Eccles. 9:7-9
Once again Solomon points out that the enjoyment that we have in our life under the sun is from God. There is a commercial playing now that talks about society says to just change the things in you do not like in your life and asks where the commitment is. This passage speaks strongly about commitment to your spouse. The handsome guy you married has developed "Dunlop's Disease", i.e. his belly dun lop over his belt. The beautiful woman you chased and caught has some habits around the house that drive you crazy. We as humans seem to look for faults rather than jewels in life. We see weaknesses, not strengths. God says here to enjoy what you can enjoy and that includes your spouse. Oh, and don't think that the "whom you love" clause is a loophole. It is not.
7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. 8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. 9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun.
- How do you approach your daily life?
- How often do you truly enjoy the life you have?
- How often are you happy with the food and drink that God has given you?
- How often do you dress in a manner that shows your cheerfulness?
- How often do you enjoy life with your spouse?
- How long are you to love your spouse?
- Which are you more inclined to do: enjoy what you have been given or complain about what you don't have?
- If God chooses to not give you what you want in life, what is your response to Him?
- Where does the happiness, cheerfulness, and enjoyment originate?
- Do you agree with the statement that a person chooses to be happy? Why or why not?
- In this passage, what is the reward in life that God gives?
- What is our reward in Christ?
- Which would you rather have?
Once again Solomon points out that the enjoyment that we have in our life under the sun is from God. There is a commercial playing now that talks about society says to just change the things in you do not like in your life and asks where the commitment is. This passage speaks strongly about commitment to your spouse. The handsome guy you married has developed "Dunlop's Disease", i.e. his belly dun lop over his belt. The beautiful woman you chased and caught has some habits around the house that drive you crazy. We as humans seem to look for faults rather than jewels in life. We see weaknesses, not strengths. God says here to enjoy what you can enjoy and that includes your spouse. Oh, and don't think that the "whom you love" clause is a loophole. It is not.
2 comments:
Solomon is saying enjoy your meals, enjoy every occasion, and enjoy your marriage. As I read this, I say to myself it's too bad that Solomon didn't live up to his ideals particularly where marriage is concerned. It's apparent to me that Solomon violated God's pattern for marriage and then allowed his numerous wives to seduce him away from God. I realize God chose to include this writing in the Bible, and it is inspired, but it's difficult for me to take Solomon serious. Perhaps Solomon wrote this piece of wisdom later in life and this then becomes his confession and his way of saying, "Now I know better."
Harold Trammel said...
@WayneW: I have met many people caught up in a sin or a bad habit who are very remorseful, very full of advice to avoid doing what they are doing, or very convicted about the wrongness of what they are doing. They just are not willing to repent. They perceive the cost of repentance too great for the perceived reward(s) of giving up whatever it is. I would be quite willing to tell someone to lose weight, eat better, etc. but I'm not so willing to actually lose weight, eat better, etc. I'm glad God chose to put this here. I find some reassurance in the fact that the man with everything he could desire even to excesses is willing to say, "Been there, done that, it's not worth it".
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