Ecclesiastes 19 Concerning Prosperity Ecclesiastes 5 8 20

Ecclesiastes (19) Concerning Prosperity Ecclesiastes 5: 8 -20

Concerning Ecclesiastes • We are in the midst of observations about various aspects of life (similar to proverbs) where we can see: 1) The vanity of worldly pursuits 2) Our need to consider God as we live in this empty world • Understanding these helps us see the REAL meaning of life

Rulers (5: 8 -9) • We need government – for protection, justice and to prevent chaos • God ordained government – Romans 13: 1 -7 • We must support our government – 1 Peter 2: 13 -17, Titus 3: 1 -2, even when they are corrupt and wicked

Rulers (5: 8 -9) • Rulers are not always honorable • Many world governments are worldly (do not care about God) and are driven by selfish pursuits • That is Solomon’s observation in this text

Rulers (5: 8 -9) • Do not marvel when you see the poor, or other subjects, oppressed (taken advantage of, used as pawns, or neglected) by “high officials” • Do not marvel when governing authorities pervert or deny justice and righteousness for selfish gain

Rulers (5: 8 -9) • Thought: Do we put such in place? And when we do, should we be surprised when they don’t care about God and His will, or your faith? Or they choose to deny us freedom to worship God by His standard?

Rulers (5: 8 -9) • “High official watches over high official” – most have to answer to someone themselves, and at least appear to be concerned about you • History shows the more invincible one thinks he is, the harder he falls cf. 1 Corinthians 10: 12 • And ultimately ALL will answer to God, the highest of all officials.

Rulers (5: 8 -9) • The profit of the land is for all; even the king is served from the field NASB, “After all, a king who cultivates a field is an advantage to the land” • Most rulers (even the ungodly) provide some general protection from criminals, and sustenance for the people. • AND, they too are dependent on the land their people to provide for them (cf. Ecclesiastes 6: 1 -2

Rulers (5: 8 -9) • We may be frustrated with the decisions of our government, but know that God is still in control and is watching. Continue to serve Him, submit to to our rulers as best we can and pray for them (1 Timothy 2: 1 -2)

He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) • In these verses we find a number of warnings associated with those who put their trust in wealth • 1) It is never enough (10) – the greedy are not content. They always want more. (1 Timothy 6: 6 -10)

He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) • 2) When goods increase, they increase who eat them (11) – the prosperous have many “friends”, but how many are only there for the wealth? Consider the prodigal son, Luke 15: 13 -16 Also John 6: 66, after Jesus fed the 5000 • Money may buy you company, but it will NEVER buy you a true friend

He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) • 2) When goods increase, they increase who eat them (11) Another thought – increase in other areas – greater responsibilities and expenses to support one’s lifestyle. Think of Solomon. • Greater worries and concerns • And often greater debt (Do you ever wonder why the more prosperous you are, the more a lender is willing to lend you? ). Heed the warnings! Proverbs 22: 7, Romans 13: 8, etc.

He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) • 3) Sleepless nights (12) • The sleep of a laboring man is sweet – there is something to be said about one who has enough, and has with integrity worked for what he has. He lives humbly and honorably and at night he rests well.

He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) • 3) Sleepless nights (12) • But the abundance of the rich will not permit him to sleep – long hours and sacrifice so that he can get more; worries about his possessions and investments – how to keep and maintain them, and protect them; Concerns when their investments fail (as we are seeing right now)

• • He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) 4) The uncertainty of riches (13 -14) A severe evil (great misery) – Riches kept from their owner to his hurt. NASB, Riches being hoarded – Hoarding is tragic and selfish. It leads to clutter and filth, and often the ruin of possessions. Such does not protect one from loss – you just cannot control what happens (disasters, death, mental concerns, etc. ) Riches are uncertain! 1 Timothy 6: 17

• • He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) 5) You can’t take it with you (15 -16) As he came from his mothers’ womb, naked shall he return… We come into this world with NOTHING materially and that is how we will leave 1 Timothy 6: 6 -7 Some say, “He who dies with the most toys wins” I ask, WHAT has he won? “He who dies with the most toys is still dead”

He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) • 5) You can’t take it with you (15 -16) • And he shall take nothing from his labor which he may carry away in his hand • There are things we will carry with us when we die – the way we lived, the spiritual decisions we make. 2 Corinthians 5: 10, Matthew 6: 19 -21

He who loves silver (5: 10 -17) • 6) Darkness, sorrow, sickness and anger (17) • Wealth is no guarantee of happiness, nor even good health. It cannot cure anger and bitterness – but it CAN increase sorrows which leads to darkness, etc. 1 Timothy 6: 10, the love of money – evil, straying from God, pierced with many sorrows

Enjoy what you have (5: 18 -20) • It is your heritage and a gift from God • There is nothing wrong with enjoying life and living with prosperity that we have received honorably and righteously. • Money and wealth are morally neutral! It is not how much you have, but how you manage it (cf. Matthew 25: 21)

Enjoy what you have (5: 18 -20) • If you have shown compassion and generosity for the poor, honesty in our dealings, contentment, humility and gratitude, and have not made your possessions an idol, etc. , enjoy what you have!

Enjoy what you have (5: 18 -20) • Vs. 20 – keep busy doing good things, and don’t dwell on the past, and don’t forget God! Luke 18: 15 -21 – the parable of the rich fool. Galatians 6: 9, let us not grow weary while doing good… • Remember to thank God for all that you have!

Where is your trust? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14

Let us pray!