Frustration Under the Sun

Introduction

Ecclesiastes represents man’s best conclusions as he searches for answers “under the sun.” It sets forth deductions based on observations and on logic but not on divine revelation. Ecclesiastes is what a wise man might think if he did not have a Bible.

Transition

As he wrapped up chapter 8, Solomon hinted at the frustration his search for meaning had brought him.

Ecclesiastes 8:17 (NKJV)

17 then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it; moreover, though a wise man attempts to know it, he will not be able to find it.

There is just too much for anyone one man, including himself, to wrap his head around. This clearly frustrated him.

Ecclesiastes 9:1 (NKJV)

1 For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them.

Illumination

Frustrating Facts

Death Comes to All, 9:2-10

Ecclesiastes 9:3 (NKJV)

3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

Writing from a human perspective, Solomon bemoans the fact that life is short and death is the end

From a human perspective, a certain amount of hedonism is appropriate

From a human perspective, a certain amount of diligence is also appropriate

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NKJV)

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

The advice given in this verse is excellent, but the reason is utterly bad!

Chance Happens to All, 9:11-12

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NKJV)

11 I returned and saw under the sun that—

The race is not to the swift,

Nor the battle to the strong,

Nor bread to the wise,

Nor riches to men of understanding,

Nor favor to men of skill;

But time and chance happen to them all.

Wisdom Is Not Appreciated, 9:13-10:3

Wisdom is good, and better than most characteristics

Foolishness has tremendous power

Ecclesiastes 9:18–10:1 (NKJV)

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war;

But one sinner destroys much good.”

1 Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment,

And cause it to give off a foul odor;

So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.

Life Is Inconsistent, 10:4-20

Fools can be celebrated more than sages

Servants can be treated better than princes

Workers can be harmed by their work and miss its benefits

Success can be won through wisdom…or brute force

Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NKJV)

10 If the ax is dull,

And one does not sharpen the edge,

Then he must use more strength;

But wisdom brings success.

Fools garner a lot of attention

There is so much in life that is frustrating! We could readily turn to despair, but Solomon instead turns to his wisdom and offers advice.

Wise Words

Be Diligent, 11:1-8

Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NKJV)

6 In the morning sow your seed,

And in the evening do not withhold your hand;

For you do not know which will prosper,

Either this or that,

Or whether both alike will be good.

Expand your focus

Be generous with your gains

Diversify your efforts

Plan for the unexpected

Press through difficulties

Enjoy your prosperity

Remember your mortality

Be Disciplined, 11:9-10

Youth is wasted on the young

Experience is wasted on the old

Passion is wasted on us all

Energy and wonder combined with experience and passion is optimal…but still fleeting

There is real, albeit human, wisdom in Solomon’s advice. You don’t have to believe in God or the Bible or anything for this to be helpful. But God’s presence is ultimately inescapable in Solomon’s thoughts.

God’s Presence

Human agency does not violate God’s sovereignty

Ecclesiastes 9:1 (NKJV)

1 For I considered all this in my heart, so that I could declare it all: that the righteous and the wise and their works are in the hand of God. People know neither love nor hatred by anything they see before them.

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NKJV)

5 As you do not know what is the way of the wind,

Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child,

So you do not know the works of God who makes everything.

God approves pleasure

Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NKJV)

7 Go, eat your bread with joy,

And drink your wine with a merry heart;

For God has already accepted your works.

Despite the wording, this is not tacit approval of all our works

Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NLT)

7 So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this!

God requires accountability

Ecclesiastes 11:9 (NKJV)

9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth,

And let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth;

Walk in the ways of your heart,

And in the sight of your eyes;

But know that for all these

God will bring you into judgment.

Conclusion

As Solomon observed the world around him, and as we observe the world around us, frustration is natural. There is so much going on that there is no shortage of things that will be a source of irritation. If we focus only on those things, we will grow embittered and fruitless.

Rising above what frustrates and exercising human wisdom and agency will allow us to experience satisfaction and success. At least to a degree.

Seeing God’s presence and sensing God’s plan as we exercise that agency allows us to add the experience of significance to satisfaction and success. This is what Solomon portrays as optimal.

Still, life “under the sun” is not as fulfilling as it could, or should, be. All of Solomon’s exploration and advice lead him to conclude with what is best…but that is chapter 12…and that is next week!