means “and in what way does the skilled, prudent and understanding person perish, be killed or slain and pass away”? “As the fool” or “similar and in likeness to the dullard, simpleton and stupid fellow”. Solomon said in the future both the wise and the foolish person would be ignored and oblivious to thought as he rhetorically asked how the wise person perishes from life, and answered in the same manner as the “fool”. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon continued to contrast the person filled with wisdom compared to the simpleton. He declared that neither one would be “remembered” because the people in the future would forget them. He then considered the death of both the “wise” man versus the “foolish” man, and said they both perish from life in the same manner. This glib view of the value and presence of people does not include God’s eternal redemption and salvation plan for mankind through His Son Jesus who was sent into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone and to be raised from the dead after three days. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us eternal life and give us His Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us into the life that is eternally pleasing to God and shall last forevermore. (See John 3:16)

Next time Solomon says, “therefore I hated life”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

As Happens to the Fool, It Happens to Me - Ecclesiastes 2:15

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happens to them all”, and in chapter two and verse fifteen of his book Solomon said, “As it happens to the fool, so it happens even to me”, where we read,

Then said I in my heart, As it happens to the fool, so it happens even to me; 

and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.

The verse reads, “Then said I in my heart, As it happens to the fool, so it happens even to me;” Solomon began with the words, “then said I”  or “at that time uttered, declared and proclaimed I, Solomon” “in my heart” which means “within my soul and mind”, “as it happens to the fool” or “in the same manner it, the one event, befalls, chances toward and is met toward the person who is a dullard, simpleton, arrogant and stupid”, “so it happens even to me” which means “indeed and also it, the one event, befalls, chances toward and is met indeed and also to me, Solomon”. Solomon shared how he realized within his soul and mind that the same one event that befalls a dullard and simpleton befalls him as well. 

The verse goes on to say, “and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.” Daniel continued with the words, “and why was I then” or “and for what reason and cause was I, Solomon, therefore, wherefore and on this account” “more wise” which means “advantaged, superior and better in skill, prudence and understanding”? “Then I said in my heart” or “therefore, wherefore and on this account I, Solomon, uttered, declared and proclaimed within my soul and mind”, “that this also” which means “that this, being more wise, even so and indeed” “is vanity” or “exists as vapor, breath and transitory dissatisfaction”. Solomon question what the advantage was for him to be superior in skill and understanding because it was indeed as vapor and empty dissatisfaction. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how he began to question the value of having “wisdom” versus another person being foolish. Since the same “one event - death” happens to both of them, what is the use? He decided that gaining “wisdom” in the overall scheme of things is empty. It is true that whether we are “wise or foolish” we shall certainly die, and death comes to all of us because it is the wage for our sin. (See Romans 5:12; 6:23) For this reason God sent His Only Begotten Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and filled with His Holy Spirit so we may use His “wisdom” throughout our lives on earth before we go to Heaven with Him.

Next time Solomon says, “there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The Wise Man Versus the Fool - Ecclesiastes 2:14

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done. Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness”, and in chapter two and verse fourteen of his book Solomon said, “the wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness”, where we read,

The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness: 

and I myself perceived also that one event happens to them all.

The verse reads, “The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness:” Solomon began with the words, “the wise man’s eyes”  or “the person whose physical eyes used for vision and sight” “are in his head” which means “exists within his, the person’s, top, summit and upper part”: “but the fool” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the dullard, simpleton, arrogant one and stupid fellow” “walks in darkness” which means “ambles about within misery, destruction, ignorance and wickedness”. Solomon contrasted the person who is observant toward his path versus the person who ambles about in misery and ignorance. 

The verse continues, “and I myself perceived also that one event happens to them all.” Daniel added the words, “and I myself perceived also” or “and I, Solomon, my own self, learned, found out and discerned even so and indeed” “that one event” which means “that a particular meeting, happening, chance and fortune” “happens to them all” or “to each, every, the whole and every one of them, the people whether wise or foolish”. Solomon shared how he discerned that a particular fortune occurs with people whether they are “wise or foolish”. 

When we meditate upon Solomon’s words in this verse, we see how he compared the value of being filled with skill and prudence with being foolish. Being “wise” is superior to being “foolhardy”, however, people with either trait will experience the same occurrence - death. One person out of one person die, and this is because death is the wage for sin. (See Romans 6:23) We “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (See Romans 3:23), and for this reason God sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone. He was raised from the dead after three days, and when we yield our lives to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth and prepare us in advance for death on earth that happens to everyone but has no power in the eternal lives of those who have received Jesus.  

Next time Solomon says, “As it happens to the fool, so it happens even to me”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

 

Wisdom Excels Folly Like Light Excels Darkness - Ecclesiastes 2:13

In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon said, “I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that comes after the king? even that which has been already done”, and in chapter two and verse thirteen of his book Solomon said, “wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness”, where we read,

Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.

The verse reads, “Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, …” Solomon began with the words, “then I saw”  or “at that time I, Solomon, looked at, inspected, perceived and considered” “that wisdom” which means “that skill, prudence and understanding” “excels folly” or “is advantaged over, profits above and is more excellent than silliness and foolhardiness”. Solomon discovered that prudence and understanding is more excellent than foolishness. 

The verse goes on to say, “ … as far as light excels darkness.” Daniel continued with the words, “as far as light” or “similar and in likeness to the manner illumination” “excels darkness” which means “is advantaged over, profits above and is more excellent than obscurity, misery, ignorance and sorrow”. Solomon shared how he discovered that “wisdom excels folly” similar to the way “illumination” is more excellent than obscurity, ignorance and sorrow. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn how Solomon found some conclusions as he pursued various things in the world. He discovered that “skill, prudence and understanding” were superior to foolhardiness and silliness, and the gap between them was similar to the difference between illumination and obscurity. God wants us to have His “wisdom” (See James 1:5), and the wisest choice we can make is to receive His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was raised from the dead after three days as our “Savior and Lord”. When we accept His offer for salvation, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and provide us with the “wisdom” of His Holy Spirit that excels all other venues that are available in the world. 

Next time Solomon says, “the wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walks in darkness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".