Ecclesiastes 9 & 10 – Thoughts From My Devotions

Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. Let thy garments be always white; and let thy head lack no ointment. Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labor which thou takest under the sun. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.  (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10)

It seems like this message is one of joy.  We are not to be discouraged by the uncertainties of the world around us, but rather to live life to the “fullest.”  We are to enjoy the life that God has given us and live every aspect of it “with our might.”

The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.  (Ecclesiastes 10:12)

When fools do not speak, they are considered wise; but when the wise speak, their words are gracious.  I think this is related to speaking the truth in love.  Sometimes people who have wisdom and know the truth are not wise when dispensing it.  Wise men’s words are gracious.