Eccl. 6, Journey through Ecclesiastes Ch. 4-7

3.    Vanity is demonstrated by various ideas, 4:1-6:9

a.     By the sad lot of the oppressed, 4:1-3

b.    By the futility of earthly endeavor, 4:4-6

c.     By the futility of the acquisition of riches, 4:7-12

d.    By the vanity of high station, 4:13-16

In other words, being wise, or righteous, finds its reward with God, not fickle man.  Without God in the picture, it’s all vanity.

e.     By the hypocrisies of formalistic worship, 5:1-7

f.      By the futility of working for riches, 5:8-6:9

I believe this (5:8) is what some call “the deep state.”  It is a very real thing.

In 5:10-12 we see the problem that is brought on by riches. 

As for 6:7, the satisfaction to be found in work, we see a good illustration of the difference between seeing things as Solomon does, through the lens of "general revelation,” as opposed to what the Christian understands through the lens of “special revelation” (Scripture).  Compare this to Eph. 6:5-8; Col. 3:22-25; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; 1 Pt. 2:18-21-25!

4.    Conclusion: All is vanity, 6:10-12

HUMAN WISDOM UNABLE TO AFFIRM PURPOSE IN LIFE, Ch. 7-12

Note the pattern suggested by the outline in the last half of Ecclesiastes.  Solomon expresses some words of wisdom.  Then he introduces other facts of life that seem to work against the value of his wisdom, leading to perplexity (what really is the truth in this situation) and ultimately futility.

1.    Human wisdom in relation to suffering, 7:1-29

a.     Wisdom: there is value in properly handled suffering, 7:1-14

Note the “better than” theme in 7:1,2,3-4,5-7,8-10 with the conclusion in 7:11-12.

Eccl. 7:7 deserves a second look.  We understand the last half of the proverb: a bribe debases the wise man’s heart.  But do we understand that “oppression” also destroys the wise man’s good sense.  The quest for power that results in oppressive and cruel treatment of others can overtake a wise man and cause him to do things that might surprise you.  Envy or jealousy is another one of those strong feelings that drive a good man to perform great evil (Prov. 27:4).

I love 7:10. It is a reminder that in Philosophy it is critical to ask the right questions. 

b.    Perplexity: it really doesn’t matter how we handle suffering, 7:15-18

c.     Futility: I’m still seeking wisdom, 7:19-29

I find it quite interesting that this wise man (Solomon), seeking the meaning of life in a humanistic way, nevertheless realizes that those who live their lives to please God will escape the immoral woman (7:26).