Daily Devotions

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 
Day 
Day 37

"I know that what God does, it shall be forever"

Text: Ecclesiastes 3:14

THE WORKS OF GOD

Solomon distinguishes between what man does and what God does. Man’s work is characterised by the word “vanity”. But God’s work is in direct contrast. His work is characterised by “eternity”.

“I know that whatever God does,
It shall be forever.
Nothing can be added to it,
And nothing taken from it.
God does it, that men should fear before Him.”
Ecclesiastes 3:14

1. “I know”

a) Solomon had made many observations.
b) He had done much research.
c) Thus, he can use the word “I know”.
i) His is a “considered opinion”.
ii) He speaks with some “authority”.

2. “Whatever God does, it shall be forever”

a) This is obvious.
b) Creation is an example of what God does.
i) The sun, the moon, the stars
ii) The seasons
c) There is wonderful ecological balance in God’s creation.
d) God’s principles of maintaining the world is “forever”.
i) Predictability
ii) Stability

These things help farmers plan what they can plant according to the seasons.

3. “Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it”

a) No addition.
b) No subtraction.
c) This is observable.

4. “God does it, that men should fear before Him”

a) One reason was given as to why God has done this.
b) That men should fear before Him.
i) There must be acknowledgment of the Person of God.
ii) His powers control the world.
iii) Without His being in control there would be absolute chaos.
iv) The word “fear” may be understood as “deep reverence”.