“So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them.”
(Ecclesiastes 9:1 NIV)
The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with wisdom. The author aims to investigate what truly makes life worthwhile. Does wealth guarantee a happy life? Can we demand success by living wisely? Is hard work rewarded? Does pleasure provide lasting satisfaction?
While the above matters can certainly make life easier, they are insufficient. Before you know it, they slip through your fingers. Boundless pleasure proves to be empty and unfulfilling in the long run. The constant pursuit of wealth, success, and happiness is exhausting and often bears no lasting fruit. Wisdom and righteousness—valuable as they are—do not always lead to prosperity. Time and again, the Preacher comes to the conclusion: we have no control over our lives. No matter how hard we try, we do not hold our fate in our hands. There is only One who is above all: God.
Do you agree with this conclusion? To what extent do you believe you have influence over your own destiny? What is the role of other people, and how do you see God’s hand in this?
Let’s assume the Preacher is right. How do you feel about the idea that God determines our lives? Do you find that frustrating, frightening, reassuring… and why?