What the Eyes See

Intro: The proverbial wisdom of God is not limited to the book of that name. We also find many proverbs in Ecclesiastes. Of particular note are the proverbs that relate to the vanity of life – ; – there are many things that man thinks and does in life that are a waste of time – – like trying to catch the wind.

I) Better is this than that

Because God says so – the wise sayings of men are only as valuable as the wisdom of the one who gives it, God is the creator and His wisdom is supreme

God’s wisdom is often a reversal of human logic – – which is true about much of the wisdom of Ecclesiastes –

Ecclesiastes 7:1–2 ESV

A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.

This itself is logical when we consider the advantage of being guided by the spirit over the flesh –

Galatians 5:16–17 ESV

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

II) What the eyes see –

Reality – the eyes are symbolic of a logical look at our real world, an ironic twist of symbols from the NT usage which values the unseen –

We must learn to be content with what is – – since contentment does not come naturally (or through the flesh) – v.7

Philippians 4:10–13 ESV

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Let’s examine this point in depth

Contentment does not come through having everything – – or having anything – vs.6-7; – but through appreciation of what is really valuable – , ; – because that is what God offers freely

1 Timothy 6:8 ESV

But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Luke 9:57–58 ESV

As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

Romans 8:16–17 ESV

The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Romans 8:31–32 ESV

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

This includes being content to fulfill our duties to God as we have them –

Revelation 3:8 ESV

“ ‘I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

These gifts are already given and we should realize they are better than…

III) What the soul desires

Fantasy – the soul’s desire is for what we do not have – vs.1-6 – “grass is always greener” syndrome

Some are never satisfied with what they have (Aesop’s fable of boy who is given the opportunity to place his hand in the candy jar only once; he puts his hand in candy jar to take a few, then reasons that his hand will hold more until he cannot draw his hand out without dropping them all)

Those who live in fantasies are never happy where they are, except when they are indulging their fantasies (like sports fans, workaholics, or music groupies)

Those who live in a fantasy world are ineffective in accomplishing their real-world duties – ; – John Mark and Demas did not continue with their work

Acts 15:38 ESV

But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.

2 Timothy 4:10 ESV

For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

Concl: Luther translated this passage:

“It is better to enjoy the present good, then to think about another good.”

Although I question the accuracy of the translation, it gives the general idea that we are much better off seeing what is good in what is, instead of desiring something different.