APR 5

Ecclesiastes 12:8-14
Memorise 2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…”

Why then did Solomon decide to write this book? What was his purpose for recording the mistakes of his life in such frank and open details? Again numerous liberal scholars have sought to discredit the book, and allege that it is no more than the writings or ramblings of a man apart from God. However, we should reject such unbelieving views, and must first realise that this book is inspired of God, and definitely part of the Biblical Canon. Therefore it is first and foremost written for ‘doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…’ (2 Timothy 3:16). With regards to the actual purpose of this book, Albert Barnes gives a good perspective:

The author was evidently a man of profound faith in God, of large and varied personal experience, of acute observation of men and things, and of deep sensibility. Probably he was first moved to write by a mind painfully full of the disappointing nature of all things viewed apart from God: next by deep sympathy with fellow-men touched by the same natural feelings as himself, and suffering like him, though each in their several ways; and thirdly, by the evident desire to lead other men, and specially young men, out of the temptations which he had felt, and out of the perplexities which once entangled and staggered him. (Albert Barnes, Introduction to Ecclesiastes)

Thus we realise that the book of Ecclesiastes was the result of a sincere desire of an elderly man who has experienced life and all that it seeks to offer, tasted the vanity and futility of it, and now seeks to encourage men who come after him to not go down the same bitter path that he has gone. He addresses his reader lovingly as ‘my son’, as a loving father who has a deep care and concern for his child. He encourages them to realise what the most important things in life are. It is not of making books and acquiring human wisdom and knowledge, for which there is no end. Instead, we must above all things, to seek God, to fear God and keep His commandments, and not to seek after the vanities of life.

Thought: Do I know what the most important thing for my life is?
Prayer: Lord help me always to fear You and keep Your commandments.