11Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. 12For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.
This stood out to me today and answers the question “why do bad things happen to good people?”… time and chance happen to all no matter good or evil. So why not live with joy? Jesus is joy and reminders to stay close to Him to make this short time on this earth joyful makes the waiting until we can meet Him one day much less worrisome. Whether tomorrow or 50 years from now, I strive to know Him more and recognize “bad days are just a day to examine my conscience” and good days are to give thanks to Him. Praise Jesus, today is a good day!
Truth! I struggle so often with gossip and comparison. I take to heart words of negativity that others comment about me or snarkily respond on social media with. But I can be just as snarky and just as harsh with words from my lips and thoughts in my head. Lord give me wisdom and allow me to love others more every day.
I love how in Ecclesiastes it talks about living with joy each day. While living with joy we can eat and drink and be merry! Day to day life can seem so overwhelming but in the grand scheme of things most of my day won’t matter. I need to live with joy in my heart daily and show others how to do the same which means point them to Jesus! That’s what will matter when it’s all said and done.
-A good name is better that perfume
-The day of death better than the day of birth
-Going to a house of mourning is better than going to a house of feasting
-Sorrow is better than laughter
-Heeding a wise man’s rebuke is better than listening to the song of fools
-The end of a matter is better than its beginning
-Patience is better than pride
-Don’t ask why the “old days” were better than these (funny that they apparently did that millennia ago!).
Some of these I don’t understand well from my first-world, modern, fix-it-if-you’re-unhappy perspective. But it is a good reminder that there is more to “life” than the here and now! And there is purpose in sorrow and death and when things don’t turn out how we think they should.
I was listening to the Mercy Me song about grace while reading this passage in Acts – thinking about how important these discussions were to the future of the church. These men, so steeped in the scriptures yet God called them to a new covenant, a new way. I’m so grateful they gathered together, and listened. I can’t imagine how it must have changed everything about their lifestyle and identity as Jews to become a Christian. So grateful for these courageous men.
I just love the perspective Ecclesiastes provides, it’s such a reality check! It makes life so much more meaningful when you live your Earthly life, with an eternal mindset. It just brings so much clarity and order to priorities by quieting societies constant roar of “do this, wear that, look like this, don’t say that…” Etc. the ever changing/growing burden the world tries to place on your shoulders. Life’s so simple and straightforward when you keep your eyes set on Him and the ways of heaven. Oh the peace He brings to our chaotic little minds. Bless you ladies!
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. – Good reminder for me.
Acts 15:10-11 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
This passage is so convicting to me tonight. In this passage, the people in Jerusalem are definitely using circumcision as a means of saying that the Gentiles just don’t make the cut for being Christians- which is totally wrong! I love how Paul sees right through their prideful arguments and points them to truth. He reminds them that hey, we can’t even get all the commandments right and it is not our responsibility to judge the Gentiles. Since they are as Christian as we are, grace covers us all.
I’m so convicted because as I’ve been learning more and more about God this summer, I know I’ve gotten prideful. In other words, they don’t know what I know yet, so how are we on the same playing field. But this is so wrong! God has been working in my heart and reminding my of my place in his love even when I was only beginning to call out to him. Thank you God for your great love to teach.
Sisters! Today I have completely caught up! I discovered SRT in July and started July 8th. I then went back and started in January reading the current reading and “catch up” reads every day. My husband, kids and I leave in vacation in a few days and my goal was to catch up before we left. I have been SO blessed by the readings and have looked forward to them everyday. I even found myself commenting on posts from February ;) thank you so much for all of you comments and thoughts. I feel myself growing and strengthening each day. Iron sharpening iron….
Love: “Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others.” Ecc. 7:21-22
Loved this verse –
Ecclesiastes 7:14 On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days
So that we won’t take anything for granted.
I’ve struggled in the past with focusing on what “people say” rather than what feels right according to His direction I should walk in. Today’s Ecclesiastes verses reminded me to always stay on the path He leads for me even if it’s the one of most resistance:
Ecclesiastes 7:21 Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.
Ecclesiastes 9:17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.
10 Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. How often we reminisce the old days when we forget the bad and only the good
17The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
❤️
7Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.
❤️
❤️
✅
✝️
✅
7Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.-ellie
11Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. 12For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.
This stood out to me today and answers the question “why do bad things happen to good people?”… time and chance happen to all no matter good or evil. So why not live with joy? Jesus is joy and reminders to stay close to Him to make this short time on this earth joyful makes the waiting until we can meet Him one day much less worrisome. Whether tomorrow or 50 years from now, I strive to know Him more and recognize “bad days are just a day to examine my conscience” and good days are to give thanks to Him. Praise Jesus, today is a good day!
❤️
Truth! I struggle so often with gossip and comparison. I take to heart words of negativity that others comment about me or snarkily respond on social media with. But I can be just as snarky and just as harsh with words from my lips and thoughts in my head. Lord give me wisdom and allow me to love others more every day.
I love how in Ecclesiastes it talks about living with joy each day. While living with joy we can eat and drink and be merry! Day to day life can seem so overwhelming but in the grand scheme of things most of my day won’t matter. I need to live with joy in my heart daily and show others how to do the same which means point them to Jesus! That’s what will matter when it’s all said and done.
Yes!
*like* button! But seriously though it’s the joy that will benefit our everyday.
Ecclesiastes 7: “Better Than…”
-A good name is better that perfume
-The day of death better than the day of birth
-Going to a house of mourning is better than going to a house of feasting
-Sorrow is better than laughter
-Heeding a wise man’s rebuke is better than listening to the song of fools
-The end of a matter is better than its beginning
-Patience is better than pride
-Don’t ask why the “old days” were better than these (funny that they apparently did that millennia ago!).
Some of these I don’t understand well from my first-world, modern, fix-it-if-you’re-unhappy perspective. But it is a good reminder that there is more to “life” than the here and now! And there is purpose in sorrow and death and when things don’t turn out how we think they should.
Thanks for this! Amen!
I agree, the beginning of today’s reading had me very confused!
I was listening to the Mercy Me song about grace while reading this passage in Acts – thinking about how important these discussions were to the future of the church. These men, so steeped in the scriptures yet God called them to a new covenant, a new way. I’m so grateful they gathered together, and listened. I can’t imagine how it must have changed everything about their lifestyle and identity as Jews to become a Christian. So grateful for these courageous men.
I just love the perspective Ecclesiastes provides, it’s such a reality check! It makes life so much more meaningful when you live your Earthly life, with an eternal mindset. It just brings so much clarity and order to priorities by quieting societies constant roar of “do this, wear that, look like this, don’t say that…” Etc. the ever changing/growing burden the world tries to place on your shoulders. Life’s so simple and straightforward when you keep your eyes set on Him and the ways of heaven. Oh the peace He brings to our chaotic little minds. Bless you ladies!
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. – Good reminder for me.
The race does not go to the swift…
Yes amen !!!
Acts 15:10-11 10 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”
This passage is so convicting to me tonight. In this passage, the people in Jerusalem are definitely using circumcision as a means of saying that the Gentiles just don’t make the cut for being Christians- which is totally wrong! I love how Paul sees right through their prideful arguments and points them to truth. He reminds them that hey, we can’t even get all the commandments right and it is not our responsibility to judge the Gentiles. Since they are as Christian as we are, grace covers us all.
I’m so convicted because as I’ve been learning more and more about God this summer, I know I’ve gotten prideful. In other words, they don’t know what I know yet, so how are we on the same playing field. But this is so wrong! God has been working in my heart and reminding my of my place in his love even when I was only beginning to call out to him. Thank you God for your great love to teach.
❤️
Sisters! Today I have completely caught up! I discovered SRT in July and started July 8th. I then went back and started in January reading the current reading and “catch up” reads every day. My husband, kids and I leave in vacation in a few days and my goal was to catch up before we left. I have been SO blessed by the readings and have looked forward to them everyday. I even found myself commenting on posts from February ;) thank you so much for all of you comments and thoughts. I feel myself growing and strengthening each day. Iron sharpening iron….
Awesome! Congratulations! I am trying to catch up as well!
Very cool… Good work. I’m a few weeks behind but hope to be in full swing by Labor Day! :)
Wisdom is important…… For poor man with wisdom is better than a Man with riches
Love: “Also do not take to heart everything people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. For many times, also, your own heart has known that even you have cursed others.” Ecc. 7:21-22
Truth truth truth!!
So true!!
Loved this verse –
Ecclesiastes 7:14 On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience.
God arranges for both kinds of days
So that we won’t take anything for granted.
I screenshot your comment because it’s a really great reminder!
What version is this? I love it. Is it possible to change the version in this plan?
Hi Sally! You can change your default translation in the \’Settings\’ section.
xoxo-Kaitlin
What translation is your set on?
Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Eccl 7:9
I’ve struggled in the past with focusing on what “people say” rather than what feels right according to His direction I should walk in. Today’s Ecclesiastes verses reminded me to always stay on the path He leads for me even if it’s the one of most resistance:
Ecclesiastes 7:21 Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.
Ecclesiastes 9:17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.
This is also something I struggle with and the first verse definitely caught my eye. Thanks for sharing :)
Me too!! Such a good reminder <3
10 Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?”
For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. How often we reminisce the old days when we forget the bad and only the good
17The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
These words jumped off the page at me today
Same here, Terri-Kate. Verse 17 especially.
Same here!
Same for me as well & ties in with the wisdom that God gave to Peter & James in Acts to settle the dispute.