The "Highest Good" We Can Pursue in Life

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Ecclesiastes 2:1-26

Even though life is (and must be) a burden - see the comments at Ecclesiastes 1:13-15 - God offers joy to those who please him (those who do what is right). This is the "best good" that we ought to pursue in life. We ought to enjoy the fruit of our labor, and recognize that this enjoyment comes from God. (Recognizing this will influence how we do the enjoying. In other words, it will influence our values.)

This joy is related to the concept of contentment, described by the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-12. It is not dependent on the accumulation of possessions - something that even wicked people - "sinners" - can do (v. 26)!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22

Ecc 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.

Ecc 3:22 Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who can bring him to see what will be after him?

Now, while we are still living, is the only time we can respond to life "under the sun" - and enjoy the results of our labor, as a gift from God, etc. (Don't throw away the opportunity!)

Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

It is much better to be content with what we have, than to destroy ourselves pursuing what we cannot keep!

Whatever we may have (little or much), consider it a gift from God! This will influence not only our attitude toward our wealth, but also the way we use it. (We won't misuse it or become preoccupied with using it for ourselves.)

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Everything in this life, including the opportunity to rejoice in God's gifts, will come to an end. When we reach that final moment, only one thing will continue to matter - and this is our ultimate duty in all of life: Fear God and obey him. (The obedience is the "fruit" of the fear.)

Unless otherwise noted, all notes and comments are © by Dennis Hinks.