Semper Reformanda

Ecclesiastes 6:1 | Word Study

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men. Ecclesiastes 6:1 (KJV)

It seems Qoheleth extends his observation on the problem of wealth; i.e., from 5:18-20. It is not a new sort of problem that is he discussing. (Provan, 147) There is a difference however, the former is a study that affects all men, this verse seems to bring that back into memory, but this specific study seems to look into a very particular person. (Bartholomew, 200) More of which, we are introduced on the following verses. Qoheleth here merely sets up a deeper study of the problem of wealth.

References:

Bartholomew, C. (2009). Ecclesiastes, Baker Academic

Provan, I. (2001). Ecclesiastes/Song of Songs: The New Application Commentary, Zondervan

Ecclesiastes 5:20 | Word Study

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. Ecclesiastes 5:20 (KJV)

The ISV reads “For he will not brood much over the days of his life, since God will keep him occupied with the joys of his heart.” Bartholmew directly quotes Lohfink here, “(this) implies that the ecstasy of the good is given within the psychic phenomenon of joy itself insofar as this is also a divine answer, something like revelation. In joy, then, the conclusion of right thinking namely the perfection and the eternity of divine action within all events is directly communicated as revelation.” (194) This is such a wholesome conclusion to the pursuit of labour and freedom, and it is such a fitting reward for the godly – to find joy in God. Adding to this, Seow notes – that the joy intended in these words are not future tense, but it is in the present tense. He writes, “the emphasis is not on the future, but on the possibility of enjoyment in the present.” (231)

References:

Bartholomew, C. (2009). Ecclesiastes, Baker Academic

Seow, C.L. (1997). Ecclesiastes, Yale University Press

Ecclesiastes 5:19 | Word Study

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19 (KJV)

‘… to whom God given riches and wealth,’ seems to be a contrast to the wealth the natural man amasses. The difference being, to whom God gives, He empowers them to enjoy it. (Barthalomew, 193) On the contrary, the natural man is deprived of such joy. He is either troubled because he has too much, or not enough. Qoheleth here seems to suggests that wealth in itself is not wrong or problematic. Or that, it is impossible to enjoy wealth and know God; these two are not exclusives. (Provan, 146) But the godly knows God’s providence; and he surrenders to Him – granting him peace and joy.

References:

Bartholomew, C. (2009). Ecclesiastes, Baker Academic

Provan, I. (2001). Ecclesiastes/Song of Songs: The New Application Commentary, Zondervan