Reflecting on life’s complexities, the Teacher concludes that the actions of the righteous and the wise are ultimately in God’s hands. Regardless of one’s deeds, whether righteous or wicked, everyone faces the same fate. Yet, no one can predict whether they will receive favour or trouble in their lifetime.
“All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not.” – Ecclesiastes 9:2 (NIV)
During the period when the book of Ecclesiastes was written, many Biblical authors did not hold a strong belief in the afterlife or resurrection. Their focus was often on the present life and what could be understood through human experience, emphasising the importance of living righteously now rather than awaiting future rewards.
Similarly, we often see individuals giving to charity or praying in public, thinking these acts will gain them spiritual reward. However, their hearts may not truly be seeking a relationship with God. They might be attending church regularly but hold bitterness in their heart towards others. God sees beyond the outward actions and looks at the state of our hearts. Some people believe that offering sacrifices or performing religious rituals will secure God’s favour. However, these actions are meaningless without a heart aligned with God’s will.
The Value of Life
“Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” – Ecclesiastes 9:4 (NIV)
The Teacher offers a poignant reflection on life, emphasising the value of being alive, no matter the circumstances. He may have been alluding to the uncertainty regarding the afterlife. The Teacher does not seem to believe in life beyond death, suggesting that blessings are limited to our time on this earth. In this view, life itself—regardless of how modest—is preferable to the certainty of death, where there is no hope of further blessing.
We, too, often have a limited understanding of God’s plan beyond this life. Much of our hope and ambition is focused on what we can achieve during our lifetime. This creates a practical tension between what we believe and how we live. In theory, we may understand that our faith should guide us, but in practice, it becomes challenging, especially when life takes a turn for the worse.
During difficult times, maintaining faith becomes harder as hope feels distant. For many, change is the only source of happiness. Stagnation rarely brings joy. This desire for progress and growth reflects our need for purpose. However, the Teacher reminds us that without God, no matter how much we achieve or change, we all face the same fate—death.
People pursue happiness through career success, wealth, or relationships and while these bring temporary fulfilment, they don’t provide lasting joy without a deeper connection to God. True happiness comes not just from outward change but from a meaningful relationship with the Creator. Without God’s guidance, our lives can feel futile. But with Him, even the mundane or difficult moments can have purpose and hope.
Finding Joy in Simplicity
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” – Ecclesiastes 9:7 (NIV)
This raises the question: Has God approved all that we do? The Teacher seems to imply that our actions, whether good or sinful, are under God’s sovereignty. It reflects a belief that all events, including our sins, are part of God’s greater plan, and in a sense, everything is predestined by Him.
This view reminds us of Judas Iscariot, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. Many believe that Judas was predestined to commit this sin, that his actions were part of God’s ultimate purpose for humanity’s redemption through Jesus’ crucifixion. Judas acted according to what was foreseen in Scripture, but does that mean he had Jesus’ approval?
It’s a difficult concept to grasp. While Judas fulfilled a necessary role in the divine plan, it doesn’t negate the weight of his betrayal or the moral responsibility he carried. People often struggle with this strain between divine predestination and human accountability. Can sin truly be pre-approved by God if it goes against His commands?
In our lives, this struggle manifests when we wrestle with our choices. If God is in control, does that mean every wrong decision we make is part of His plan? This question has troubled theologians for centuries. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes seems to suggest that while everything may be under God’s ultimate authority, we are still called to live joyfully, trusting that He sees beyond our mistakes and works everything together for His purposes.
When we stumble, it’s tempting to wonder if our mistakes were part of God’s plan or just missteps along the way. Yet, even in those moments, we are reminded to eat with gladness and drink with joy, trusting that God’s grace covers us and His purpose is beyond our understanding.
Luck or Favour
The Teacher articulates a deep-seated frustration concerning the equitable nature of existence.He observes that life often appears arbitrary, suggesting that luck plays a significant role in one’s success. This perspective challenges the commonly held belief that hard work, luck and genetics are the primary determinants of achievement.
In the Teacher’s view, many factors influencing success are beyond our control, leading to a feeling of disillusionment. Despite the effort one may put in, outcomes can still seem random. This notion is encapsulated in the often-quoted phrase, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Such a sentiment highlights the idea that opportunities can arise from chance encounters or circumstances rather than merit alone.
Consider two individuals with similar qualifications and work ethic. One may secure a coveted position due to a fortuitous connection, while the other may struggle to find work despite their dedication. This scenario underscores the Teacher’s assertion that luck, rather than effort or inherent abilities, can dictate the course of one’s life. This perspective invites reflection on our attitudes towards success and failure. While hard work is undeniably important, it can be disheartening to realise that it doesn’t always guarantee favourable outcomes. This recognition can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness, especially when we see others prospering despite seemingly putting in less effort.
Ultimately, the Teacher’s insights remind us of the complexities of life. While we should strive to work diligently and use our gifts to the best of our ability, we must also acknowledge some things are not under our control. Embracing this reality can help cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude, recognising that success is not solely a product of our efforts but also influenced by circumstances beyond our control.
The Value of Wisdom
The Teacher underscores the significance of wisdom, juxtaposing it with the ephemeral nature of recognition and the consequences of folly. He references a prevalent piece of folklore from that era to substantiate his argument.
“There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So I said, ‘Wisdom is better than strength.’ But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.” – Ecclesiastes 9:13-18 (NIV)
The Teacher recounts the story of a small city that faced destruction. Despite the presence of a wise man who saved the city through his intellect, he was forgotten. This scenario highlights a powerful truth: wisdom is frequently undervalued, particularly when it is eclipsed by power and strength. The Teacher’s assertion that “wisdom is better than strength” highlights the enduring value of wisdom over brute force. However, it also illustrates the tragic reality that wise individuals may go unnoticed, their contributions overlooked in favour of more visible forms of success.
The Teacher’s conclusion that “the quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools” resonates deeply. It serves as a reminder that wisdom often speaks softly, yet carries far more weight than the empty boasts of those in power. In a world that often celebrates loudness and dominance, the value of humble wisdom can be easily dismissed.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. – Ecclesiastes 9:18 (NIV)
Additionally, the Teacher’s final thought—”but one sinner destroys much good”—warns us of the destructive power of folly. A single act of wrongdoing can overshadow the wisdom and goodness that may exist in a community, illustrating how fragile the balance can be.
This compels us to pursue wisdom and to listen intently to the subtle voices that surround us. It serves as a reminder that genuine strength is rooted not in force, but in understanding, humility, and the capacity to make prudent decisions. Therefore, we must implore God to bestow His wisdom upon our lives, acknowledging its significance and the enduring influence it can exert, even when it remains unrecognized by others.
Discussion Questions
- How do you interpret the Teacher’s view on the common destiny of the righteous and the wicked?
- In what ways do you think societal expectations influence our understanding of spiritual actions, like charity or prayer?
- How can we reconcile the belief in God’s sovereignty with the reality of human choices and accountability?
- How does the Teacher’s view on luck resonate with your own experiences of success and failure?
The Jordan Valley 
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