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Godly Guardrails: Ecclesiastes 12

Tiffany

Well, here we are after another book of the Bible. It seems like we just poured our hot cup of coffee and sat down together to study God's Word. Ecclesiastes was about brokenness. It was a book filled with pessimism, frustration, confusion, and weariness. 

And it was perfect for this season.

We asked hard questions about racism, suffering, habitual sin, identity, and equality. Often, we Google the hard questions before we go to the Throne. I'm guilty. My role in this Bible study was to point you to the Truth, and then allow God to reconcile it in your heart. I'm intentional in using the word "reconcile," friends. There are situations each day where I must pause and recognize that the only One who can reconcile what's happening is Jesus Christ. To reconcile is to make two "accounts" correct and in agreement. And, not all reconciliation is going to happen this side of heaven. That's why Revelation 21:5 says, "And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'"

Now, as we close out this book, the Preacher has some wise advice and conclusions for us. 

Remember Your Creator in Your Youth

1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, "I have no pleasure in them"; 2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, 3 in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, 4 and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low— 5 they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— 6 before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. 8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

  • The first word of this chapter is remember. Jesus said, during the Last Supper in Luke 22:19: "And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me."

  • What's essential about remembering? In Exodus and Deuteronomy, the Israelites were told to "remember that you were a slave in Egypt." Our past isn't meant to shackle us, but it's also not meant to be forgotten. When we forget where we came from (and we all came from sin and darkness), we lack humility and rob God of His glory. Don't live in shame, for you are redeemed. But don't forget either. 

  • Verses 2-7 of this chapter are metaphorical. It's describing the aging process and death. For example, the "grinders" refer to teeth. The bowl, pitcher, and broken wheel at the cistern are all related to water receptacles. Water is a symbol of life.

  • "Vanity of vanities," the Preacher said in verse 8. We learned early on the critical theme of Ecclesiastes: vanity. This word frequently occurs in this book, and in the Hebrew translation, vanity translates to hebel. Hebel means emptiness, vanity, or something unsatisfactory. As we've talked about, Solomon wrote about his perspective of how everything he sees is without importance. Solomon underscores that same thought in verse 8. His claim of vanity is restated, but he's about to summon us to pay careful attention to these next words...

Fear God and Keep His Commandments

9 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.

11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.

  • Verse 9 and 10 points out the care that Solomon invested in writing these Ecclesiastical words. He didn't pen them carelessly, even though he may have practiced cynicism in writing them. 

  • I had to look up what a "goad" was. Never be ashamed or afraid to use your table of contents or to do some digging in God's Word. There are many, many things I do not understand in the Bible. If you don't know something, search it out. I have made a couple posts over the years on Tips For Studying Your Bible. If you don't know or understand something, use the tools available, or know you can always email me, and I'll try to point you in the right direction. 

  • A "goad" was a stick to help prod or guide oxen while plowing. Verse 11 is reminding us that the words of the wise are guardrails to us. Let us respond to the prodding and guidance of other godly people!

  • The final two verses of this chapter are the perfect epilogue. Fear God. Keep His commandments. Have genuine faith (remember Mark 9:24: I believe, help my unbelief!).

  • "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14). Think about that for a moment in terms of what's going on in your own life right now. God sees all, knows all, and will bring it all into account in His timing. I've done many things wrong that I thought was right at the time. God will judge that, with both righteousness and mercy (praise God!). Let's rest in knowing God has a plan. Let's have the courage to believe it is for our good and for His glory. He is eternally advocating for you and for me. Praise His name! Amen and Amen. 

TIME AND REFLECTION