If you've been reading this each week, you've probably noticed a similar pattern in Solomon's writing. His tone of lament and somewhat depressed manner of writing about the world continues this week in what is the conclusion of what I would call Solomon's complaint about life (to be followed by the actually conclusion to the book next week, a much happier and hopeful tone).
The first 12 verses in chapter 9 begin with the message that life is meaningless. However, Solomon hints at his final conclusion in this section by noting the importance of living life for God. Verse 7 reads: Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart... 9: Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love. So is Solomon telling us to just party life away? No! The second half of verse 7 reads: for it is now that God favors what you do and 9's second half: all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun. Solomon in fact is telling us to enjoy life as God's gift. This means that it is fine to have fun eating, drinking and spending time with those you are close to, but do this as worship to God! 1st Corinthians 10:31 reads: So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Our lives are to be a worship to God; that is how we find meaning in our lives! Whether we have little or have much, we should use what we have for God and thank God for the gifts he has given us.
I think that Solomon emphasizes this God-focused life from 9:13 to 11:6 where Solomon continues writing proverbs, contrasting wisdom and foolishness. As I said in weeks past, wisdom here represents following God while foolishness represents not following God. Therefore, Solomon continues to emphasize the importance of following God by giving us proverb after proverb.
In the last section of verses, 11:7 to 12:8, Solomon gives a benediction of sorts. First, in 11:7-8 Solomon says to those who have lived a long life to keep serving, worshiping and following God. He reminds us that eternity is far longer than a long life on earth. So even if you have lived many years, remember to never stop following and trusting in the blood of Jesus Christ.
In verses 11:9,10 and 12:1-8 Solomon gives very encouraging words to young people, but he also gives them a challenge. 11:9 let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Thats really encouraging to me; let your heart (which should be set on Jesus) give you joy, or "let Jesus give you joy"!
Next the challenge, I like the NLT translation best here:
Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor him in your youth before you grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.” 2 Remember him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. 3 Remember him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly.
4 Remember him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint.
5 Remember him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral.
6 Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well. 7 For then the dust will return to the earth, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.
Basically, Solomon says to remember God in your youth, and use your youth for his glory. Someday, your body won't work like it used to. I'm only 20 but I get very sore after playing basketball whereas even 2 years ago I didn't. You young people who are following Jesus, take Solomon's words to heart and don't waste your youth. Rather, use this time to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, use the relationships you have now with your many friends. It is said that as you age, the amount of good friends you have decreases, so while you have a school for of people, share the gospel! Be bold in your youth! Keep your heart set on Christ, and find your joy in the Savior.
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