I’ve been reading a lot of Ecclesiastes lately. Re-reading it would be more exact. Although I’ve read it before, even blogged about it before, it speaks very differently to me now. For starters, the preface in my new Bible sets up what the book is all about, specifically defining what is meant by the term “vanity.” All this time, and I haven’t truly been defining that term properly.

According to my Bible, vanity is “the futile emptiness of trying to be happy apart from God.” I had previously associated that term with pride, vainness, self-centeredness, etc. Thinking about it as futile emptiness that comes from trying to satisfy yourself with anything other than God is much more powerful, and convicting, for my life. It is the definition of where I’ve been.

A few other parts and pieces from ECC that stood out this time through the scripture.

Chapter 1, Verse 18 – In much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge, increases sorrow. 

This has been so true in my life. Stuffing my head with knowledge about what God wants without changing myself, internalizing His words, seeking His will, has left me miserable beyond belief. Similarly in Chapter 6, Verse 9 it says – All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied.

Chapter 7, Verse 13 – Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked?

And then in 14, In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider that surely God has appointed one as well as the other…I’ve spent most of my life resisting God’s call, fighting his crooked path and trying to make it straight. Trying to avoid the adversity and just receive the prosperity. It doesn’t work like that.

Chapter 10, Verse 15 – The labor of fools wearies them, for they do not even know how to go to the city!

I work so hard and stress so much, and He says, “Hey, you know you aren’t actually accomplishing anything. You are just wearing yourself down and taking yourself out of the game. And still you’ve done less than nothing. But that’s ok, because I’ve got it.” In chapter 9, verse 7 it says basically to chill out because “God has already accepted your works.” God will order my steps. He will light my path. When I go it alone, I’m just walking in darkness, feeling about as a blind man at midnight. By now, you’d think that I would know better than to think I know where the path leads.

Excited to read through ECC one more time. Wondering how God will speak to me differently the next round!