Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 2: The gift our work cannot secure

Begin in prayer

Before we read what the Preacher finds in pleasure and work, let us ask God to show our family that only He gives enjoyment, and to help us see Christ in every verse.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.

James 1:17

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Teach us to receive the good You give with thanks. Keep us from asking pleasure or success to do what only You can do. Help us see Jesus. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The Preacher tests pleasure through laughter, wine, buildings, gardens, servants, wealth and music. He enjoys his labor, yet sees no lasting gain in all he has accomplished. Wisdom is better than folly, as light is better than darkness. Yet the wise person dies like the fool, and both are forgotten. The Preacher grieves that someone else will inherit the results of his skilled labor. Even at night his heart finds no rest. Enjoying food, drink and labor comes from God, who gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to the person who pleases Him.

As you read Ecclesiastes 2, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God gives enjoyment in our labor, while pleasure, wealth and wisdom cannot overcome death.

The Preacher holds nothing back from his search for pleasure, from laughter and wine to gardens, servants and wealth. Here again he says “all is vanity and a chasing after wind” (verse 17), because he is weighing life under the sun. His projects bring real enjoyment, yet they cannot give him lasting gain. Wisdom is better than folly, as light is better than darkness, yet the wise man dies just like the fool. Skilled work may pass to an heir who has done none of it and may use it foolishly. The chapter then names God as the giver of enjoyment in ordinary food, drink and work. He gives wisdom, knowledge and joy to the person who pleases Him. Only God can give what achievement cannot, and Jesus is the wisdom of God for sinners (1 Corinthians 1 verse 30).

How does Ecclesiastes 2 show us that God gives enjoyment in our labor, while pleasure, wealth and wisdom cannot overcome death?

God’s gifts cannot be replaced by greater achievements.

The Preacher builds, plants, gathers wealth and enjoys his work. Looking back, he still finds his achievements unable to provide lasting gain. Enjoyment in ordinary labor comes from God’s hand.

Wisdom is better than folly, yet cannot prevent death.

Wisdom resembles light that helps a person see. Both the wise person and the fool still die and are forgotten. We cannot make our lives secure merely by becoming cleverer.

God rules what happens to the work we leave behind.

The worker cannot know whether an heir will be wise or foolish. The sinner’s wealth may pass to someone who pleases God. We must receive what God gives without pretending we control its future.

Memorise

to the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy

Ecclesiastes 2:26

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, am I asking my achievements to give me the security I need from Jesus?

The Preacher says, “Indeed, the wise man must die just like the fool!” Wealth, pleasure and learning cannot rescue anyone from death. Our sin also leaves us guilty before God, however impressive our achievements seem.

Jesus entered the world without grasping for the wealth or praise people treasure. He is God’s wisdom, and through Him sinners are made right with God (1 Corinthians 1 verses 24 to 30). He gave Himself for His people and took their guilt on Himself. No wealth or wisdom can pay for sin, but His one offering is enough for all who trust Him. His Father raised the crucified Savior to life, breaking the power that ends every earthly achievement.

Turn from sin and trust Jesus. Everyone who relies on this risen Savior receives forgiveness. Every pleasure under the sun passes, but the risen Jesus gives life that death cannot take from those who trust Him.

Parent's note

Tell your children that pleasure and success cannot rescue anyone from sin or death. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Urge each child to seek forgiveness by turning from sin and relying on Jesus. Ask God to make each child alive to Him with a new heart.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God for ordinary gifts and for the hope found in His risen Son. Bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away.

1 Corinthians 7:31

Lord God, thank You for the food, work and pleasures You give. Forgive our pride in what we build or own. Lead each one of us to Jesus for forgiveness and life. Help our family enjoy Your gifts with grateful hearts and remember that our achievements cannot defeat death. Amen.