Sermon--Ecc 6

 

Ecclesiastes 6

1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men:

2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger* eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

3 If a man beget an hundred children, and live many years, so that the days of his years be many, and his soul be not filled with good,E and also that he have no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he.

4 For he cometh in with vanity, and departeth in darkness, and his name shall be covered with darkness.

5 Moreover he hath not seen the sun, nor known any thing: this hath more rest than the other.

6 Yea, though he live a thousand years twice told, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?

7 All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite^[a] is not filled.

8 For what hath the wise more than the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to walk before the living?

9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this is also vanity and vexation of spirit.

10 That which hath been is named* already, and it is known that it is man: neither may he contend with him that is mightier than he.

11 Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?

12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all^[b] the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

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Ecclesiastes Chapter 6 Outline (KJV)

I. The Vanity of Wealth and Honor (1-2)

• The Preacher observes a common tragedy: a person with wealth, possessions, and honor, yet unable to enjoy them.
• This inability to enjoy God's blessings is described as a grievous evil, a form of vanity.

II. The Futility of Long Life Without Contentment (3-6)

• The Preacher considers the case of a man with many children and a long life, but without contentment or satisfaction.
• He argues that a stillborn child is better off than such a man, as they have escaped the troubles and disappointments of life.

III. The Insatiable Nature of Human Desire (7)

• The Preacher reflects on the nature of human labor, driven by the need to satisfy the appetite.
• Yet, he notes that the appetite is never truly filled, highlighting the futility of endless striving.

 This verse from Ecclesiastes (6:7) speaks to a fundamental human experience: the disconnect between our labor and our ultimate satisfaction. Let's break it down:

• "All the labour of man is for his mouth..." This highlights the basic human need for sustenance. We work to provide for ourselves, to put food on the table. It acknowledges that a significant portion of our efforts are directed towards meeting this fundamental requirement.

• "...and yet the appetite is not filled." This is where the core message lies. Even though we labor to satisfy our hunger, there's a deeper sense of emptiness that often remains. This "appetite" can be interpreted in a few ways:

  • Physical hunger: While we can fill our stomachs, the feeling of hunger returns, creating a constant cycle of labor and consumption.
  • Desire in general: This can extend beyond physical hunger to encompass all our desires and longings. We may work hard to acquire things, but they often fail to provide lasting fulfillment.
  • Spiritual longing: Ultimately, this verse can point to a deeper, spiritual hunger that cannot be satisfied by material possessions or worldly achievements.

The verse suggests a few key ideas:

• The limitations of material satisfaction: It reminds us that our work, focused as it often is on providing for our needs, may not bring us the ultimate satisfaction we seek.
• The cyclical nature of human effort: We work to eat, and then we need to eat again, creating a continuous cycle of labor.
• The importance of looking beyond the material: The verse hints that true fulfillment may lie beyond the physical realm, in something more meaningful than simply satisfying our appetites.

This verse from Ecclesiastes offers a sobering reflection on the nature of human existence and the pursuit of happiness. It encourages us to consider whether our labor is truly fulfilling its purpose and to look beyond the material world for deeper meaning and satisfaction.

IV. The Limitations of Wisdom and the Value of Contentment (8-9)

• The Preacher questions the advantage of wisdom over folly, as both seem to face similar struggles with contentment.
• He suggests that it is better to be content with what one has than to constantly desire more.

 It prompts us to consider the value of our pursuits in a world filled with fleeting and ultimaThis verse from Ecclesiastes (6:11) delves into the nature of "vanity" and its impact on human existely meaningless things. Let's break it down:

• • "Seeing there be many things that increase vanity..." This acknowledges the abundance of things in life that contribute to a sense of futility or meaninglessness. These "things" could be:
  • Material possessions: The pursuit of wealth, status, and possessions, which often fail to provide lasting satisfaction.
  • Endless activities: The constant busyness and striving that can leave us feeling empty and unfulfilled.
  • Excessive words: Meaningless chatter, empty promises, and arguments that lead nowhere.
  • Fleeting pleasures: The temporary highs and indulgences that offer only momentary gratification.

• "...what is man the better?" This is the core question. If so many things in life ultimately add to a sense of vanity, what is the point of it all? What lasting benefit do we gain from our endeavors?

The verse suggests several key ideas:

• The pervasiveness of vanity: It highlights how easily we can get caught up in things that ultimately have little lasting value.
• The challenge of finding meaning: It raises the question of whether there is any true and lasting meaning in life, given the abundance of vanity.
• The need for discernment: It implies that we need to be discerning about what we pursue, focusing on things that truly matter rather than those that simply add to the sense of vanity.
• A call to introspection: It encourages us to examine our own lives and ask whether our pursuits are truly fulfilling or simply contributing to a sense of emptiness.

This verse from Ecclesiastes is a powerful reminder that we need to be mindful of where we invest our time and energy. It challenges us to look beyond the fleeting and superficial, and to seek out those things that will bring true and lasting meaning to our lives.

 

V. The Sovereignty of God and the Mystery of Life (10-12)

• The Preacher acknowledges God's sovereignty over all things, including human life and destiny.
• He emphasizes the limitations of human understanding and the inability to contend with God.
• He concludes by pondering the fleeting nature of life and the uncertainty of what the future holds.

 This question from Ecclesiastes (likely 3:22, or similar phrasing in 6:12 and 10:14) expresses the inherent uncertainty of the future. It highlights our inability to truly know what will happen after we're gone. Let's unpack its meaning:

• "Who can tell a man...?" This emphasizes the lack of anyone with definitive answers. It's not just about an individual's inability to predict the future, but a broader acknowledgment that no one—not even the wisest or most insightful—can fully grasp what lies ahead.

• "...what shall be after him under the sun?" This phrase focuses on earthly matters, the things that happen in this world. It's not necessarily concerned with the afterlife, but rather with the events and circumstances that will unfold on Earth after a person's death. This could include:

  • The fate of their possessions: Who will inherit their wealth, their property, their legacy? Will it be used wisely or squandered?
  • The continuation of their work: Will their projects, their businesses, their influence endure? Or will they be forgotten?
  • The broader course of history: How will the world change and evolve? What will be the impact of future events on those left behind?

The verse suggests several key ideas:

• The limits of human knowledge: We are finite beings with limited understanding. We cannot see the future, and we cannot control the course of events.
• The ephemeral nature of earthly life: Our time on Earth is short, and what happens after we're gone is largely beyond our control. This underscores the importance of focusing on the present moment and making the most of the time we have.
• The importance of humility: Recognizing our inability to know the future should lead to a sense of humility. We should not be arrogant or presumptuous about what will happen.
• A call to focus on the present: Since we cannot know the future, the verse implicitly encourages us to focus on what we can control: our actions, our choices, and our relationships in the present.

This question in Ecclesiastes isn't meant to be pessimistic, but rather realistic. It's a reminder that life is uncertain and that we should live each day to the fullest, focusing on what truly matters rather than worrying about what we cannot know.

Key Themes:

• Vanity of earthly possessions: Wealth, honor, and even long life are meaningless without the ability to enjoy them.
• Importance of contentment: True satisfaction comes from appreciating what one has, not from endless striving for more.
• Limitations of human wisdom: Human understanding is limited, and we cannot fully comprehend God's ways.
• Sovereignty of God: God is in control of all things, and we should submit to His will.
• Fleeting nature of life: Life is short and uncertain, so we should make the most of each day.

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Here are five KJV verses that can help illuminate the meaning of the text you provided, which speaks to a man blessed with abundance yet unable to enjoy it:

1. Ecclesiastes 6:2: "A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease." This verse is the text you provided, and it sets the stage by labeling this situation as "vanity" (futility) and an "evil disease." It highlights the inherent frustration and wrongness of possessing everything yet being unable to partake.

2. Ecclesiastes 2:26: "For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit."¹ This verse speaks to the distribution of blessings and the possibility of wealth being given to one person, only to be ultimately enjoyed by another. It suggests a divine purpose behind the seemingly unfair distribution of resources.

3. Proverbs 11:4: "Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death." This verse reminds us that material wealth is ultimately transient and cannot provide true security or satisfaction, especially in the face of God's judgment. It implies that focusing solely on accumulating wealth can be a misplaced priority.

4. Matthew 6:19-21: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:² For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."³ This passage emphasizes the importance of focusing on eternal riches rather than earthly possessions. It suggests that the man in your text may have focused too much on worldly wealth, neglecting spiritual riches, which might explain his inability to truly enjoy his material possessions.

5. 1 Timothy 6:17: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;"⁴ This verse warns against placing trust in riches, as they are uncertain. It also reminds the wealthy that God gives all things to enjoy. The verse implies that the man in the original text may have been trusting in his riches rather than God, thus missing the blessing of enjoying them. It suggests a proper perspective for those who have been given material wealth.

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This phrase, often found in wisdom literature like Ecclesiastes (e.g., 6:10), speaks to the futility of arguing or struggling against someone or something significantly more powerful than oneself. It's a principle of practical wisdom, acknowledging the limitations of human strength and the importance of recognizing superior power. Let's unpack its meaning:

• "Neither may he contend..." This emphasizes the inadvisability of conflict. "Contend" implies a struggle, a debate, or even outright fighting. The phrase suggests that such conflict is not only likely to be unsuccessful but also potentially harmful.

• "...with him that is mightier than he." This pinpoints the reason for avoiding contention: the vast difference in power. The "mightier" party could be stronger physically, have greater authority, possess more resources, or hold a higher position. The imbalance of power makes the struggle unequal and the outcome predictable.

The phrase suggests several key ideas:

• Recognizing limitations: It underscores the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's own limitations. Knowing when you're outmatched is crucial for self-preservation and avoiding unnecessary suffering.
• Prudence and wisdom: It promotes prudence and wisdom in decision-making. Choosing one's battles wisely is essential. Sometimes, the wisest course of action is to avoid conflict altogether.
• Humility: It encourages humility by acknowledging that there will always be forces and individuals greater than ourselves. This recognition can prevent arrogance and rash actions.
• Acceptance and adaptation: It implies that sometimes, acceptance and adaptation are necessary. Instead of fighting against a stronger force, it might be more strategic to find ways to work within the existing power structure or to find alternative paths.

This principle isn't about giving up or being passive in the face of injustice. Rather, it's about choosing the most effective and strategic approach. It's about recognizing when direct confrontation is likely to be counterproductive and seeking alternative ways to achieve one's goals. Sometimes, discretion and strategic maneuvering are more effective than brute force.