How does Ecclesiastes 9:6 connect with Matthew 6:19-21 on storing treasures? Text of the Two Passages Ecclesiastes 9:6: “Their love, their hate, and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.” Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” What Ecclesiastes 9:6 Tells Us About Earthly Life • Death severs every earthly attachment—love, hate, envy, accomplishments, possessions. • Once “under the sun” life ends, nothing here can be taken past the grave (cf. Job 1:21; 1 Timothy 6:7). • The verse underscores the absolute finality of earthly pursuits: they perish when we do. What Matthew 6:19-21 Teaches About True Treasure • Earth-bound wealth is fragile: moth, rust, thieves, economic upheaval, and finally death erase it. • Heavenly treasure is secure—no decay, no theft, no expiration. • Where we invest reveals what we love; the heart follows the treasure. Connecting the Two Passages 1. Ecclesiastes states the problem: earthly passions and possessions end at the grave—“they have no more share.” 2. Jesus provides the solution: shift investment to heaven, where life with God continues forever. 3. Together they form a single lesson: if all earthly striving dies with us, only eternal things are worth pursuing. Practical Takeaways for “Storing Up” • Measure goals by endurance—will this matter after death? • Channel resources toward gospel work, acts of love, and generosity (1 Timothy 6:17-19; Philippians 4:17). • Cultivate affections for Christ and His kingdom (Colossians 3:1-2), not merely for comfort or recognition here. • View possessions as tools, not trophies—using them now for eternal impact prevents them from owning us (Luke 12:15-21). Heart Checkpoints • Ask: “If my possessions disappeared tonight, would my joy collapse with them?” • Remember: earthly emotions—love, hate, envy—fade, but love for God and neighbor carries reward into eternity (1 Corinthians 13:13). Summary Ecclesiastes 9:6 reminds us that everything tied to this life dies with us. Matthew 6:19-21 directs us to invest where death cannot touch. Knowing the grave will strip every earthly treasure, wisdom stores riches where Christ keeps them secure forever. |
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