The Story:The “days of darkness” here probably refers to death. The “light” that is “sweet” is that of the present moment, while we’re still alive. Again, Solomon counsels making good use of the present so as to leave a good reputation and a legacy for the future. Carpe diem! That seems to be the message here – “seize the day!” But not in revelry and self-indulgence, as Rehoboam appears to be thinking. Rather, live life to the fullest, being faithful in all your work, laying up for the future, thinking about others and their needs, and doing everything with a grateful heart and a desire to honor God, Who gives us all good things.

The Structure:“Life’s a bitch, and then you die.” More wisdom from a contemporary bumper sticker. Many believers seem to embrace this view of life. They complain and grumble, criticize and condemn, fuss and fume about this, that, and the other. But of all people Christians should know joy, contentment, peace, and hope every day of their lives, for they know each day is a gift, each day is fraught with opportunities for bringing glory to God, and at the end of their days, full and abundant life awaits them, not the darkness that so many of their gloomy and anxious unbelieving friends fear (Heb. 2.15). We won’t live this way unless we position ourselves “under the heavens” at the beginning of each day, and look to the Lord consistently throughout.

How do the people you engage each day see you? Like Solomon’s proverb, or like the bumper sticker referenced above?

Each week’s studies in our Scriptorium column are available in a free PDF form, suitable for personal or group use. For this week’s study, “Think of the Days Ahead: Ecclesiastes 11,” simply click here.

T. M. Moore

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved