Ecclesiastes-9:10-12-web

For Reading and Meditation:     Ecclesiastes 9:11-12

An explanation is necessary for Solomon's reference to death in the verses we read yesterday: "In the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom" (v. 10). Death, to Old Testament saints, was a mystery. They believed in life after death, but they were not sure of the...

For Reading and Meditation:     Ecclesiastes 9:7-10

"Go, eat your food with gladness," Solomon says, "and drink your wine with a joyful heart" (v. 7). Hedonists reading these words might think: "Just what I want ... freedom to go out and indulge myself." But hold on, read the next line: "Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil" (v. 8). That...

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do," refers to works that are possible. There are many things which our heart findeth to do which we never shall do. It is well it is in our heart; but if we would be eminently useful, we must not be content with forming schemes in our heart, and talking of them; we must practically carry out "whatsoever our hand findeth to do." One good deed is more worth than a thousand brilliant theories. Let us not wait for large opportunities, or for a different kind of...

The work of the Lord is so important, pressing, sublime and awebegetting that a curse rests upon anyone who does it negligently. The God who wants and deserves the best cannot bear with sloth, delays, halfheartedness, or slipshod methods. When we think of the tremendous issues involved, we are not surprised.

During the latter part of 1968 a young Christian in Prague, Czechoslovakia witnessed to another young Czech named Jan Palach. There seemed to be a genuine interest on Jan's part,...

Blessed are the meek.I returned and saw under the sun that—the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill. § A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our...

Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. § Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. § Whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord. § I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. § Did you...

Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. They may rest from their labors, and their works follow them. § There the wicked cease from troubling, and there the weary are at rest.  § Now Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?”Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. § The dead do not praise the Lord, nor any who go down into silence.I am...

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground. § We commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. § Aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands.Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. § The night is coming when no one can work.Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due...