Compare Ecclesiastes 6:7 with Matthew 6:33 on seeking God's kingdom first. The Problem of Endless Appetite – Ecclesiastes 6:7 “All a man’s labor is for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.” - Solomon observes daily reality: people work hard mainly to feed themselves. - Result: stomachs may be filled for a moment, but desire keeps coming back. - Under the sun, labor alone cannot reach the deeper hunger of the soul (cf. Isaiah 55:2; Proverbs 13:4). The Promise of True Provision – Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” - Jesus reorders priorities: put God’s reign and right living first. - “All these things” refers to food, drink, clothing—basic needs listed in vv. 25-32. - Kingdom-first living trusts the Father’s care (Psalm 37:25; Philippians 4:19). Side-by-Side Contrast - Source of pursuit • Ecclesiastes: self-driven toil for temporal needs. • Matthew: God-directed pursuit of eternal rule and righteousness. - Outcome • Ecclesiastes: appetite returns unsatisfied. • Matthew: needs met, plus enduring fulfillment (John 6:35; Psalm 107:9). - Focus • Ecclesiastes: mouth, stomach, immediate gratification. • Matthew: heart, righteousness, eternal priorities. How Seeking the Kingdom Answers the Appetite 1. Redirects desire - Our deepest hunger is spiritual; only God satisfies (Psalm 63:5). 2. Reframes work - Labor becomes service under the King, not frantic self-provision (Colossians 3:23-24). 3. Releases anxiety - Trust in the Father replaces restless striving (1 Peter 5:7). Living It Out - Begin every plan by asking: “How does this advance God’s kingdom?” - Treat daily work as stewardship, not survival. - Cultivate contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8), knowing He adds “all these things.” Summary Ecclesiastes exposes the futility of labor centered on physical appetite; Matthew supplies the remedy: seek God’s kingdom first, and He fills both soul and stomach. |
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