It is important to listen to the wisdom of mature Christians. Young people often shun or neglect the wise words of their seniors. Young, know-it-all Christians can ignore, or even look down on, the wisdom of their seniors. Solomon is such a senior to us; and his wisdom ever relevant.

In earlier chapters of Ecclesiastes he has declared that there are vanities, disappointments and injustices. He has also shown that man’s response to this is often to hate life and seek mindless pleasure. But Solomon maintains that there are also beautiful things, even in a broken world. Solomon sees this strange paradox: of the blessedness of being God's creation; and the barbarity of this sin cursed existence. In chapter 9 of Ecclesiastes he teaches us how to live an enjoyable life within this paradox.

The Principle – God Cares for the Righteous⤒🔗

...the righteous, and the wise and their works are in the hand of God... v 1

Yes, we acknowledge the world is in a mess and the wicked prosper. They go to their grave in peace and power is on the side of the oppressor. But here is the first principle for enjoyable existence: the hand of God is upon the righteous and spiritually wise.

What is involved in being in the hand of God? Well, we may say, how much is! God is engaged for us. There is the whole aspect of divine protection. None shall perish; none shall be snatched. Infinite wisdom is working all things for good. It is right to remember that in him we live and move and have our being. The Christian reflects that he is saved by God’s work of grace, and is sanctified by his moulding of us in his hands. When facing the paradox that many biblical writers faced, know first this principle.

Certainly the psalmist would teach us that certain things would make us lose our foothold (nearly), but believing friend, you are the apple of his eye; he has bought you; clothed you; cared for you. He has created you, re-created you – for that high and holy purpose. Shall he then neglect you? Fear not though the world forsake you; though the world disappoint you – you are in the hands of God.

The Paradox – The Good and Bad Both Die←⤒🔗

Everything occurs alike to all: One event happens to the righteous and the wicked... This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: that one thing happens to all ... 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 favour to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all?.from verses 2, 3, 11, 12

Solomon rightly points out that we have a common destiny. This is so for we share a common father in Adam. Thus it is that under the sun all appears unfair. Truly the race is not to the swift – it's to the cheat! We see clearly that wealth is not to the wise but to the footballer (– no comment on the actual intelligence of such personalities!)

Time and chance do happen and evil times fall unexpectedly to us all. We agree with Solomon that under the sun all is a wheel of fortune; ending in a common destiny. This is a strange paradox for faith to contend with.

There is an hour when I must part with all I hold most dear. And life with its best hopes will then as nothingness appear. There is an hour when I must sink beneath the stroke of death, and yield to him who gave it first my struggling vital breath.

We believe in everlasting life – but there is a finality to death. “The dead ... have no more reward, nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun.” (v 5)

Have you ever placed yourself in this sentence? – Never again will I have a part to play in anything that happens. It is sobering to think that no matter what your work; or your achievements; or your plans, there comes a time when your role is finished.

In the light of the finality of death; do you not think people would stop to consider? But “madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead” (v 3). Solomon speaks of the rat race. They live sinfully mad – and die, a dead lion. Of course, “a living dog is better than a dead lion”. (v 4)

We must remember that great powerful lions of this world die. You might think of yourself as a dog; as of no importance, but you are alive! You're better off than all those dead kings!

There is a lesson for all here. In this strange paradoxical life don't run madly after lion-like achievements. You shall die. Make sure you die well – in the Lord.

You are better off now, than the dead lion. You are alive in this the time of God's favour. You may repent and believe; though you are a dog – yet, you may have those crumbs of gospel!

So we have the principle that God cares for the righteous even though we have the paradox that good and bad both die and it appears that time and chance happen to all. But that is not so. Time is ordered by God, and if you are alive, use it well! Live not under your own rule as a lion but under God's rule, as an undeserving dog. Then you shall live well and die well.

The Proclamation – Enjoy Life←⤒🔗

Go, eat your bread with joy... Live joyfully with the wife whom you love... and in the labour which you perform under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might... v 7-10

Life begins with seeing the value of it. Someone who is dying is brought to see the value of it. They live each moment as singularly precious. Yet we must remember that we are all dying from the very moment of birth!

Value life and do so by seeing the hand of God upon the canvas. Yes, we live in a fallen, disappointing world, yet we are to receive everything with gladness and thankfulness. Enjoy!

There are many sorrows in this sin-cursed world but also many good things, blessings, bearing the imprint of God. There are friendships, acts of kindness. There is all manner of creativity. There is our necessary labour. Talents are given by God; gifts are graced. We have possessions, wealth and are given roles of stewardship. See all these things and enjoy them.

C. Bridges says – “A sinner has no right to complain, and a Christian has no reason to”. Why? – because of our first principle!

The living are better in that they have hope. They are alive to enjoy this blessed world which sin has spoiled, yet in which God still is present and his imprint is not completely lost. Enjoy life. Days “under the sun” are meaningless but not worthless.

Solomon further calls us to enjoy life with your wife, for this is your portion, or good share. Now Solomon had made many mistakes in this area. He had not delighted in the wife of his youth. He took a thousand trying to find that joy. He should have seen the good share God had first given.

Is this not also the need of our nation? And Christian husbands are not exempt! If you do not enjoy life with your wife; if you break her; or if you run after others your own life will be broken, but husbands loving their wives bears the stamp of God as Christ loved the church.

Redeem the time with them! Enjoy the good share that God has given you.

Furthermore you are called upon to enjoy your work. Sadly for many their work is simply a means to an end, a means of income and putting the bread on the table. But just as Adam was given a job of work to do so we too are given gifts, abilities, and a job of work to do.

Work for the well being of society. Work for the well being of the household of faith. Work for the well being of your own family. But all the while remembering that a time is coming when no man can work. So do it now; use your gifts now, use your resources now – for the kingdom of God!

It shall end and you shall have no further role. Solomon reminds us that in the grave where we are going, there is neither working, nor planning, nor knowledge, nor wisdom. So work and plan now, using your graced knowledge and wisdom. But what for?

“Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to ENJOY HIM forever”.

The Principle – God cares for the righteous.

The Paradox – Good and bad both die.

The Proclamation – Enjoy life.

It is indeed a broken and barbaric world, but He makes all things beautiful, so learn how to live well.