How can Ecclesiastes 2:26 guide us in our daily decision-making process? Setting the Context - Ecclesiastes records King Solomon’s Spirit-inspired reflections on life “under the sun.” - Chapter 2 exposes the emptiness of labor and pleasure pursued without reference to God. - Verse 26 offers a crisp contrast between those “pleasing in His sight” and “the sinner,” anchoring our outlook on every choice we make. Reading Ecclesiastes 2:26 “For to the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and collecting to give to the one who is pleasing in God’s sight. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.” Key Truths from the Verse - God personally “gives” three priceless gifts to the obedient: • Wisdom – the ability to see life from God’s viewpoint. • Knowledge – practical understanding anchored in truth. • Joy – deep satisfaction independent of circumstances. - The “sinner” (the one living in defiance of God) still works and accumulates, yet his efforts ultimately serve God’s purposes for the righteous. Applying these Truths to Daily Decisions 1. Start every decision by seeking to “please” the Lord, not merely achieve results. 2. Expect God to supply wisdom in real time (James 1:5) when motives honor Him. 3. Recognize that acquiring possessions or status isn’t the main goal; receiving God-given joy is. 4. Resist envy. Even when unbelievers seem to be advancing, their gains remain under God’s sovereign redirection (Psalm 73:16-17). 5. View work as stewardship, not ownership. If God can reassign wealth, He certainly directs careers, schedules, and opportunities (Proverbs 16:3). Supporting Scripture Connections - Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trusting the Lord leads to straight paths, echoing the promise of wisdom. - Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God…and all these things will be added,” reinforcing the priority of pleasing God. - Romans 8:28 – God works all things for good to those who love Him, mirroring the transfer pictured in Ecclesiastes 2:26. Practical Steps for the Week Ahead • Each morning, reaffirm your aim to be “pleasing in His sight” before scheduling tasks. • When facing a choice, pause and ask: Does this align with scriptural wisdom I already know? • Record instances where God turns ordinary responsibilities into occasions of joy. • At week’s end, review how He provided wisdom, knowledge, and joy—and thank Him for faithfully keeping His literal promise. |
    |