Ecclesiastes 2:26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Throughout Ecclesiastes Solomon says some really wise, true things, and then he betrays his own bad attitude. It would seem that none of David’s children were properly disciplined as they were growing up, and they bore the fruit of that as adults. Solomon is considered the best “success story” of the lot, yet he derailed himself completely by his self-centered indulgence. It was that attitude, selfishly resenting passing his accomplishments on to his successor, that made him say that God’s ways were meaningless. From our perspective on this side of the cross and the empty tomb, we can see that material accomplishments are insignificant compared to the reward that awaits us in heaven, so leaving things to our successors shouldn’t seem to be a burden at all, but rather a joy and an honor. God indeed blesses those who please Him by their faith and obedience, and there is nothing in the least “empty” or unfair about that. I am reminded of the recent protests against the rich, by those who don’t want to work to improve their lot in life. God is gracious, but He knows that if everything is handed to us on a platter, we will be as spoiled as a six week old banana. Genuine satisfaction, happiness, and joy can’t be measured in material terms, nor ultimately gained by material means.

This is something I’ve certainly experienced first hand, not from the viewpoint of an unhappy rich person but from understanding the riches of God’s grace that have nothing to do with material wealth. I have experienced the joy and satisfaction of doing things well, which is what Solomon talked about in the verses before this one, and that is a huge blessing. I have experienced financial need, which has taught me that God is my Provider, and that is a true blessing. By the grace of God, I have learned that every ability I have is a gift from Him, and is to be used in gratefulness and praise for His glory. I need to rest in the assurance, gained both from Scripture and from experience, that God will meet my every present and future need, from now throughout eternity, if I will keep my focus on Him in love and obedience.

Father thank You for this reminder. I face a big challenge in the meeting tonight, but You are more than equal to it. Thank You that I don’t have to rely on my own wisdom, but can trust Your Spirit to speak and act through me. Guard my lips so that I don’t say anything that isn’t of You. Guard my heart so that I don’t shut anyone out. To­day and every day, help me be an open channel for Your grace and love, accomplishing Your purposes on Your schedule for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!