“For I have taken all this to my heart and explain it that righteous men, wise men, and their deeds are in the hand of God. Man does not know whether it will be love or hatred; anything awaits him. 2 It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear. 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead. (vv1-3)
The depths of despair and meaninglessness of life is once again emphasized by the preacher’s view that all human beings die. It seems that in his view thus far, he doesn’t think there’s an afterlife but extinction. Whether one is a blasphemer or a bastion of righteousness death equalizes them both and its certainty makes our deeds worthless, insignificant, useless and futile.
Whether one is devoted to God or to self in the end it doesn’t matter. This view is dark and utterly horrific to my soul, for it leaves me only to meander pitifully in this existence until I finally am no more. What despair! what hopelessness, what a tragedy if in fact the preacher is correct. Now if God does not exist then he is “dead on!” There is no ultimate meaning in life.
LORD, help me live today as if it were my last one. Make me a vessel of honor, season my lips with salt and keep my eyes fixed on you LORD so that I may boldly and graciously capitalize on given opportunities.
(SDG)
Answers To Tough Questions 