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Ecclesiastes 9:11–18 (ESV)
Do you feel the vanity of life? Is it subtle? Is it overwhelming? How are you responding? Each of us may be experiencing this vanity in different ways and to different degrees. I’m not suggesting that life is terrible for you. Sometimes the vanity of life is felt in simple disappointments or missed expectations. Other times, this vanity is felt through loss or tragedy. And this vanity is not always experienced through the presence of something bad, sometimes it’s through the absence or short-life of something good.
But, we all feel it. We all experience it. We all are forced to wrestle with it. Remember that the term rendered “vanity” in the ESV (hebel in Hebrew) could refer to something that is vaporous, a mere breath. Or it could point to meaninglessness. This is a reality for living life in our fallen world.
We are flying through the book of Ecclesiastes in our series, Joy in the Toil. Today is sermon five out of six. We will encounter quite a few subjects through our text today. We just read the end of Chapter 9, but we will also cover Chapters 10-11.
Solomon covers quite a few topics over these two and a half chapters, much like he would in other Wisdom Literature like the book of Proverbs. I’ve attempted to organize our points in a way that will be helpful to us. The big theme which we’ll be highlighting is the “weakness” of wisdom. We’ll be looking at ways that even wisdom (as good as it is) may not deliver as we hope “under the sun.” From the vantage point of this world where we don’t see all, and don’t understand all, even wisdom doesn’t solve all problems. Here are our three points:
Are you a fan of science or math? Did you like Algebra, or trigonometry, or chemistry in school? Do you like things with exact answers?
Maybe you work with data, or you’re a programmer. You spend your days with inputs, arguments, and outputs. Your job is to find where the problem is. Why is the output not what you expected? Is it a problem with the data or with the formula?
Wisdom is not like that. Wisdom literature is not like that. I’ve encountered this most often with some of the parenting passages from the book of Proverbs. You know the one I’m talking about.
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) — Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Is this a promise? If your kid strays from the faith in high school or college, what is that saying about your parenting? Is it saying you failed? Or alternatively, if you parented well, and your child departs from the faith, does that mean God’s word isn’t true? No. Wisdom literature tells us what the typical outcome is for certain ways of life.
Our chapters in Ecclesiastes show us some exceptions to the rule for wise living. Part of the futility and vanity of life, according to the Preacher is that wisdom does not always win.
First, let’s consider the passage we’ve already read in Chapter 9. We’ll label this, “Wisdom and the unexpected.”
Ecclesiastes 9:11 (ESV)
Solomon is drawing from his own experience. We would expect the very opposite of what he says. Of course, the normal outcome is the opposite of what he says. Normally, the race does go to the swift, and the battle to the strong. However, it is not guaranteed; it is not a formula. Sometimes the swift takes a wrong turn.
Many of us like to approach life as if the wise always have bread (success), or the intelligent always get the riches (the job promotion). But life actually doesn’t work this way. This is vanity.
Not only does wisdom often face unexpected results, wisdom also doesn’t know the future.
Look back at verse 12.
Ecclesiastes 9:12 (ESV)
We understand that death comes to all of us, but we expect that in old age or after long sickness. Here, Solomon provokes us to realize that’s not how it always works. Sometimes death comes suddenly, tragically, in a way that cuts life short and makes no sense. This also is vanity.
Again we are faced with the unexpected. Here is the norm, expected by wisdom.
Proverbs 22:4 (ESV) — The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
In Chapter 9, vv. 14-15, Solomon gave us a third example of what we don’t expect, namely that wise deeds are quickly forgotten.
I love the details in this story. There was a little city with few men. And a great king came against it. But, there was a poor, wise man in it who delivered the city. Against all odds, wisdom one, but was soon forgotten.
We want our wise deeds to be remembered. We want to be honored. But they are not. This is vanity; it is chasing after wind.
Even if you can achieve great success by wisdom, great wisdom can be quickly and easily undone by a little folly.
Ecclesiastes 9:17–10:1 (ESV)
We’ll treat 9:18 and 10:1 as slightly different circumstances. They are similar, but 9:18 points to a circumstance where the wisdom would win the day except for the wickedness of another. There would have been victory had it not been for the traitor. Judas in the Garden betraying Jesus is a vivid example. Whether the context is government, church, or business, living and leading by wise principles can be undermined by one sinner destroying much good.
Chapter 10 begins with a similar theme, but with a slightly different emphasis. The perfumer’s ointment gives off a pleasing aroma, but a few small dead flies in it make it repulsive and unattractive. I take this to signify the disciplined, wise person, who at some point through folly, wickedness, or lapse in judgment undoes months, or years, or decades of good. It’s King David calling for Bathsheba after watching her on the rooftop. It’s the politician caught in a bribe after many years of honored service. It’s the principled businessman embezzling money near the end of his career. It’s the seven-time tour de France cyclist winner caught using performance-enhancing drugs and stripped of his titles. It’s the pastor caught in marital unfaithfulness that shocks the community.
But, don’t imagine that it has to be a monumental fall. It could just as easily be a hasty morsel of gossip tainting an otherwise strong relationship of trust. It’s a quick word of anger when patience was the right response.
Don’t misunderstand, these failures are not about one’s salvation necessarily. We are talking about life “under the sun.”
What a striking statement: “A little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.”
Wisdom is not a formula. It’s not merely a calculation based on certain inputs to guarantee a desired result. There are many factors out of our control, and some factors that are in our control, but which go off the rails because of our sins and weaknesses.
If wisdom is so easily upset by the unexpected, or the future, or by lapses into folly, what then? Is it to be abandoned?
Solomon contends that wisdom is still better. Much of chapters 10-11 could be described as portraits of wisdom and folly. He deals with topics of politics, industry, speech, laziness, and our secret thoughts.
We have already heard Solomon say wisdom is better. Notice the end of Chapter 9.
Ecclesiastes 9:16–18 (ESV)
Even though Wisdom is not always heard or remembered, it is still better. Remember that “better” does not merely mean it is useful toward some more noble end, it is qualitatively better—it is desirable, it is enjoyable.
It is better for a people to have wise rulers.
Ecclesiastes 10:16–17 (ESV)
It makes a difference if a country has foolish or wise leaders. Consider how many people are affected by the foolish choices of selfish, ungodly leaders. In 10:6, Solomon tells us that he has seen the evil of “folly set in many high places.” His example here is that the king is a child. We remember, of course, that he became king as a youth, yet he pursued wisdom at an early age.
May God raise up leaders across this land and across the world who know their rightful place and live as those under authority themselves!
As I was thinking about politics I couldn’t help but take verse 2 out of context.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 (ESV) — A wise man’s heart inclines him to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.
Of course, the meaning of the text has nothing to do with our political right and left. The right hand was the place of power, wisdom, and authority. Jesus is at the right hand of the Father.
Solomon gives us portraits of the wise and the fool with how they use words.
Ecclesiastes 10:12–15 (ESV)
We could spend several sermons exploring what the wisdom literature in the Bible says about words and the tongue. Here, however, notice first that Solomon’s point is how your own words will impact you. Wise words win you favor; foolish words will consume you. It is true that our words impact other people as well, but the point of the Preacher here is how our own words help or hurt us.
Careful, wise words in the home will win love and respect from your spouse and children. Careful, wise words in the marketplace will gain a reputation for honesty and fair dealing. Careful, wise words at work will attract good attention from your superiors or those under you, even if they disagree with you.
The opposite is also true. Foolish words will hurt you—at home, in the market, and at work. Solomon says they will “consume” you. in fact, in verse 13, the Preacher tells us that though these words just seem foolish in the beginning, they will end in evil madness.
Yes, our words are a reflection of what’s in our heart, but they also move us bit by bit in a direction.
Good and wise words can cheer, strengthen, and edify. Whether our words are words of death or words of life, there is a cord that goes from our hearts straight to our tongues. The two organs are connected. Our Lord Jesus tells us, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34). Indeed the mouth is one of the most accurate gauges of the heart’s wisdom or folly.
- Borgman, Don’t Waste Your Breath, pp. 166-167
Each of us wants to think when we’re trying to be clever with our foolish words that we are pulling the wool over the eyes of those around us—that they won’t see through to our heart.
Ecclesiastes 10:3 (ESV)
We also think that we’re being careful with our foolish thoughts, but somehow, they always find a way to get out—to sneak out of our mouths at the wrong time.
Ecclesiastes 10:20 (ESV)
There is a lesson for us here, not just to guard our mouths, but to rid our hearts and minds even of our foolish thoughts.
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) — Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
A third area which Solomon addresses in these chapters is that of work vs. laziness. But, it’s not as simple as we’d like it to be—work hard and you’ll be successful. Time and chance are a factor here as well.
Ecclesiastes 10:8–9 (ESV)
I don’t think his point here is that the person is digging the pit in some nefarious way to harm someone else (as we would find in Proverbs). The idea here is that even simple work has risks attached to it. Yes, you should use wisdom to minimize the risks and to make your work the most efficient, but work does include risk. This, too is vanity.
Then Solomon does give us examples of using your wisdom in your work. Sharpen your axe and don’t make careless mistakes.
Ecclesiastes 10:10-11 (ESV)
It’s not always obvious exactly what we should do to “sharpen the axe” in our work, but there is a place for using wisdom to help you succeed in your work. Sharpening your axe may involve learning a new skill, reading a book, or perhaps embracing Sabbath rest as a gift from God for your good.
Solomon does warn us of consequences if we pursue laziness instead.
Ecclesiastes 10:18 (ESV)
Verse 18 is in the middle of the context of foolish rulers. He may have more in mind than just our literal roof on our literal house. If we avoid what needs to be done, even if we are “busy” the entire time, the rafters will sag, and the house will leak.
May God give us wisdom in our lives and eyes to see the areas of our lives to which we should apply more diligence! Is it in your marriage, your parenting? Maybe it is your roof or your house…
Let’s turn the corner to our last point this morning. The Preacher still has more to say about how the wise should live, but let’s treat it under our next idea.
I hope that you have been paying attention to Solomon’s theme throughout the book. We have summarized it as “Joy in the Toil.” We are living in the period between Eden and the New Heavens and New Earth. Our work is toilsome—we must deal with thorns and thistles, disasters, and the groanings of the fall. Our labors have hebel (vanity/vapor) attached to them.
Our tendencies are either to attempt escape from our toil, or to immerse ourselves in our toil. The first seeks to find meaning in leisure, ease, and hedonism. The second seeks to find ultimate meaning in wealth, productivity, and accomplishments. Both are frustrated by the vanity of life.
Solomon offers us something different. He holds up to us “Joy in the Toil.” Don’t jump too quickly to the wonderful gospel promises of eternal life and eternal rewards—though these are a necessary and glorious part of making sense of life under the sun. We certainly must consider the eternal (and God’s mercy and grace) in our equation for it to make sense.
But, if our impulse is to hold up eternal rewards as the balance for our toilsome life now, we may miss a significant portion of what Solomon is offering us.
I believe that the LORD (through Solomon’s words) is offering us a different way of experiencing life NOW in light of eternity.
Let’s look at chapter 11 in two sections. First, vv. 1-6.
Ecclesiastes 11:1–6 (ESV)
Here we find exhortations to generosity and diversification. Verse 1 could be referring to broad generosity to others which could come back and bless you in the future. Or, as the NET renders it:
Send your grain overseas, for after many days you will get a return. (Ecclesiastes 11:1, NET)
Verse 2 encourages us to diversify our investments, since we do not know what will fail or succeed. Can you know if the coming rain will water the crops or cause a flood?
Perhaps verse 4 is the encouragement you need to hear today. With life under the sun, we cannot wait to start work until the conditions are perfect. If we spend all of our time trying to understand the wind and the clouds, we’ll never get started. Don’t allow the “perfect” to be the enemy of the “good” in your toil. Jump in now. “In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand.”
Now, let us turn to Solomon’s conclusion of this section. We are nearing the end of the book. Before we read the final verses of Chapter 11, remember who Solomon is speaking to. He’s addressing those who feel and know the vanity of life under the sun. Young and old. Rich and poor. Ruler or servant. All are touched by vanity under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 11:7–10 (ESV)
When is the last time you took in a sunrise? I mean really took it in, and embraced all that it means. I saw the sun come up this morning, peaking over the horizon, through the trees, through my window. Even that little glimpse drawing my gaze away from the day ahead of me, warmed my heart.
I’m in the middle of The Return of the King reading to my kids right now. Two nights ago, we were in one of the darkest moments of the doom of Mordor falling on Minis Tirith. The land has been covered in darkness for days. The city is about to be captured, and the sun tears through the gloom, bringing hope to the hearts of men as the horns of Rohan sounded.
Though less dramatic, it is no less significant when the sun rises each day, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and grace for the day.
Verse 8 tells us that “if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all.” This is not looking back to your youth, or looking ahead to your retirement. It is embracing God’s goodness today. Don’t spend your days longing for a different season of life. Embrace where you are, even with the vanity that comes under the sun. Yes, there will be many days of darkness, but God is with us, and he gave us this day to know him and experience his goodness.
Solomon has a special word for the young. We may even hesitate to preach this message, but it is here.
We prefer to make life more complicated, more calculated, more mysterious, more ominous. Let Solomon be a help to you.
This is no invitation to live selfishly or sinfully, but it is an invitation to live freely—to embrace God’s goodness, to cast off fear, to leave anxiety and vexation behind.
Yes, God will bring every act into judgment. Remember that. But, not so that you live in fear of living. Embrace God’s good gifts. Embrace God’s salvation through Jesus Christ. Embrace the freedom of living in forgiveness, fully justified before the Father. Know that this life is fleeting, it is a vapor. Yet, live…live rejoicing to the glory of God.
There is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obeyAnd all those who seek it shall find it
A pardon for all who believe
Hope for the hopeless
And sight for the blindTo all who've been born of the Spirit
And who share incarnation with Him
Who belong to eternity stranded in time
And weary of struggling with sinForget not the hope that's before you
And never stop counting the cost
Remember the hopelessness
When you were lostThere is a joy in the journey
There's a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey
- Michael Card / © 1986 Birdwing Music; Mole End Music
Do you feel the vanity of life? Is it subtle? Is it overwhelming? How are you responding?
1 Corinthians 1:27–31 (ESV) — But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
I encourage each of you to worship at a sunrise sometime this week. I guess a sunset would work for some of you, but I’d still suggest the sunrise.
Read Psalm 103 out loud, and pray for the grace to live that day in the freedom and joy of Christ.
Here are some other recent messages.
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