Ecclesiastes Part 23
Solomon encourages young people to embrace life, pursue wholesome joys, and appreciate the unique opportunities that youth provides. At the same time, this encouragement is carefully balanced by the reminder that “for all these God will bring you into judgment.”
Beginning in verse 7, Solomon shifts from diligence in work to enjoyment of life itself.
“Truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun.”
These words celebrate the goodness of being alive. Earlier in Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrestled with life’s frustrations and apparent meaninglessness. Yet he repeatedly returned to the truth that life itself remains a gift from God. Every sunrise, every season, every relationship, and every opportunity to experience God’s blessings should be appreciated. The sweetness of light symbolizes the privilege of living another day.
Verse 8 continues to speak of joy, while putting it in perspective,
“But if a man lives many years and rejoices in them all, yet let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many. All that is coming is vanity."
This statement challenges the notion that Ecclesiastes presents a hopeless view of life. Solomon believes a person can enjoy life even while recognizing its difficulties. Joy is not found because life is perfect but because God’s gifts can be enjoyed despite life’s imperfections. Solomon immediately balances this joy with realism, “Yet let him remember the days of darkness, for they will be many.”
The “days of darkness” likely refer to the hardships of aging and the approach of death. Difficult days lie ahead for every person. Physical decline, suffering, loss and mortality are unavoidable realities. Solomon’s purpose is not to create despair but to give perspective. Remembering the brevity of life helps people appreciate the present more fully. Awareness of death often teaches lessons that prosperity and comfort cannot. It reminds people that earthly life is temporary and that opportunities should not be wasted.
Verse 9 addresses young people directly:
“Rejoice, O young man, in your youth.”
Youth is presented as a season to be enjoyed rather than despised. Solomon encourages young people to embrace life, pursue wholesome joys, and appreciate the unique opportunities that youth provides. At the same time, this encouragement is carefully balanced by the reminder that “for all these God will bring you into judgment.” The freedom to enjoy life is never separated from accountability before God.
This balance is crucial for understanding Ecclesiastes. Solomon is neither promoting legalistic restrictions nor reckless indulgence. He rejects both extremes. God created life to be enjoyed, but enjoyment must occur within the boundaries of His moral will. True joy is not found through sinful pleasure but through grateful enjoyment of God’s gifts. Young people especially are encouraged to live energetically and joyfully while remembering that every choice carries eternal significance.
Finally, verse 10 instructs readers to “remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh.” Solomon urges people to reject attitudes and behaviors that rob life of joy. Bitterness, cynicism, resentment, sinful habits and self-destructive choices all hinder the enjoyment God intends. While life contains genuine reasons for grief, believers are not meant to live in continual discouragement. They are called to cultivate hope, gratitude and righteousness.
The chapter concludes by reminding readers that “childhood and youth are vanity.” Youth is fleeting. Its opportunities, energy and freedoms quickly pass away. This reality should not produce sadness but urgency. Because youth is temporary, it should be used wisely rather than squandered. More broadly, the fleeting nature of all earthly life should motivate every person to make the most of the time God has given them.
Taken as a whole, Ecclesiastes 11 teaches that uncertainty should not lead to fear, inactivity or despair. Since the future belongs to God, believers are called to labor diligently, invest broadly, take wise risks and trust Him with the results. At the same time, they are to enjoy the blessings of life while they can, recognizing that life is temporary and that every person will ultimately stand before God. The chapter presents a balanced vision of faithful living: work hard, trust God, enjoy His gifts, avoid sin, remember your mortality and live each day considering eternity.
Wisdom Literature is a course taught at ABC by Dr. Urwiller. Recordings from the 2018–2019 class year are available to listen to on the ABC website.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships, and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
