The Mind and Process images by The Digital Artist, Heart image by MoFarrelly via www.pixabay.com
Before beginning our study of chapter 6, we need to set the stage a little:
Chapters 1-4 were very meticulous. There was a linear natural progression through the analysis of the state of life. We realize things seem to be pointless and we ask, “What’s the point of it all.” In an effort to find meaning and purpose we pursue self interest and achieve success (chapter 2). This is a good thing but does not satisfy long term. We find joy in the cycles of life and focusing on being fully engaged in the moment (chapter 3). This is satisfying-for awhile, but eventually ends. Having these things stripped away from us we focus more on the world around us (chapter 4). This magnifies and distorts the “injustices” we see. Becoming a “white knight” or a rescuer does provide some exhilaration as we come to the aid of others but, like everything else fades with use. We have a nagging in our minds there has to be something greater than ourselves and everything around us to help us make sense of it all (chapter 5).
Because our logical, meticulous examination of the nature of life does not answer all of our questions we become disoriented and our emotions take over. Thus, we have the classic cycle of the battle of the intellect vs. the heart. One more cycle within a series of existing cycles. Such is the genius of the book of Ecclesiastes.
This introduces us to chapter 6. This chapter seems a little more erratic in it’s presentation. It seems less linear as if all the thoughts triggered by the careful analysis of chapters 1-4 break down and all try to come out at once. It sort of reminds me of a miniaturized version of the Psalms or Proverbs. When reading or listening to this section (chapters 6-11) I find it best to pull back a little and focus on the overall theme being presented then drilling down to the specific points. Because this section of Ecclesiastes seems to be more kinesthetic in nature, a logical over analysis is a less appropriate method to study it and an introspective and thoughtful method more so.
May I ask you a question?
If your loved one had a life threatening injury, would it be beneficial for you to receive help in the shortest time possible; or, would it be better to spend as much time as possible contemplating what action to take?
One point of Ecclesiastes is to ask ourselves questions to make us think, and struggle through the challenging theological questions which are common to us all. The book of Job is very important for this reason also. The goal behind this is to resolve our doubts so our faith can be made complete (“…I believe; help my unbelief.”-Mark 9:24).
Unfortunately, one of the most popular perversions of the faith today (…what will be done has already been done in ancient times before us…) is theological erotica. This philosophical silliness manifests itself in those who fetishize pseudo-intellectuals such as Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, Simone de Beauvoir and others of their perverse ilk as the true apostles of the faith. Whereas those twelve unfortunate, simple, uneducated blue collar workers called by Jesus are just part of the system of patriarchal oppression which needs to be overthrown. Viva la revolucion!
The (mistaken) idea exists that questions should be asked simply to be asked, so that more questions can be asked and nothing should be resolved. This requires a very special kind of stupid which can only be enabled by a “higher” (mis-) education at an elitist institution. It is however, very titillating for the practitioner and gives him/ her social cover with his/ her peer group as being educated well beyond their actual level of intelligence. This is great for egotistical banter over cocktails, but not so great for preparing one to stand before their Creator and give a justification for His gracious gift of life to them.
1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.
-2 Timothy 3:1-9 (NKJV)
6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Timothy 3:6-7 (NKJV)
Bold text in the quotes is mine for emphasis.
The conflict between the intellect and the heart will come up from time to time and in varying degrees as we continue through life. What has been resolved before will probably need to be resolved again. This is simply the nature of working out our faith with fear and trembling for the duration of time God will grant us to be a part of this world. This is not an excuse for or a justification of choosing to become stuck in a perpetual limbo and pretending this foolishness is in fact evidence of some secret wisdom.
So…Ecclesiastes chapter 6…
1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: 2 A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction.
-Ecclesiastes 6:1 (NKJV)
For what more has the wise man than the fool?
-Ecclesiastes 6:8 (NKJV)
Who knows how to walk before the living?
-Ecclesiastes 6:8 (NKJV)
Since there are many things that increase vanity, How is man the better?
-Ecclesiastes 6:11 (NKJV)
12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?
-Ecclesiastes 6:12 (NKJV)
These quotes/ questions seem vaguely familiar, as if what is being printed now has already been printed before. If not word for word then at least in principle. Please read the entirety of chapter 6 on your own while keeping these questions in mind. After that, please review chapters 1-5, again while keeping these questions in mind.