The Wicked and the Reverent

Ecclesiastes Study, 2024

Series Title: Pursuit of Purpose

Message #20

Ecclesiastes 8:10-13.

ETS: Solomon resolved that the reverent person should not be entangled with the wickedness, but instead patiently endure. ESS: The life of wickedness leads to futility while the life of reverence leads to eternal life.

OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to commit to a life of reverence towards God instead of one trapped in wickedness.}

PQ:

What observations are noted as we study?

UW: Observations

TS: Let us examine the observations together now.

A life of wickedness is futile. [v. 10]

Address the issue of “praise” or “forget”

The premise: The wicked are also buried. They do not escape the fate of reality.

A life of fearing God lends itself to patient endurance. [vv. 11-13]

Section 1— verses 11-12a: The issue? The consequences for wickedness are not always felt immediately, so the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit evil.

Section 2— Verses 12b-13: The theme of fearing God appears again!

“Though the Preacher is aware of its limitations, he too calls for the ‘fear of God’. It is part of his summary of the requirements of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 12:13 “13 When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: fear God and keep his commands, because this is for all humanity.” ). The ‘seasons’ of life need it (Ecclesiastes 3:14 “14 I know that everything God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of him.”); worship demands it (Ecclesiastes 5:1–7 “1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Better to approach in obedience than to offer the sacrifice as fools do, for they ignorantly do wrong. 2 Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. 3 Just as dreams accompany much labor, so also a fool’s voice comes with many words. 4 When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because he does not delight in fools. Fulfill what you vow. 5 Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you, and do not say in the presence of the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For many dreams bring futility; so do many words. Therefore, fear God.”). It will bring deliverance (Ecclesiastes 7:18 “18 It is good that you grasp the one and do not let the other slip from your hand. For the one who fears God will end up with both of them.”) and ultimate vindication, as is promised here.” (Eaton, Michael A. 1983. Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary. Vol. 18. Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.)

This reminds me of Matthew 7:13–14 “13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. 14 How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.”

Reflective Questions:

[1] What are ways that you can identify the futility of living a wicked lifestyle?

[2] How do you, practically, ensure that you have reverence for God in your life?