Category Archives: Unteachable / Foolish

Disobeying, Rebelling Against, Ignoring God, Hope, Obeying God, Psalms, Purposeful / Intentional, Salvation, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

The Fool Says There Is No God (Psalms 53)

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What happens when people live as if God does not exist?

Key Verse:
“The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice; there is no one who does good.” —Psalm 53:1 NASB

Background Context:
Psalms 53 closely parallels Psalm 14, emphasizing the condition of humanity apart from God. Following Psalm 52, which contrasts the wicked and the righteous, this psalm broadens the focus to describe the overall state of those who reject God.

It presents a sobering view of what happens when people remove God from their thinking and their lives.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Psalm 53

For the choir director; according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David.

      1The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God,”
They are corrupt, and have committed abominable injustice;
There is no one who does good.

      2God has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men
To see if there is anyone who understands,
Who seeks after God.

      3Every one of them has turned aside; together they have become corrupt;
There is no one who does good, not even one.

      4Have the workers of wickedness no knowledge,
Who eat up My people as though they ate bread
And have not called upon God?

      5There they were in great fear where no fear had been;
For God scattered the bones of him who encamped against you;
You put them to shame, because God had rejected them.

      6Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!
When God restores His captive people,
Let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Reflection on Psalm 53:
The psalm begins with a striking statement: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

This is not simply an intellectual claim—it is a heart position.

To say “there is no God” is to live as if there is no authority above us, no accountability for our actions, and no need to submit to anything beyond ourselves.

David describes the result clearly.

“They are corrupt… there is no one who does good.”

This does not mean that people are incapable of doing anything outwardly good. Rather, it reveals that apart from God, even what appears good is not rooted in true righteousness. Without God, there is no lasting moral foundation.

God looks down from heaven, observing humanity. He is not distant or unaware. He sees clearly whether anyone seeks Him, whether anyone understands.

And the conclusion is sobering:

“Every one of them has turned aside…”

Humanity, left to itself, drifts away from God. The natural tendency is not toward Him, but away from Him.

This is not complicated. When people reject God, they do not move toward righteousness—they drift toward selfishness and sin. God has already made clear what is good and what is evil, calling us to love Him and to love one another (Matthew 22:37–40). But when we turn from Him and follow our own path, we move away from His design and into corruption.

The psalm then describes the mindset of those who reject God. They devour others and act without regard for justice or compassion. Without God as the standard, people become their own authority, and selfishness takes root.

Yet in the midst of this, David points to a turning point.

“They were in great fear where no fear had been…”

God intervenes.

Those who once lived without fear of God are suddenly confronted with reality. The security they thought they had is exposed as false.

This reminds us that rejecting God does not remove accountability—it only delays the moment when truth is revealed.

Scripture consistently presents life as a choice between two paths. One leads to blessing through obedience, and the other leads to destruction through disobedience (Deuteronomy 11:26–28). Yeshua also described this as the narrow gate and the broad way—one leading to life and the other to destruction (Matthew 7:13–14). Psalm 53 shows us the result of choosing the path that rejects God.

The psalm ends with a hopeful declaration:

“Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion!”

David looks forward to God’s deliverance. Even in the face of widespread corruption, he trusts that God will restore His people.

This points us ultimately to Yeshua—the One through whom salvation comes.

Psalm 53 presents a clear contrast:

Life without God leads to corruption and emptiness.
Life with God leads to restoration and hope.

It challenges us to examine not just what we say, but how we live.

Do we truly acknowledge God in our hearts?
Or do we live as if we are in control?

Because what we believe in our hearts will shape how we live our lives.

Application:

  • Examine whether your life reflects true acknowledgment of God.
  • Recognize that rejecting God leads to moral and spiritual corruption.
  • Seek God intentionally rather than drifting away from Him.
  • Choose daily to walk in obedience to God, knowing that following Him is a lifelong journey (Matthew 7:13–14).
  • Place your hope in the salvation that comes through Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father, help me to live with a heart that truly acknowledges You. Keep me from drifting into a mindset that ignores Your authority. Guide me to seek You daily and to live in alignment with Your truth. Thank You for the hope of salvation and restoration through You. 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.

Introduction to Books of Bible, Obeying God, Purposeful / Intentional, Self Control, Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

Chasing the Wind — Finding What Lasts (Ecclesiastes Introduction)

If you could hear the conclusion of life before walking through it, would you listen?

Key Verse:
“The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.” —Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB

Background Context:
Ecclesiastes is one of the most honest and searching books in Scripture. Traditionally attributed to Solomon, the Preacher examines life “under the sun” — life viewed strictly from an earthly perspective. He explores wisdom, pleasure, wealth, work, achievement, and legacy, asking what truly endures.

The book famously begins with the words, “Vanity of vanities… all is vanity.” The Hebrew word carries the idea of vapor — something fleeting, temporary, impossible to grasp. Much of human striving, he says, is like chasing the wind.

Before we walk through that tension, we anchor ourselves in the book’s final conclusion.

Reflection on Ecclesiastes (Introduction):
Ecclesiastes will challenge us. It will expose how repetitive life can feel — generations rise and fall, the sun rises and sets, people labor endlessly, yet nothing ultimately satisfies. Success does not silence emptiness. Wealth does not guarantee contentment. Even wisdom has limits.

The Preacher’s observation is sobering: when life is lived only “under the sun,” disconnected from eternal perspective, it feels like chasing the wind.

But Scripture does not leave us in despair.

After examining every earthly pursuit, the conclusion is clear: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Meaning is not found in accumulation or achievement. It is found in relationship with God expressed through obedience.

To fear God is to live in reverent awe — recognizing His authority over our lives. To keep His commandments is active submission, not mere agreement. Ecclesiastes makes it clear that knowing about God is not the same as walking with Him.

Earthly pursuits are not evil in themselves — but they are empty when they become ultimate. Work, pleasure, influence, knowledge — all fade if detached from obedience to God. Only what is rooted in Him endures.

Ecclesiastes does not dismiss life; it redirects it. It strips away illusions so that we can build on what lasts.

Over the coming weeks, we will wrestle honestly with the Preacher’s observations. We will confront the temptation to chase the wind. But we do so knowing the destination: reverence and obedience to God bring true meaning.

Before we examine life under the sun, we lift our eyes above it.

Application:

  • Reflect honestly on where you may be chasing the wind.

  • Examine whether your pursuits are rooted in eternal perspective.

  • Cultivate reverent awe toward God in daily decisions.

  • Treat obedience as central to faith, not optional.

  • Commit to walking through Ecclesiastes with humility and openness.

Closing Prayer:
Father, as we begin this journey through Ecclesiastes, anchor my heart in what truly matters. Expose where I have chased what cannot satisfy. Teach me to fear You rightly and to walk in obedience. Give me wisdom to see beyond what is temporary and courage to build my life on what lasts. 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.

Marriage, Proverbs (Wisdom & Folly), Unteachable / Foolish, Wise

The Worth of a Godly Woman (Proverbs 31)

What defines true success — outward achievement, or inward devotion to God’s wisdom and purpose?

Key Verse:
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” —Proverbs 31:30 NASB

Background Context:
Proverbs 31 is traditionally attributed to King Lemuel, a ruler taught by his mother — possibly a poetic title for Solomon and Bathsheba, though that cannot be confirmed. The chapter opens with her wise counsel to her son about avoiding temptation, ruling with justice, and defending the weak.

The second half, verses 10–31, is an acrostic poem — each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It paints a portrait of a virtuous woman, or “woman of strength” (eshet chayil in Hebrew). This is not an unreachable ideal but a living example of what godly wisdom looks like in daily life — faithful, industrious, generous, and rooted in reverence for God.

(Continued and expanded after scripture.)

Proverbs 31

The Words of Lemuel

1The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him:

2What, O my son?
And what, O son of my womb?
And what, O son of my vows?

3Do not give your strength to women,
Or your ways to that which destroys kings.

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Or for rulers to desire strong drink,

5For they will drink and forget what is decreed,
And pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

6Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to him whose life is bitter.

7Let him drink and forget his poverty
And remember his trouble no more.

8Open your mouth for the mute,
For the rights of all the unfortunate.

9Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

Description of a Worthy Woman

10An excellent wife, who can find?
For her worth is far above jewels.

11The heart of her husband trusts in her,
And he will have no lack of gain.

12She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.

13She looks for wool and flax
And works with her hands in delight.

14She is like merchant ships;
She brings her food from afar.

15She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And portions to her maidens.

16She considers a field and buys it;
From her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17She girds herself with strength
And makes her arms strong.

18She senses that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out at night.

19She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands grasp the spindle.

20She extends her hand to the poor,
And she stretches out her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household,
For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22She makes coverings for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

24She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies belts to the tradesmen.

25Strength and dignity are her clothing,
And she smiles at the future.

26She opens her mouth in wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27She looks well to the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

28Her children rise up and bless her;
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying:

29“Many daughters have done nobly,
But you excel them all.”

30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31Give her the product of her hands,
And let her works praise her in the gates.

Reflection on Proverbs 31:
Proverbs 31 is often read as a tribute to women — and it certainly is — but at its core, it’s also a celebration of godly character that all believers should emulate. The passage opens with a mother’s words of wisdom, urging her son to lead with self-control and compassion: “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate.” (v. 8) True strength begins with humility and justice.

The famous section beginning in verse 10 describes a woman of noble character whose value is beyond rubies. She is not praised for perfection, wealth, or status, but for her steadfast faithfulness and fear of the Lord. Her wisdom and diligence bless her household, her compassion reaches the poor, and her words build others up. She balances strength and gentleness, industry and kindness, all flowing from a heart that honors God.

This passage reminds us that godliness is practical. The fear of the Lord shapes not only what we believe, but how we live — how we work, speak, and serve others. The Proverbs 31 woman is an example of faith expressed through action.

Verse 30 summarizes the entire book of Proverbs: “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” Outward success fades, but reverence for God endures. Whether man or woman, young or old, the principle remains — wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7), and ends in a life that honors Him.

Application:

  • Pursue godly character above all else. True worth is found not in appearance or achievement, but in devotion to God.

  • Let wisdom shape your daily life. Like the Proverbs 31 woman, express your faith through diligence, generosity, and integrity.

  • Value others who live with reverence for God. Celebrate and honor those who quietly serve and reflect His heart.

  • Lead and serve with compassion. The wisdom of Proverbs 31 calls every believer — male or female — to stand for righteousness and care for the vulnerable.

The final line of the book is a fitting conclusion to the entire collection of Proverbs: “Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” (v. 31) Wisdom, once embraced, bears fruit that speaks for itself — a life of quiet strength and enduring influence.

Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for the wisdom of Proverbs and for this picture of strength, dignity, and faith in Proverbs 31. Teach me to live with reverence for You in all I do. Help me to walk in diligence, kindness, and compassion, reflecting Your character to those around me. May my life bear fruit that honors You and blesses others, that You alone may be praised. 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.