Keep a long term perspective, on death, wisdom and an inheritance for the next generation. Short term thrills and frivolity will pass - don't seize them, but get wisdom instead, for it preserves life. Life will hand you joy and sorrow; don't go crazy pursuing one - sorrow gives wisdom, too. No one is without sin and completely wise. Women can be a trap, while men scheme all kinds of things.
8
With men in power, the course of human events will be frustrating; "keep the king's command."
Death comes to everyone, no matter if we've been good or bad - this is a frustrating evil. Justice will have to wait, though wisdom is better than strength and fame. I commend joy, since God has already justified you.
Solomon has an earthly perspective here, with no insight into what it's like in hell or heaven.
Solomon has an earthly perspective here, with no insight into what it's like in hell or heaven.
Without a belief that justice and joy will come in the morning, there would be no basis to sit back and enjoy your portion under God's sovereignty.
Eccl. 9:7-10a
"Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might"
8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.
9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might"
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