June 4, 2021 - Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

We have all heard the saying, “Trust the science," as politicians and educators are continually debating the merits of their perspective of facts. As facts and figures flow through the classroom and the media, often there is tension because of a difference in points of view. The facts are difficult to discern in all the rhetoric.

Solomon understood the complexity of life and all the aspects that his subjects were exposed to as they lived in his kingdom. He concludes this book of wisdom with a recounting of his purpose and goal for the readers. He desired to instruct and reaffirm the ultimate source of their authority as God and His word. His teachings were meant to instruct others through careful research and clear, systematic education in the words of truth (v.9).

These words of the wise were to be goads (prods) used to stimulate growth and well-driven nails to stabilize and solidify values and standards. The words of the past scholars were given by one Shepherd (God) and His word was to be what they hung their lives upon. Verse 12 may sound negative at first glance but is intended to keep the priority of study focused. Other areas of study (many books) become wearisome, but Solomon urges his readers to keep God’s teachings a priority.

The concluding emphasis of Solomon’s book stands upon the fact we should not test God’s truth by man’s suppositions but instead examine man’s hypothesis by the truth of God’s Word. Our final textbook is the Bible, and the Holy Spirit is our teacher (John 14:26; 15:26; 16:12-15; 1 John 2:26-27). Fear God, keep His commandments and remember God sees everything! G. Campbell Morgan writes, “Man in his entirety, must begin with God; the whole of man, the fear of God.”

Perhaps you are like Solomon and are trying to understand life “under the sun” and all you are seeing is fragmentation and chaos. The confusion and anarchy, man’s education and partial truths all leading to the conclusion of “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (v.8). Yet when he added God’s point of view, everything became focused. The fragments became connected, and the picture crystallized into clarity. If man wants to have wholeness, they must begin with Jesus Christ. Let us develop an expanding relationship through consistent reading and sharing God’s word.