Ecclesiastes 7 - The Good Life That Cannot Satisfy
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“The Good Life That Cannot Satisfy”
“The Good Life That Cannot Satisfy”
Text: Ecclesiastes 7 (KJV)
1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth. 2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. 6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this. 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. 13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. 19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. 21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. 24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? 25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: 26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. 27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: 28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. 29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
Theme: Morality without Christ is the most deceptive dead‑end of all.
Theme: Morality without Christ is the most deceptive dead‑end of all.
INTRODUCTION: Solomon’s Final Experiment
INTRODUCTION: Solomon’s Final Experiment
Solomon has tested every path “under the sun” — science, philosophy, pleasure, wealth, fatalism, egoism, religion — and now he turns to his final experiment:
Morality — the respectable life, the middle‑of‑the‑road life, the do‑gooder life.
McGee calls this “the Babbitt life” — the suburban, civic-minded, club‑attending, church‑going, non‑controversial, non‑committal, middle‑class morality that looks good but is spiritually empty.
Matthew Henry says Ecclesiastes 7 exposes “the insufficiency of all human righteousness apart from the fear of God.”
Bridges calls it “the bankruptcy of morality without grace.”
Solomon is about to show us that morality without Christ is not only empty — it is dangerous.
I. THE GOOD LIFE LOOKS RESPECTABLE BUT CANNOT SATISFY (vv. 1–6)
I. THE GOOD LIFE LOOKS RESPECTABLE BUT CANNOT SATISFY (vv. 1–6)
A. A Good Name Without a New Heart Is Only Perfume (v. 1)
A. A Good Name Without a New Heart Is Only Perfume (v. 1)
1 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
“A good name is better than precious ointment…”
Solomon affirms the value of a good reputation — but exposes its inability to save.
Supporting Scripture:
Proverbs 22:1 — “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches…”
1 A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,
And loving favour rather than silver and gold.
1 Samuel 16:7 — “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.
Matthew 23:27 — Beautiful outwardly, dead inwardly.
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
McGee paints the picture of the respectable suburban moralist — civic clubs, polite manners, a “good name,” and a preacher who will try to “push him into heaven” at his funeral.
Henry reminds us: “A good name is precious, but it is not saving.”
A good name is better than ointment — but a new heart is better than both.
B. The House of Mourning Awakens the Soul — the House of Feasting Numbs It (v. 2)
B. The House of Mourning Awakens the Soul — the House of Feasting Numbs It (v. 2)
2 It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
“It is better to go to the house of mourning…”
Funerals confront us with eternity.
Supporting Scripture:
Psalm 90:12 — “Teach us to number our days…”
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Hebrews 9:27 — “It is appointed unto men once to die…”
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
James 4:14 — Life is “a vapour.”
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
McGee says modern funerals help people avoid thinking about death. Henry: “Funerals preach; feasts distract.”
The wise man goes where his heart will be awakened — the fool goes where his heart will be anesthetized.
C. Sorrow Is Better Than Laughter Because Sorrow Does Spiritual Work (v. 3)
C. Sorrow Is Better Than Laughter Because Sorrow Does Spiritual Work (v. 3)
3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.
“By the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.”
Sorrow is not enjoyable — but it is profitable.
Supporting Scripture:
Psalm 119:67 — “Before I was afflicted I went astray…”
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray:
But now have I kept thy word.
2 Corinthians 7:10 — “Godly sorrow worketh repentance…”
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Psalm 34:18 — God is near the brokenhearted.
18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart;
And saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
McGee: “People laugh all the way to the cemetery.” Henry: “Laughter may puff up the heart, but sorrow prepares it for grace.”
Sorrow is God’s scalpel — it cuts to heal.
D. The Wise Think About Death — the Fool Thinks About Entertainment (v. 4)
D. The Wise Think About Death — the Fool Thinks About Entertainment (v. 4)
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning…”
Supporting Scripture:
Psalm 39:4 — “Make me to know mine end…”
4 Lord, Make me to know mine end,
And the measure of my days, what it is;
That I may know how frail I am.
Luke 12:19–20 — The rich fool ignored eternity.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
Proverbs 14:13 — “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful…”
13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful;
And the end of that mirth is heaviness.
McGee describes the funeral crowd: They don’t get fifty yards from the cemetery before someone tells a joke.
Bridges: “The wise man sees eternity written on every tombstone.”
E. The Rebuke of the Wise Is Better Than the Music of Fools (vv. 5–6)
E. The Rebuke of the Wise Is Better Than the Music of Fools (vv. 5–6)
5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. 6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.
“The crackling of thorns under a pot…”
Thorns burn fast, loud, and bright — but produce no lasting heat.
Supporting Scripture:
Proverbs 27:6 — “Faithful are the wounds of a friend…”
6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Psalm 141:5 — “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness.”
5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness:
And let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil,
Which shall not break my head:
For yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
2 Timothy 4:3 — People prefer “itching ears” preaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Henry: “Rebuke is bitter medicine, but it heals.” Keil & Delitzsch: “The laughter of fools is noisy but empty.”
Better a sharp rebuke that saves the soul than a sweet song that damns it.
II. THE GOOD LIFE IS BUILT ON COMPROMISE, NOT CONVICTION (vv. 7–10)
II. THE GOOD LIFE IS BUILT ON COMPROMISE, NOT CONVICTION (vv. 7–10)
A. The Do‑Gooder Refuses to Take a Stand (v. 9)
A. The Do‑Gooder Refuses to Take a Stand (v. 9)
9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry…”
Solomon is describing the man who avoids conviction because conviction costs popularity.
Supporting Scripture:
Revelation 3:15–16 — The lukewarm make Christ sick.
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Matthew 6:24 — “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”
24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Galatians 1:10 — Pleasing men vs. serving Christ.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
McGee: “He goes with one crowd to be popular with them, and the next night goes with a different crowd.”
Henry: “The moralist is a friend to all but faithful to none.”
B. The Do‑Gooder Is a Slave to Appearances (vv. 7–8)
B. The Do‑Gooder Is a Slave to Appearances (vv. 7–8)
7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
Solomon warns that oppression and bribery corrupt even the moralist.
Supporting Scripture:
Proverbs 29:25 — “The fear of man bringeth a snare.”
25 The fear of man bringeth a snare:
But whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.
John 12:43 — Loved the praise of men.
43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
1 Samuel 15:24 — Saul feared the people.
24 And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.
Keil & Delitzsch: “His righteousness is a garment, not a nature.”
McGee: “He will bend truth, bend ethics, bend Scripture — anything to maintain his image.”
C. The Do‑Gooder Lives in the Past (v. 10)
C. The Do‑Gooder Lives in the Past (v. 10)
10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire wisely concerning this.
“Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these?”
Supporting Scripture:
Philippians 3:13–14 — Forgetting those things which are behind.
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 43:18–19 — “Remember ye not the former things…”
18 Remember ye not the former things,
Neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing;
Now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?
I will even make a way in the wilderness,
And rivers in the desert.
Luke 9:62 — Looking back makes one unfit for the kingdom.
62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Henry: “The past is often praised because it cannot be examined.”
McGee: “He longs for the old days because he has no anchor in Christ for today.”
III. THE GOOD LIFE VALUES MONEY BUT REJECTS CHRIST (vv. 11–12)
III. THE GOOD LIFE VALUES MONEY BUT REJECTS CHRIST (vv. 11–12)
A. Wisdom Is Good — But Wisdom Is Christ (v. 11)
A. Wisdom Is Good — But Wisdom Is Christ (v. 11)
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.
In Proverbs, “wisdom” is Christ Himself.
Supporting Scripture:
1 Corinthians 1:30 — Christ is made unto us wisdom.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
Colossians 2:3 — All treasures of wisdom in Christ.
3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Proverbs 3:13–15 — Wisdom better than rubies.
13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,
And the man that getteth understanding.
14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver,
And the gain thereof than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies:
And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.
McGee: “Oh, how this do‑gooder needs Christ!”
Bridges: “Wisdom without Christ is a map without a destination.”
B. Money Defends the Body — Christ Defends the Soul (v. 12)
B. Money Defends the Body — Christ Defends the Soul (v. 12)
12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
“Money is a defence… but wisdom giveth life.”
Supporting Scripture:
Mark 8:36 — What shall it profit a man?
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Proverbs 11:4 — Riches profit not in the day of wrath.
4 Riches profit not in the day of wrath:
But righteousness delivereth from death.
John 10:10 — Christ gives life.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
McGee: “This man wants plenty of money, but he doesn’t want Christ.”
Henry: “Money may lengthen life, but only Christ gives life.”
IV. THE GOOD LIFE COLLAPSES UNDER GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND MAN’S SINFULNESS (vv. 13–20)
IV. THE GOOD LIFE COLLAPSES UNDER GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND MAN’S SINFULNESS (vv. 13–20)
(Newly inserted section)
Solomon now turns from exposing the emptiness of morality (vv. 1–12) to exposing the limitations of human righteousness and the absolute sovereignty of God.
A. God’s Sovereignty Exposes the Limits of Human Morality (v. 13)
A. God’s Sovereignty Exposes the Limits of Human Morality (v. 13)
13 Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?
Supporting Scripture:
Isaiah 45:9 — Clay cannot argue with the potter.
9 Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker!
Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth.
Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou?
Or thy work, He hath no hands?
Job 9:12 — None can hinder God.
12 Behold, he taketh away, who can hinder him?
Who will say unto him, What doest thou?
Romans 9:20 — Who art thou that repliest against God?
20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
McGee: “The do‑gooder thinks he can fix life by being nice. Solomon says he cannot even fix himself.”
B. God Ordains Both Prosperity and Adversity — Morality Cannot Manipulate Him (v. 14)
B. God Ordains Both Prosperity and Adversity — Morality Cannot Manipulate Him (v. 14)
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
“In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider…”
Supporting Scripture:
Job 2:10 — Receive both good and adversity.
10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Lamentations 3:38 — Good and trouble from the Lord.
38 Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?
James 1:17 — Every good gift from above.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Henry: “Prosperity is a gift; adversity is a teacher.”
C. Human Righteousness Is Inconsistent and Imperfect (vv. 15–16)
C. Human Righteousness Is Inconsistent and Imperfect (vv. 15–16)
15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?
“There is a just man that perisheth… and a wicked man that prolongeth his life…”
Supporting Scripture:
Psalm 73:3–5 — The wicked prosper.
3 For I was envious at the foolish,
When I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death:
But their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men;
Neither are they plagued like other men.
Jeremiah 12:1 — The wicked flourish.
1 Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?
Luke 13:1–5 — Tragedy not always tied to sin.
1 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Henry: “Do not pretend to be more righteous than God requires.”
D. Human Wisdom Cannot Prevent Sin or Guarantee Safety (vv. 17–18)
D. Human Wisdom Cannot Prevent Sin or Guarantee Safety (vv. 17–18)
17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.
“Be not over much wicked… he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.”
Supporting Scripture:
Proverbs 3:7 — Be not wise in thine own eyes.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:
Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Proverbs 16:6 — Fear of the Lord departs from evil.
6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged:
And by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.
1 Corinthians 10:12 — Take heed lest you fall.
12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
Keil & Delitzsch: “The fear of God is the golden mean.”
E. Human Righteousness Is Always Partial — No One Is Sinless (vv. 19–20)
E. Human Righteousness Is Always Partial — No One Is Sinless (vv. 19–20)
19 Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.
“There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.”
Supporting Scripture:
Romans 3:10 — None righteous.
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Romans 3:23 — All have sinned.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
1 John 1:8 — If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
McGee: “The do‑gooder thinks he is the exception. Solomon says there are no exceptions.”
V. THE GOOD LIFE IS BLIND TO ITS OWN SIN (vv. 21–22)
V. THE GOOD LIFE IS BLIND TO ITS OWN SIN (vv. 21–22)
A. The Do‑Gooder Ignores Criticism (v. 21)
A. The Do‑Gooder Ignores Criticism (v. 21)
21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
“Take no heed unto all words that are spoken…”
Supporting Scripture:
Proverbs 12:15 — “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes.”
15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes:
But he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
Jeremiah 17:9 — The heart is deceitful.
9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
Psalm 36:2 — “He flattereth himself in his own eyes.”
2 For he flattereth himself in his own eyes,
Until his iniquity be found to be hateful.
Commentary Integration: McGee: “Don’t be disturbed if someone calls you a crook.”
Henry: “He is more concerned with being thought good than being good.”
B. The Do‑Gooder Forgets His Own Sin (v. 22)
B. The Do‑Gooder Forgets His Own Sin (v. 22)
21 Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: 22 For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.
“For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth…”
Supporting Scripture:
Romans 3:23 — All have sinned.
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Psalm 51:3 — “My sin is ever before me.”
3 For I acknowledge my transgressions:
And my sin is ever before me.
1 John 1:8 — “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.”
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Commentary Integration: Keil & Delitzsch: “Self‑righteousness is self‑ignorance.”
Bridges: “The moralist is shocked by the sins of others but blind to his own.”
VI. THE GOOD LIFE IS HYPOCRISY — AND HYPOCRISY HARDENS THE HEART (vv. 23–29)
VI. THE GOOD LIFE IS HYPOCRISY — AND HYPOCRISY HARDENS THE HEART (vv. 23–29)
A. Human Wisdom Cannot Save (v. 23)
A. Human Wisdom Cannot Save (v. 23)
23 All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me. 24 That which is far off, and exceeding deep, who can find it out? 25 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: 26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. 27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: 28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.
Solomon, in his search into the nature and reason of things, had been miserably deluded. But he here speaks with godly sorrow. He alone who constantly aims to please God, can expect to escape;
He now discovered more than ever the evil of the great sin of which he had been guilty, the loving many strange women, 1Kings 11:1. A woman thoroughly upright and godly, he had not found. How was he likely to find such a one among those he had collected?
Supporting Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5–7 — “Be not wise in thine own eyes.”
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
And lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,
And he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes:
Fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
Jeremiah 10:23 — “It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.”
23 O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself:
It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.
Romans 1:22 — “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Commentary Integration: Henry: “Wisdom is far from the man who seeks it apart from God.”
B. Human Righteousness Cannot Fix Human Sin (v. 29)
B. Human Righteousness Cannot Fix Human Sin (v. 29)
29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.
“God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.”
Supporting Scripture:
Romans 5:12 — Sin entered and death by sin.
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Isaiah 64:6 — “All our righteousnesses are as filthy rags.”
6 But we are all as an unclean thing,
And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags;
And we all do fade as a leaf;
And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Titus 3:5 — “Not by works of righteousness which we have done…”
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
It is clear that man is corrupted and revolted, and not as he was made. It is lamentable that man, whom God made upright, has found out so many ways to render himself wicked and miserable. Let us bless Him for Jesus Christ, and seek his grace, that we may be numbered with his chosen people.
Commentary Integration: Bridges: “The inventions of man are the excuses of the moralist.”
McGee: “It is easier to reach an atheist than a hypocritical churchgoer.”
VII. CONCLUSION: ONLY CHRIST CAN SATISFY
VII. CONCLUSION: ONLY CHRIST CAN SATISFY
Solomon tried everything. Morality was his last experiment. And he found it empty.
The respectable life cannot satisfy. The good name cannot save. The nice funeral cannot redeem. The middle‑of‑the‑road life cannot produce peace.
Only Christ can.
“Wisdom giveth life to them that have it.” Christ alone is wisdom. Christ alone is life.
