As the Teacher deeply considered wisdom and labor, he understood that both are valuable. At the same time, he also understood that wisdom and labor, without God, are temporary, finite, and powerless in the face of death.

The Teacher contrasted wisdom with madness and folly. Wisdom is better than folly. Wisdom gives a person light to know how to navigate and live life in a broken world. Yet, whether a person has lived with wisdom or has been a fool, both must die (16). Only faith in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and conquered death through his resurrection, can give us eternal life (Jn 3:16). God's gift of eternal life permanently solves all of life's agonies.

Next, the Teacher reflected on his labor. He hated all the things for which he had toiled because he had to leave them to someone who had not labored for them. That person might even be a fool! His labor was grief and pain. He had no control over who would receive the fruit of his labor because he would be dead. This felt completely meaningless.

Happiness and enjoyment are gifts from God. Will you seek him and please him?


Application: Father, please allow the reflections of the Teacher to redirect my heart away from myself and to seek and please you.
One Word: Please God