While life is a mystery and no one knows what the future brings, we all share one destiny and die one day. Some try very hard to hold on to life, fearing that there is no more to hope for after death (4). Such thought may take their livelihood away as they think death will end everything (5).

However, as we understand that our lives belong in God's hands (1), the teacher advises us to enjoy the blessings that God has given us now (7) and work hard while we can (10).

Life is unpredictable, and success does not always depend on one's ability and effort (11,12). The teacher shares his amazement at seeing a wise man completely forgotten after he delivered his city with wisdom that was better than the weapons the king carried. Yet nobody remembered the wise man because of his humble appearance (16). The man's wisdom did not bring him reward and recognition in this world (18), yet what we do each day matters. We must celebrate God's grace and blessing, giving our best in all things possible (7,8).


Application: Father, thank you for the life you have given me. Help me not to waste my life in fear of death, but live my life, loving and serving those whom you have put in my life and do your will to fully rejoice in you each day.
One Word: My life belongs to God