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For the balance of chapter 3 in Ecclesiastes, Solomon turns has attention and monologue to death: Ecclesiastes 3:18-22 New King James Version 18 I said in my heart, “Concerning the condition of the sons of men, God tests them, that they may see that they themselves are like animals.” 19 For...

My wife and I were watching some old Midnight Specials last Friday night, and they had some dynamite talent on that show. I remember when I was in my early twenties, I fell in love with "power ballads" and easy rock love songs. I had a longing for love (I know...barf), and I just had that hope...

Yes, brother, we see, experience, and understand what God is doing for us now and what his eternal plans are for us in the future. It appears Solomon didn't have that type of relationship where we walk by faith that God has our best interests at heart and loves us deeply. We love Him in return...

The remainder of chapter 3 of Ecclesiastes is great commentary on the beautiful poem he composed in verses 1-8. I'm not so sure about his theology and the state of his relationship with God, though. Ecclesiastes was composed later in life, and Solomon reflects back on what he's experienced and...

Look at the first example Solomon gives "to everything there is a season...A time to be born, And a time to die." Mortality can be a sobering foe to face, especially as we get older. Skipping ahead in James, James 4:13-14 New King James Version Do Not Boast About Tomorrow 13 Come now, you...

The verses you shared answer the question, what is wisdom from a Christian point of view? "Christ...the wisdom of God."

I love the Byrds' rendition of Solomon's lyrics. David Crosby participates in the performance below:

Mourning and sorrow can well up some inspiring creativity as Solomon illustrates in one of my favorite poems, Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8: To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is...

I like how Solomon ends the section that is captured at the end of Chapter 2, and it ties in nicely with some of James' thoughts, too: Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 New King James Version 24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his...

Whatever criticisms there are towards Solomon, at least he was honest. He expresses a lot of frustration in chapter 2 of Ecclesiastes that his efforts to live a "good life" and lead the kingdom responsibly did not yield the fulfillment he craved. He enjoyed pleasure, laughter, wine, and made his...

These are great verses, brother. We really messed up the opportunity God gave us in the Promised Land of the OT, and Jerusalem at the height of its grandeur was one of the most beautiful cities in history. It's still a remarkable place, and every time I hear the word, Jerusalem, and see it on...

Temptations are everywhere. Even as Christians (or at least this Christian), there are many forbidden fruits out there that tempt us. While they may be visually appealing or sweet to the taste, they become as bitter as wormwood and can easily ensnare us and lead us away from God. The further we...

"...spiritual wisdom and understanding..." Amen!

Jesus told His disciples: "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Matt. 10: 16). We need a blend of both characteristics as we spread the good news to this broken world. It would be great if we didn't have to worry about...

These are good thoughts, brother. Vanity is such a solid temptation because it usually brings some temporary pleasure and material benefits short term. And then a moment or day of pleasure yields days, weeks, or longer of emptiness and sorrow. I need to keep my eyes on God at all times because...

No doubt about that, sister. I'm not sure I would have lived long, and/or I may have ended up in jail without God's calling to get out of the town and lifestyle I was living as a teenager. I can certainly relate with Solomon: the party lifestyle left me empty, and even when I got a good job and...

I think that sums up James' ideas better. "Verification by works," God's work within us manifesting the fruit of the Spirit.

Wisdom is a gift from God, and it is a great attribute to have in this wild and out-of-control world. Why is it that Solomon's gift went from being an asset that helped him govern the nation successfully to souring into misery and despair? I like the sub-title that Bible Gateway...

I like the way you broke down wisdom, brother. Jesus Christ is our greatest source of wisdom for sure! James encourages us to ask God for wisdom: James 1:5-8 New King James Version 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will...

I never noticed until this reading how much poetry Solomon includes in Ecclesiastes. He shares many insights and observations through prose (e.g. Chpt. 1 verses 12-14) but then uses poetry to express abstract concepts like vanity (v. 15). After a short introduction establishing his credentials...