Daily Devotions
Ecclesiastes
"How is man the better?"
Text: Ecclesiastes 6:11
THINGS THAT INCREASE VANITY
Solomon explored the meaning of life as he wrote Ecclesiastes. The more he researched and discovered, the more he felt this terrible sense of “vanity” or “futility”.
“Since there are many things that increase vanity,
How is man the better?”
Ecclesiastes 6:11
1. “Since there are many things that increase vanity”
a) “Increase vanity”
What Solomon meant:
i) Increasing understanding
ii) Increasing sense of “vanity”
iii) Deepening sense of “futility”
b) “Many things”
i) His observations of life.
ii) The many aspects of life that Man strives for to achieve.
c) A short-highlighted list of things many strive for:
i) Wealth
ii) Power
iii) Achievement
iv) Long life
None of the above ever brought any lasting sense of satisfaction to the heart!
The reality of death was truly sobering!
2. “How is man the better?”
a) If this is a theoretical question:
i) It may not affect a person very much.
ii) There would be many views about whether being man is really better.
b) But if this is a question that we are bothered by, then we need to take heed.
i) This question can lead to feelings of despair.
ii) The pursuit of this line of thought can be very depressing.
3. The joy of life must not be lost
a) God meant us to find joy in life.
b) There may be problems in life, but these need not deprive us of joy.
4. Let us recall what was written in an earlier text
“Here is what I have seen:
It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink,
and to enjoy the good of all his labour in which he toils under the sun
all the days of his life which God gives him;
for it is his heritage.
As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth,
and given him power to eat of it,
to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labour—
this is the gift of God.
For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life,
because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.”
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20