I realised that I actually missed out on Ecclesiastes which I had completed before I started Jeremiah.
Eccelesiastes is a very special book to me. It's full of wisdom, yet also so filled with the realities of life.
It states life ever so plainly, and so accurately that one is drawn to read more about what the preacher has to say. And then coupled with the wisdom within which comes from God, the book is really a valuable read, at least to me.
The book seemed to start out pessimistic, about how life is in fact vanity and grasping for wind, which is in fact very true.
Wanting to know everything is also vanity; there is wisdom in ignorance sometimes.
"For in much wisdom is much grief,
And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow." (1:18)
It teaches us that there is a time for everything. And even more so, He has made everything beautiful in its time (3:11).
Some other teachings that is especially applicable to me:
"Do not say, "Why were the former days better than these?"
For you do not inquire wisely concerning this." (7:10)
"Also do not take to heart everything people say,
Lest you hear your servant cursing you.
For many times, also, your own heart has known
That even you have cursed others." (7:21-22)
So forthrightly true ya?
It cuts through my heart when I read these
and I knew that I had been wrong.
And this verse, I applied to my exams :P
"Time and chance happen to them all" (9:11)
Although it seemed like a pessimistic book, it actually gave me the strength to work harder in life, for there is still much to be done.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (9:10)
And also, some verses which I love: the use of imagery and analogy:
"Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment,
And cause it to give off a foul odor;
So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor." (10:1)
"And you do not know what is the way of the wind,
Or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child,
So you do not know the works of God who makes everything" (11:5)
I especially adore this style of writing.
How true right? that a little folly will destroy a man even if he should be well-respected all along. Whenever, I think of this now, I will imagine the dead flies in the bottle of perfume. :P And strive never to let this happen! No flies in my perfume!
But some verses that I do not understand completely yet:
"Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better." (7:3)
"The end of a thing is better than its beginning" (7:8)
Finally, take home message for myself:
"For every matter there is a time and judgment" (8:6)
"Therefore remove sorrow from your heart" (11:10)
"Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man's all.
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil." (12:13-14)
