“When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to see the business activity and the painful effort that take place upon the earth—how neither day nor night some men’s eyes sleep—then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun—because however much a man may toil in seeking, yet he will not find it out; yes, more than that, though a wise man thinks and claims he knows, yet will he not be able to find it out.” Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 ->me: I find such relief in these verses!!! The Preacher (Solomon – the wisest man in all of history), after using his wisdom to seek out all that he could about understanding the ways and purposes of God, the answers to life’s biggest questions, and what we are here for…he relents and accepts that he CANNOT KNOW. I must be content not to know everything. No amount of hard work, persistent searching, skill, or experience will unravel these mysteries. The greatest minds and scientists will say they have certain things figured out but never in their lifetime will the secrets be explained or revealed. In verse 15 (the verse just before these 2) the Preacher instructs us to be content and enjoy the aspects of life God has given us to enjoy -> a good meal, great companionship, and to just be happy in who we are in the Lord: these are the good things from God in this life ‘under the sun’. I pray that I can keep these things in balance, caring for the less fortunate, winning souls to the Kingdom, growing in my knowledge of the Almighty through His word, enjoying the beauty of His creation, loving every moment I get to spend with the ones I love, and of course -> enjoying a good meal. 🙂
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