Learning To Be Satisfied--Study on Ecclesiastes

Learning To Be Satisfied

Study on the Book of Ecclesiastes--Lesson 17

Ecclesiastes 8

Introduction:  What about the wicked?  King Solomon comes face to face with the problem of evil in the world.  Does God know about it?  Does he not have the power to stop it?  Solomon solves the problem of evil by putting things in their proper perspective.  7:29  During the darkest days of WWII a preacher was asked why doesn't God stop the war?  His reply was "He didn't start it".  Solomon explores the problem of evil in the world by examining three key areas of life.

1.  Authority (vs 1-9)  Beginning with Nimrod (Gen. 10:8,9) and continuing down the centuries millions of good people have been oppressed by bad leaders.  Even Solomon put his servants under much bondage.  (I Kings 4:7-28; 12:1-14) 

When a servant was commanded to do something evil, wisdom told him that there were 4 possible approaches:  (A)Disobedience-vs 2.  The servant must be true to his oath of allegiance to the king and to God.  (Rom 13)  The officer could obey the orders so as to avoid punishment. (vs 5)  Disobedience could lead to death (Dan. 4; Rom. 13:3,4)  We all have misery, so why add to it? (vs 7)  (B) Desertion--vs 3.   "Be not hasty to go out of his sight." (C) Defiance-vs.3 "stand not in an evil thing." Don't get involved in a plan to overthrow the kin, what it is saying.  Acts 5:29 is applied when it comes to conscience and the law.  How we express our disagreement with the authorities demands wisdom and grace.  (D) Discernment vs 5-6.  The wise servant  understands that "time and judgement" must be considered in everything we do.  David did not impulsively reveal himself to his brethren. (Gen. 43-45)  Nehemiah waited, watched, and prayed (Neh 1,2).  Daniel used wisdom in proceeding with his captors (Dan 1).  The apostles used discernment when they were arrested (Acts 4,5).  It is not easy to be a consistent Christian but we can ask for wisdom and receive it.  (James 1:5, 3:17, 18)

2.  Inequity (vs 10-14)  Solomon summarizes his concerns in verse 14.  There is more injustice in this world than we care to admit. 

A Spanish proverb:  "Laws, like spider webs, catch the fly and let the hawks go free."

F. Lee Bailey said, "In America an acquittal doesn't mean you're innocent, it means you beat the rap."

Verse 10--Solomon is reporting on a funeral he is observing, this person had attended the temple, received much praise from the people but did not live a godly life.  Judgement was not placed on his life, yet (vs 11).  God is a longsuffering God and may not judge sin immediately.  II Peter 3:11,12.  Solomon concludes that evil will be judged and the righteous will rewarded (vs 12, 13).  The exercise of wisdom is very important to understand this.  (Prov 9:10).