What's the Point? (A Study in Ecclesiastes: Part 3)Sample

SEEING THE BEAUTY

After describing all of Q’s explorations and musings, the writer of Ecclesiastes offers us a mini-commentary on the book. We learn that Q’s observations are meant to bring us four things: delight, pain, reverence, and preparation. Over the next four days, we’ll look at pain, reverence, and preparation. Today let’s consider his intention to bring us Delight.

Although our current perspective might find the book gloomy or pessimistic at times, Ecclesiastes 12:10 says that “the Preacher sought to find words of delight.” It continues on to state that “he wrote words of truth.” Those two statements aren’t necessarily separate ideas. The book's composition in its original form brought delight because it was simultaneously beautiful and true. It was beautiful in the way it expressed ideas poetically and beautiful because it was true. Psalm 51 tells us that God delights in the truth. The writers of Psalms 1 and 119 share that they delight in God’s law and statutes, which are clear statements of God’s truth, and that they love to meditate on these things. So, by nature, we are created to appreciate the truth in our innermost beings. Q understood this and sought to delight his students by seeking truth and writing about it.

Ask Yourself: What sections of the book of Ecclesiastes do you find the most difficult to appreciate? Which do you find the most encouraging? Are there any that you would describe as delightful?

Pause to Pray: Thank God for making His truth accessible and delightful. Ask Him to grant you greater insight as you take time to meditate on His word.

Take the Next Step: Look back through the book's earlier chapters. Choose a short section of wisdom statements that grabs your attention and spend some time meditating on its truth and beauty.