Author: cackywalker@yahoo.com

“What do people really get for all their hard work? I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.

And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear Him. What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.” (vv. 9-14)

The Futility of Work

“I came to hate all of my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned. And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will continue to control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world.

Some people work wisely with knowledge and skill, then must leave the fruit of their efforts to someone who hasn’t worked for it. This, too, is meaningless, a great tragedy. So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is al meaningless.

So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the and of God. For who can eat or enjoying anything apart from Him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. But if a sinner becomes wealthy, God takes the wealth away and gives it to those who please Him. This, too, is meaningless- like chasing the wind.” (vv. 18-26)

“These are the words of the Teacher, King David’s son, who ruled over Jerusalem.

‘Everything is meaningless,’ says the Teacher, ‘completely meaningless!’

What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No mater how much we hear, we are not content.

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Noting under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say,’Here is something new!’ But actually it is old; nothing is truly new. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now.” (vv 1-11)

The Sayings of Agar

“The. sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message.

I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God. I am too stupid to be human and. lack common sense. I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.

Who but God got up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in His fists? Who wraps up the oceans in His cloak? Who has created the whole wide world? What is His name – and His son’s name. Tell me if you know!

Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to Him for protection. Do not add to His words, or He may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die. First, help me never to tell a lie. Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.” (vv. 1-8)

“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.” (v.2)

“Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely. Better to be poor and honest Than dishonest and rich.

Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.” (vv. 2-7)

“Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.

Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked takes charge, people go into hiding.

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are head for serious trouble.

A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear. A rule with no understanding will press his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.” (vv. 10-16,)

“Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth – a stranger, not your own lips. (vv. 1-2)

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” (v9)

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” (v. 12)

“A face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.

Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.” (vv. 19-20)

More Proverbs of Solomon

“These are more proverbs of Solomon, collected by the adviser of King Hezekiah of Judah.

It is God’s privilege to conceal things and the kings privilege to discover them.

No one can comprehend the height of heaven, the depth of the earth, or all that goes on in the king’s mind!: (vv. 1-3)

“When arguing with your neighbor, don’t betray another person’s secret. Others may accuse you of gossip, and you will never regain your good reputation.: (vv. 9-10)

“If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.” (21-22)

“A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker. The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker.

If you fall under pressure, your strength is too small.

Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; same them as they stagger to their death.

Don’t excuse your self by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.” (vv. 8-12)

“Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit. In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle. ” (v 4-5)

“Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.

Don’t fail to discipline your children. They won’t die if you spank them. Physical discipline may well save them from death. ” (v.13-14)

“Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; you hope will not be disappointed. “(v.17-18)