Category Archives: Wise

Money / Finances / Wealth, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Chasing What Cannot Last (Ecclesiastes 5:8-17)

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How much is enough before a person finally feels satisfied?

Key Verse:
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income…” —Ecclesiastes 5:10 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 5:1–7, Solomon emphasizes reverence before God, warning against careless words and shallow worship.

Now in Ecclesiastes 5:8–17, Solomon turns to another common pursuit “under the sun”—wealth, success, and possessions. He observes the corruption, anxiety, and emptiness that often accompany the love of money and earthly gain.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 5:8-17

      8If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them. 9After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.

The Folly of Riches

      10He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. 11When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? 12The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.

      13There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt. 14When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him. 15As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand. 16This also is a grievous evil—exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind?

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 5:8–17:
Solomon begins by observing oppression and corruption within human systems.

When people see injustice, abuse of power, and exploitation, they should not be surprised. Those in authority often answer to others above them, creating layers of brokenness and self-interest.

This is a sobering reminder that human systems alone cannot fully solve the problem of sin.

But Solomon quickly shifts toward a deeper issue:
the love of wealth.

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money…”

This is one of the clearest and most timeless statements in Ecclesiastes.

The pursuit of wealth promises satisfaction, security, and fulfillment. Yet Solomon—who possessed extraordinary wealth and success—declares that money itself never fully satisfies.

Why?

Because desire grows alongside abundance.

The more people gain, the more they often want:

  • more comfort
  • more success
  • more possessions
  • more security
  • more recognition

Contentment remains just out of reach.

Solomon also observes that increased wealth often brings increased burdens.

“When good things increase, those who consume them increase.”

Possessions create responsibility, stress, and anxiety. Wealth can attract:

  • dependence from others
  • fear of loss
  • endless striving
  • sleeplessness

Meanwhile, the laborer who works simply often sleeps more peacefully than the wealthy person consumed by worry.

This reveals an important truth:
peace does not come automatically from abundance.

Solomon then describes another painful reality:
wealth can disappear suddenly.

Riches gained and stored carefully can be lost through difficult circumstances, poor decisions, or unexpected events. And ultimately, no one carries earthly possessions beyond death.

“As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return…”

This echoes themes Solomon has repeated throughout Ecclesiastes:
earthly things are temporary.

This does not mean money itself is evil.

Scripture does not condemn responsible work, wise stewardship, or provision. Rather, 1 Timothy 6:10 warns that “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil.”

The issue is where the heart places its trust and hope.

When wealth becomes:

  • identity
  • security
  • purpose
  • or ultimate pursuit

it cannot carry the weight people place upon it.

Only God can provide lasting fulfillment and peace.

This passage challenges us to examine our hearts honestly.

Are we pursuing God while responsibly handling resources?

Or are we chasing possessions as though they will finally satisfy what only God can fill?

Solomon’s observations remain deeply relevant today because the human heart has not changed.

People still strive endlessly for “more,” believing satisfaction waits just beyond the next achievement or purchase.

But Ecclesiastes reminds us:
without God, the pursuit never ends.

True contentment is not found in having everything.

It is found in trusting the One who provides everything.

Application:

  • Examine whether money or possessions have become too central in your heart.
  • Pursue contentment rather than endless striving for “more.”
  • Remember that earthly possessions are temporary and cannot satisfy fully.
  • Practice gratitude for what God has already provided.
  • Place your trust and security in God rather than wealth.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to guard my heart from the love of money and the endless pursuit of worldly gain. Teach me to be content with what You provide and to trust You as my true source of peace and security. Help me to use resources wisely without allowing them to become my focus or identity. Thank You for faithfully providing for my needs. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Help / Serve Others, Peace / Rest, Seeking God, Wise

Two Are Better Than One (Ecclesiastes 4)

Have you ever felt like you were carrying life alone?

Key Verse:
“Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.” —Ecclesiastes 4:9 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 3:16–22, Solomon reflects on injustice and reminds us that God will ultimately judge both the righteous and the wicked.

Now in Ecclesiastes 4:1–16, he continues observing life “under the sun,” focusing on oppression, loneliness, and the pursuit of success—revealing both the pain of isolation and the value of companionship.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 4

The Evils of Oppression

     1Then I looked again at all the acts of oppression which were being done under the sun. And behold I saw the tears of the oppressed and that they had no one to comfort them; and on the side of their oppressors was power, but they had no one to comfort them. 2So I congratulated the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still living. 3But better off than both of them is the one who has never existed, who has never seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.

      4I have seen that every labor and every skill which is done is the result of rivalry between a man and his neighbor. This too is vanity and striving after wind. 5The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh. 6One hand full of rest is better than two fists full of labor and striving after wind.

      7Then I looked again at vanity under the sun. 8There was a certain man without a dependent, having neither a son nor a brother, yet there was no end to all his labor. Indeed, his eyes were not satisfied with riches and he never asked, “And for whom am I laboring and depriving myself of pleasure?” This too is vanity and it is a grievous task.

      9Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

      13A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction. 14For he has come out of prison to become king, even though he was born poor in his kingdom. 15I have seen all the living under the sun throng to the side of the second lad who replaces him. 16There is no end to all the people, to all who were before them, and even the ones who will come later will not be happy with him, for this too is vanity and striving after wind.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 4:
Solomon begins by returning to a heavy theme—injustice and oppression.

He observes the tears of the oppressed and notes that they have no comforter. Power is in the hands of those who oppress, and those suffering have no one to stand with them.

This is deeply sobering.

It highlights not only the presence of injustice, but the absence of support. The pain is not just what people endure—it is that they endure it alone.

Solomon’s reflection becomes so heavy that he makes a striking statement: that those who have already died are better off than the living, and even better is the one who has never existed.

This is not a theological conclusion—it is an expression of how broken life can appear when viewed only “under the sun,” without fully considering God’s eternal perspective.

He then shifts to another observation.

Much of human effort and achievement is driven by rivalry—people striving not out of purpose, but out of comparison and competition with others.

This too is “striving after wind.”

It leads to exhaustion, not fulfillment.

Solomon contrasts two extremes.

On one side is the person who refuses to work and falls into ruin. On the other is the person who works endlessly, never satisfied, yet has no one to share life with.

Both are empty.

This leads to one of the most well-known and practical truths in this chapter:

“Two are better than one…”

Solomon explains why:

  • They have a better return for their labor
  • They can help each other when one falls
  • They provide warmth and support
  • They are stronger together

This is not just about productivity—it is about relationship.

We were not created to live in isolation.

God designed us for connection, support, and community. Life is not meant to be carried alone.

The image of a “cord of three strands” is especially powerful. While two are stronger than one, adding a third strand makes the bond even more secure.

This points beyond human relationship—it points to God being part of that connection. When God is at the center, relationships are strengthened and sustained.

Solomon ends with a reflection on leadership and popularity.

A poor but wise youth can rise above an old and foolish king, yet even this success is temporary. People will follow for a time, but eventually, they move on.

This reinforces the broader message:

Status, success, and recognition are temporary.
Relationships and God-centered living have lasting value.

Ecclesiastes 4 reminds us that life without God can feel heavy and empty—but within that, we also see the importance of walking through life with others.

We are not meant to strive alone.

We are meant to walk together—with one another, and with God.

Application:

  • Do not try to carry life on your own—seek meaningful relationships.
  • Be intentional about supporting others who are struggling.
  • Avoid striving out of comparison or competition.
  • Recognize the limits of success and status—they do not satisfy.
  • Invite God into your relationships, making Him the center.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for creating me for relationship and not for isolation. Help me to build strong, meaningful connections with others and to walk alongside them in support and love. Keep me from striving out of comparison or selfish ambition. Teach me to place You at the center of my life and my relationships. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Faithful, Fear / Reverence for God, Joy / Happiness / Rejoicing, Peace / Rest, Wise

A Time for Everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

Do you trust God with the timing of your life—even when it doesn’t match your expectations?

Key Verse:
“He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart…” —Ecclesiastes 3:11 NASB

Background Context:
After exploring the emptiness of life apart from God in Ecclesiastes 1–2 and recognizing that meaning must be received from Him, Solomon now shifts focus in Ecclesiastes 3:1–15 to the nature of time and God’s sovereignty over it.

This passage reveals that life is not random or uncontrolled—God appoints the seasons and determines their purpose.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 3:1-10

A Time for Everything

      1There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

      2A time to give birth and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.

      3A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build up.

      4A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance.

      5A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;
A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.

      6A time to search and a time to give up as lost;
A time to keep and a time to throw away.

      7A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;
A time to be silent and a time to speak.

      8A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace.

      9What profit is there to the worker from that in which he toils? 10I have seen the task which God has given the sons of men with which to occupy themselves.

God Set Eternity in the Heart of Man

      11He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.

      12I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime; 13moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor—it is the gift of God. 14I know that everything God does will remain forever; there is nothing to add to it and there is nothing to take from it, for God has so worked that men should fear Him. 15That which is has been already and that which will be has already been, for God seeks what has passed by.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 3:1–15:
Solomon begins with a well-known truth: “There is an appointed time for everything.” He then lists a series of contrasting seasons—birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing, mourning and dancing.

These contrasts reflect the full range of human experience.

Some seasons are joyful and desired. Others are painful and difficult. Yet Solomon makes it clear that all of them exist within God’s appointed order.

This challenges how we often view life.

We tend to embrace the good seasons and resist the difficult ones. We may even question God when we find ourselves in hardship. But this passage reminds us that both are part of the rhythm of life under God’s authority.

Nothing is outside of His awareness.
Nothing is outside of His control.

Solomon then asks an important question: what profit is there in all our labor?

This connects back to earlier chapters. If we are striving to control outcomes or force results, we will find frustration. But when we recognize that God is in control of time, our perspective begins to shift.

We are not called to control every season—we are called to trust God within them.

“He has made everything appropriate in its time.”

This does not mean we will always understand what God is doing. In fact, Solomon acknowledges that God has set eternity in our hearts, yet we cannot fully comprehend His work from beginning to end.

This creates tension.

We long to understand.
We want clarity.
We desire control.

But we are limited.

This limitation is not a flaw—it is a reminder that we are not God.

Solomon then points us back to a simple but meaningful response: to rejoice, to do good, and to enjoy the life God has given. These are not shallow pursuits—they are acts of trust when we recognize that life is a gift from Him.

He also reminds us that God’s work endures forever. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. This reinforces that God’s plan is complete and unshakable.

Finally, Solomon brings us back to a central truth: God’s purpose is that people should fear Him—to live in reverence, trust, and obedience.

This passage teaches us that life’s seasons are not random.

They are appointed.
They are purposeful.
They are under God’s control.

Our role is not to master time, but to trust the One who does.

Application:

  • Trust God with the timing of your life, even when it is difficult.
  • Recognize that both joyful and painful seasons have purpose.
  • Let go of the need to control what only God can control.
  • Choose to rejoice and do good in the season you are in.
  • Live with reverence for God, trusting His eternal plan.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You with the seasons of my life. When I do not understand what You are doing, remind me that You are in control and that Your timing is perfect. Teach me to live with faith and reverence, rejoicing in what You provide and trusting in Your greater plan. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

When Everything Still Feels Empty (Ecclesiastes 1-2)

Have you ever pursued something you were sure would satisfy you—only to find it didn’t?

Key Verse:
“There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.” —Ecclesiastes 2:24 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 1–2, Solomon, a man given great wisdom, wealth, and opportunity, sets out to explore what gives life meaning. He examines life “under the sun,” pursuing wisdom, pleasure, achievement, and work to their fullest extent.

What he records is not theory—it is experience. He has lived what many spend their lives chasing.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 1-2

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 1–2:
Solomon begins with a bold and unsettling statement: “Vanity of vanities… all is vanity.” He observes the endless cycles of life—generations come and go, the sun rises and sets, and nothing seems to produce lasting meaning.

He then turns to wisdom. With greater understanding than anyone before him, he seeks to find purpose through knowledge. Yet the more he understands, the more he sees the brokenness of the world. Wisdom reveals truth, but it cannot fix what is wrong.

So he turns to pleasure.

He pursues laughter, enjoyment, wine, possessions, accomplishments, and great projects. He builds, acquires, and experiences everything he desires. If fulfillment could be found through enjoyment and success, Solomon would have found it.

But he does not.

Instead, he concludes that it too is “striving after wind.” The satisfaction is temporary. It does not last.

Then he considers work and achievement. Even meaningful labor becomes frustrating when he realizes it will all be left to someone else—someone who may not handle it wisely. What he builds does not remain in his control.

This leads to a sobering realization: even the best things in life—wisdom, pleasure, and work—cannot provide lasting meaning when pursued on their own.

Everything he tries points to the same conclusion:
👉 We cannot create meaning through our own efforts.

But then, at the end of chapter 2, something shifts.

Solomon recognizes that enjoyment itself—eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in work—is not meaningless when it is received from God.

“This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.”

This is the turning point.

What could not be achieved through striving can be received as a gift.

Solomon goes further: “For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?”

The answer is clear—no one.

Without God, even the greatest pursuits feel empty. With God, even the simplest parts of life take on meaning.

This reframes everything.

Meaning is not found in how much we accomplish, how much we know, or how much we experience. It is found in our relationship with God and in receiving what He provides with gratitude.

Solomon also introduces a distinction—God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him, while others are left striving without satisfaction. This reminds us that how we live before God matters.

Ecclesiastes 1–2 leads us to a clear and powerful truth:

We cannot find meaning by chasing it.
We can only receive it from God.

Application:

  • Reflect on what you have been pursuing for meaning and fulfillment.
  • Recognize that no achievement, pleasure, or knowledge can satisfy apart from God.
  • Shift from striving to receiving what God provides with gratitude.
  • Align your life with God so that your work and experiences have lasting purpose.
  • Trust that true fulfillment is found in relationship with Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to recognize where I have been striving to find meaning apart from You. Teach me to stop chasing what cannot satisfy and to receive what You provide with gratitude. Align my heart with Your will so that my life is rooted in You and filled with true purpose. Thank You for being the source of meaning, joy, and fulfillment. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Provider, Purposeful / Intentional, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Enjoyment Comes from God (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)

Have you been trying to find meaning in life—only to come up empty?

Key Verse:
“There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.” —Ecclesiastes 2:24 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 1–2:23, Solomon explores wisdom, pleasure, achievement, and work—only to conclude that all are vanity when pursued apart from God. Even the best things in life cannot provide lasting fulfillment on their own.

Now in Ecclesiastes 2:24–26, there is a shift. For the first time, Solomon points toward where meaning can actually be found—not in striving, but in receiving from God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 2:24-26

  24There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labor is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. 25For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? 26For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God’s sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 2:24–26:
After all his searching, Solomon arrives at a simple but profound realization: there is nothing better than to enjoy the basic elements of life—eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in one’s work.

At first glance, this may seem like a small conclusion compared to everything he has explored. But this is exactly the point.

The meaning is not found in the greatness of the experience—it is found in the source.

“This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God.”

What Solomon could not achieve through effort, wisdom, or pleasure, he recognizes must be received as a gift.

This is a turning point.

Up to now, everything has been described as striving—chasing after something that cannot be grasped. But here, the posture changes from striving to receiving.

Solomon then asks a powerful question:

“For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?”

The implied answer is clear—no one.

Enjoyment itself is not something we can manufacture apart from God. We may experience temporary pleasure, but lasting contentment and true satisfaction come only from Him.

This reframes how we see everyday life.

Work is no longer meaningless when it is received as something given by God. Simple blessings are no longer empty when they are recognized as coming from His hand.

Solomon also introduces an important distinction: God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. But to the sinner, He gives the task of gathering and collecting, only to hand it over to another.

This reinforces a truth seen throughout Scripture—there is a difference between living aligned with God and living apart from Him.

One leads to joy.
The other leads to burden.

This does not mean life becomes easy or free of challenges. But it does mean that meaning, contentment, and purpose are no longer something we chase—they are something we receive.

Solomon’s conclusion here connects back to what he will later state clearly: fearing God and keeping His commandments is what gives life its true purpose.

When we live in relationship with God, even the simplest parts of life are filled with meaning.

Without Him, even the greatest pursuits feel empty.

Application:

  • Shift your focus from striving to receiving what God provides.
  • Recognize everyday blessings as gifts from God.
  • Find contentment in your work when it is aligned with God’s purpose.
  • Examine whether you are seeking fulfillment apart from God.
  • Pursue a life that pleases God, trusting Him to provide joy.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the blessings You provide each day. Help me to stop striving for meaning apart from You and instead receive what You give with gratitude. Teach me to find joy in the simple things and to live in a way that is pleasing to You. Anchor my heart in You so that my life is filled with true contentment and purpose. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Wisdom Alone Is Not Enough (Ecclesiastes 2:12–23)

If both the wise and the foolish share the same end, what is the true value of wisdom?

Key Verse:
“Then I said to myself, ‘As is the fate of the fool, it will also befall me. Why then have I been extremely wise?’ So I said to myself, ‘This too is vanity.’” —Ecclesiastes 2:15 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 2:1–11, Solomon pursued pleasure, achievements, and possessions, only to conclude that they could not provide lasting fulfillment. He had everything the world could offer, yet it left him empty.

Now in Ecclesiastes 2:12–23, Solomon returns to consider wisdom again—this time comparing it directly with foolishness and examining the outcomes of both.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 2:12–23

Wisdom Excels Folly

      12So I turned to consider wisdom, madness and folly; for what will the man do who will come after the king except what has already been done? 13And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness. 14The wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I know that one fate befalls them both. 15Then I said to myself, “As is the fate of the fool, it will also befall me. Why then have I been extremely wise?” So I said to myself, “This too is vanity.” 16For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise man as with the fool, inasmuch as in the coming days all will be forgotten. And how the wise man and the fool alike die! 17So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind.

The Futility of Labor

      18Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. 19And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity. 20Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun. 21When there is a man who has labored with wisdom, knowledge and skill, then he gives his legacy to one who has not labored with them. This too is vanity and a great evil. 22For what does a man get in all his labor and in his striving with which he labors under the sun? 23Because all his days his task is painful and grievous; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is vanity.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 2:12–23:
Solomon begins by acknowledging something important: wisdom is better than foolishness. Just as light is better than darkness, wisdom brings clarity, direction, and understanding.

Yet even with this advantage, Solomon sees a troubling reality.

The same fate awaits both the wise and the foolish—death.

This realization shakes the foundation of what many believe about success and understanding. If both end the same way, what lasting gain is there in wisdom alone?

Solomon reflects on how even his wisdom and accomplishments will eventually be left to someone else—someone who may not value or manage them wisely. All his labor, effort, and careful work could be handed over to another who did not earn it.

This leads him to frustration and despair.

He describes his work as something that brings not only effort during the day, but also unrest at night. Even success does not bring peace when it is pursued apart from God’s purpose.

This passage exposes a deeper issue: when our identity and meaning are tied to what we accomplish, we become burdened by it.

Work itself is not the problem. Wisdom itself is not the problem. The problem is expecting them to provide ultimate fulfillment.

Solomon is showing us that even the best things in life—wisdom, hard work, achievement—cannot carry the weight of giving life meaning when they are disconnected from God.

This again points us forward to the truth he will later declare: fulfillment comes from fearing God and keeping His commandments.

Without God, even the best outcomes feel temporary and uncertain. With God, even simple work and wisdom take on lasting purpose.

Solomon’s struggle becomes a mirror for us.

Are we building our lives on things that will ultimately pass away?

Or are we anchoring our lives in what is eternal?

Application:

  • Recognize that even good things like wisdom and work cannot provide ultimate meaning.
  • Examine whether your identity is tied to what you accomplish.
  • Trust God with the outcomes of your work rather than trying to control everything.
  • Seek to align your efforts with God’s purpose.
  • Focus on what has eternal value rather than temporary success.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to see clearly where I may be placing my trust in things that cannot last. Teach me to value wisdom and work rightly, without depending on them for my identity or purpose. Anchor my life in You and guide me to pursue what has eternal significance. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Traditions / Holidays, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Don’t Be an April Fool: Embrace Godly Wisdom Over Worldly Folly

As April Fool’s Day approaches, many anticipate a day filled with jests and pranks, reveling in the joy of fooling others and perhaps being fooled themselves.

While this tradition is taken in good humor by many, it presents us with a profound opportunity to reflect—a moment to ponder the distinction between worldly folly and the wisdom found in God’s Word.

Let us delve into the scriptures, drawing upon the rich well of biblical wisdom to navigate our path through not just April, but every month of the year with divine guidance.

Understanding Foolishness Through Scripture

The Bible speaks extensively on the nature of foolishness, contrasting it sharply with the pursuit of wisdom and understanding:

  • The Denial of God: Psalm 14:1 starkly declares that folly begins with the denial of God’s existence, a path that leads to corruption and moral decay.
  • The Value of Godly Fear: Proverbs 1:7 teaches us that the fear of the Lord is the starting point of knowledge, a principle fools choose to ignore.
  • Wisdom Versus Foolishness: Through various proverbs, we’re shown that wisdom is something to be spoken, cherished, and stored up, whereas foolishness leads to ruin, strife, and quick tempers (Proverbs 10:13-14; Proverbs 14:1-3; Proverbs 14:15-18; Proverbs 18:2; Proverbs 20:3; Proverbs 29:11).
  • The Consequences of Foolishness: Ecclesiastes 4:5 and Ecclesiastes 7:9 caution against laziness and quick anger, highlighting these as markers of folly.
  • A New Life in Christ: Titus 3:3-11 reminds us of our past foolishness and disobedience, contrasting it with the new life and wisdom we’re called to in Christ, emphasizing the importance of good deeds and avoiding futile disputes.

From Foolishness to Wisdom: A Biblical Journey

April Fool’s Day can serve as a timely reminder for us to assess our walk with God, ensuring that we are not fools in His eyes. The Bible offers a clear directive: to eschew folly and embrace wisdom, understanding, and fear of the Lord. It’s an invitation to live a life marked by discernment, patience, and a commitment to follow God’s ways.

A Call to Action: Seeking God’s Wisdom

In light of this, let us commit to a daily pursuit of wisdom, choosing to seek guidance and understanding from Scripture rather than following the fleeting and often misguided traditions of men. Let April be a month where we deepen our understanding of what it means to truly walk in wisdom, setting an example for others to follow.

Prayer for Wisdom

Father in Heaven, as we navigate the complexities of this world, we ask for Your divine wisdom to guide us. Help us to recognize the folly that surrounds us and to seek the profound wisdom found in Your Word. May our hearts be open to Your teachings, and our lives reflect the wisdom that leads to life eternal. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Greed, Purposeful / Intentional, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise, Worldliness

The Emptiness of Having It All (Ecclesiastes 2:1–11)

Have you ever thought, “If I just had more, I would finally be satisfied”?

Key Verse:
“Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.” —Ecclesiastes 2:11 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 1, Solomon explored wisdom and knowledge and found that even great understanding could not provide lasting fulfillment. Now in chapter 2, he turns to another path—pleasure, achievement, and personal satisfaction.

With unmatched wealth, power, and opportunity, Solomon deliberately tests whether enjoyment, accomplishments, and possessions can bring meaning to life.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes:2:1-11

The Futility of Pleasure and Possessions

     1I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure. So enjoy yourself.” And behold, it too was futility. 2I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?” 3I explored with my mind how to stimulate my body with wine while my mind was guiding me wisely, and how to take hold of folly, until I could see what good there is for the sons of men to do under heaven the few years of their lives. 4I enlarged my works: I built houses for myself, I planted vineyards for myself; 5I made gardens and parks for myself and I planted in them all kinds of fruit trees; 6I made ponds of water for myself from which to irrigate a forest of growing trees. 7I bought male and female slaves and I had homeborn slaves. Also I possessed flocks and herds larger than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. 8Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male and female singers and the pleasures of men—many concubines.

      9Then I became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me. 10All that my eyes desired I did not refuse them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor and this was my reward for all my labor. 11Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 2:1–11:
Solomon begins by saying, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure.” He sets out to experience everything that might bring joy or satisfaction. Laughter, wine, great building projects, gardens, wealth, servants, possessions—he holds nothing back.

He creates what many today would consider the ideal life. Success, comfort, entertainment, and achievement are all within his reach. If fulfillment could be found through enjoying life and accomplishing great things, Solomon would have found it.

And yet, after experiencing it all, his conclusion is striking.

“Behold all was vanity and striving after wind.”

Everything he worked for, everything he built, everything he enjoyed—it did not provide lasting meaning. It was temporary. It did not satisfy the deeper need of the soul.

This is not because pleasure or achievement are inherently wrong. The issue is that they cannot carry the weight of providing ultimate purpose. They were never meant to.

Solomon’s experiment exposes a truth many people still struggle to accept: having more does not solve the problem of emptiness.

The world often tells us:

  • more success will satisfy
  • more experiences will fulfill
  • more possessions will complete us

But Solomon shows us that even when you reach the top, the feeling remains the same—temporary enjoyment followed by lasting emptiness.

Why? Because these pursuits are all “under the sun.” They are limited to this life and disconnected from eternal purpose when pursued on their own.

This points us back to the greater truth Solomon will later reveal: fulfillment is not found in what we accumulate or experience, but in our relationship with God.

When pleasure becomes the goal, it leaves us empty. When God is the center, even simple things gain meaning.

Solomon’s life becomes a warning—and an invitation.

You do not have to chase everything to discover it does not satisfy.

Application:

  • Reflect on whether you are seeking fulfillment through pleasure, success, or possessions.
  • Recognize that temporary enjoyment cannot replace eternal purpose.
  • Be grateful for blessings, but do not rely on them for identity or meaning.
  • Seek fulfillment in your relationship with God rather than in what you achieve.
  • Align your pursuits with what God calls you to do.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me recognize where I may be chasing fulfillment in things that cannot truly satisfy. Teach me to enjoy the blessings You give without placing my hope in them. Draw my heart closer to You so that my purpose and identity are rooted in Your truth. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

When Wisdom Is Not Enough (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)

Have you ever believed that if you just understood more—if you had more knowledge or insight—life would finally make sense?

Key Verse:
“Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.” —Ecclesiastes 1:18 NASB

Background Context:
In Ecclesiastes 1:1–11, Solomon observes the repetitive cycles of life and concludes that much human striving is like chasing the wind. The passage that follows shifts from observing the world to describing Solomon’s own personal investigation.

As king in Jerusalem, Solomon possessed extraordinary wisdom and opportunity. He deliberately set his heart to examine life carefully—to understand the nature of human experience and the value of wisdom itself.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

The Futility of Wisdom

     12I, the Preacher, have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13And I set my mind to seek and explore by wisdom concerning all that has been done under heaven. It is a grievous task which God has given to the sons of men to be afflicted with. 14I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind. 15What is crooked cannot be straightened and what is lacking cannot be counted.

      16I said to myself, “Behold, I have magnified and increased wisdom more than all who were over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has observed a wealth of wisdom and knowledge.” 17And I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I realized that this also is striving after wind. 18Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 1:12–18:
Solomon begins this section by explaining that he devoted himself to studying wisdom and understanding everything that takes place “under heaven.” His goal was to explore and understand the nature of life.

What he discovered, however, was troubling.

The more Solomon observed the world, the more he recognized how much of life is broken and beyond human control. He describes this search as a difficult task that God has given humanity to occupy themselves with.

One of his most striking observations is that “what is crooked cannot be straightened, and what is lacking cannot be counted.” In other words, human effort alone cannot fully correct the brokenness of the world.

Solomon also acknowledges that he had gained great wisdom—more than those who ruled before him. Yet this increased understanding did not bring the satisfaction he might have expected.

Instead, it brought grief.

Why? Because wisdom exposes reality. The more clearly we see the world, the more we recognize its problems, its injustices, and its limitations. Knowledge alone does not give us the power to fix what is broken.

This realization leads Solomon to conclude that increasing knowledge can increase sorrow.

Ecclesiastes is not condemning wisdom itself. Throughout Scripture, wisdom is valued and encouraged. The point Solomon makes is that wisdom alone cannot provide the meaning and fulfillment people seek.

Human understanding, no matter how great, cannot resolve the deepest issues of life.

Only God can do that.

When wisdom leads us to humility before God, it becomes life-giving. But when we rely on human knowledge alone to bring purpose and meaning, we eventually discover its limitations.

Solomon’s search reminds us that true wisdom ultimately points beyond itself—to the One who gives life its meaning.

Application:

  • Seek wisdom, but recognize that knowledge alone cannot solve life’s deepest problems.

  • Allow increased understanding to lead you toward humility before God.

  • Recognize the limits of human effort in fixing the brokenness of the world.

  • Pursue wisdom that leads to obedience and reverence for God.

  • Trust God as the source of true understanding and purpose.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of wisdom and understanding. Help me pursue knowledge with humility, remembering that true wisdom comes from You. Guard my heart from trusting in human understanding alone, and lead me to seek Your guidance in all things. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.

Purposeful / Intentional, Seeking God, Submitted / Servant, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

The Weariness of Endless Striving (Ecclesiastes 1:1-11)

Have you ever achieved something you worked hard for—only to realize it didn’t satisfy the way you expected?

Key Verse:
“What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?” —Ecclesiastes 1:3 NASB

Background Context:
Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature of Scripture and is traditionally attributed to Solomon, the son of David and king in Jerusalem. Solomon was granted extraordinary wisdom by God and lived with immense wealth, influence, and opportunity. Few people in history have had greater ability to pursue knowledge, pleasure, achievement, and success in the search for fulfillment.

Because of this unique position, Solomon was able to examine life’s pursuits more thoroughly than most. He experienced what many people spend their lives chasing, and he recorded his observations so others could learn from them.

Later in the book Solomon provides the ultimate conclusion to his reflections: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Remembering this conclusion helps us understand why so many earthly pursuits he describes ultimately feel empty when they are disconnected from God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Ecclesiastes 1

The Futility of All Endeavor

      1The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

      2“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher,
“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”

      3What advantage does man have in all his work
Which he does under the sun?

      4A generation goes and a generation comes,
But the earth remains forever.

      5Also, the sun rises and the sun sets;
And hastening to its place it rises there again.

      6Blowing toward the south,
Then turning toward the north,
The wind continues swirling along;
And on its circular courses the wind returns.

      7All the rivers flow into the sea,
Yet the sea is not full.
To the place where the rivers flow,
There they flow again.

      8All things are wearisome;
Man is not able to tell it.
The eye is not satisfied with seeing,
Nor is the ear filled with hearing.

      9That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.

      10Is there anything of which one might say,
“See this, it is new”?
Already it has existed for ages
Which were before us.

      11There is no remembrance of earlier things;
And also of the later things which will occur,
There will be for them no remembrance
Among those who will come later still.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes 1:1–11:
Solomon begins his reflections with a striking statement: “Vanity of vanities… all is vanity.” The word translated “vanity” refers to something fleeting—like vapor or breath that disappears quickly. It captures the frustration of striving after things that never fully satisfy.

He then asks a question that challenges every generation: What advantage does a person truly gain from all the work done under the sun?

Solomon looks to the natural world for illustration. The sun rises and sets. The wind circles the earth. Rivers flow endlessly into the sea, yet the sea is never full. The world continues in repeating cycles, generation after generation.

Human life often mirrors these patterns. People labor, build, pursue success, and accumulate possessions, yet the cycle repeats endlessly. Even our senses never feel completely satisfied—the eye is not filled with seeing, nor the ear with hearing.

Solomon also observes that what feels new is often only a variation of something that has existed before. Human history repeats many of the same ambitions, struggles, and pursuits. Even accomplishments that once seemed important are eventually forgotten.

This is why Solomon describes much of human striving as chasing the wind. When we seek purpose solely through our own achievements, recognition, or personal ambitions, the results rarely bring lasting fulfillment.

But Ecclesiastes does not exist to create despair. Instead, it exposes the limits of life lived only “under the sun.” When our perspective remains limited to earthly pursuits, we inevitably feel the emptiness Solomon describes.

Solomon eventually reveals the conclusion of his search: life finds meaning when it is centered on fearing God and keeping His commandments. Works done entirely in our own power will not have lasting impact. But when our work aligns with God’s purposes, it becomes part of something eternal rather than something temporary.

Most people continue searching for fulfillment apart from God, yet Solomon’s experience warns us where that path leads. True purpose is not found in endless striving—it is found in walking with the One who gives life meaning.

Application:

  • Reflect on whether you are pursuing fulfillment primarily through personal achievement.

  • Remember that success alone cannot satisfy the human heart.

  • Seek God’s direction for your work and decisions.

  • Align your efforts with what God calls you to do.

  • Invest your time and energy in what carries eternal significance.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me recognize where I may be chasing things that cannot truly satisfy. Teach me to seek purpose in walking with You rather than in my own accomplishments. Guide my work and my ambitions so they align with Your purposes and bring lasting value. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.

May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.

John Golda

Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.