Wondering, confused, or just need a brief wise reminder about the meaning and purpose of life?
Innumerable millions of minds have pondered this question throughout the ages. King Solomon has the briefest profound answer. He cautioned us not to waste our time searching to explain the answer as he did only to conclude that all his efforts amounted to nothing more than “chasing the wind.”
Never the less, numerous philosophers have ignored him and written millions of words in thousands of books expounding explanations to answer this question as evidenced HERE which lists 202 sources.
For those who have explored the various philosophies, read what I surmised in a novel excerpt how he explained to the Queen of Sheba when she may have asked him this question. Then consider how his simple explanation would have changed the world if every child was taught his philosophy and followed his advice.
The novel is a contemporary application of a story form to promote understanding of proverbs and ancient wise sayings in relation to our modern times.
Excerpt
“Bilqis, you will hear many viewpoints that will differ from my beliefs or opinions. What you must decide is which opinion will lead you in your life to peace and happiness at the end of each day regardless of how good or bad your day may have ended.”
“I believe the simple explanation for the meaning of life is this. “Fear God and keep his Commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
“As for the purpose He made us. I have come to this conclusion.”
“God made us for Himself by His giving us time to live. He has made everything appropriate to its time, and has put the timeless into their hearts without men’s ever discovering, from beginning to end, the work that God has done. I recognized that there is nothing better than to be glad and do well during life. For every man, moreover, to eat and drink, and enjoy the fruits of all his labor is a gift from God.” (Ecclesiastes 2, 11-13)
“In other words, make God the center of your life and in this way all of the activities of life will take on a rich meaning and the human heart will be satisfied. Strive to end each day in peace and contentment knowing that we have brought about something of joy, comfort, beauty, or improvement, into the world Yahweh created for us. I believe that in the eyes of our Creator, no endeavor we engage in to accomplish this purpose, will be too big, too small or insignificant a role or task. Take pride and satisfaction in your work by dedicating them to the Lord.”
“And aside from your family, what brings you to the greatest pride and satisfaction in your works?” Bilqis asked.
“I pray that I may expound the wisdom needed for each new generation to someday bring about harmony amongst all peoples and nations so they too may find God’s love, peace, and happiness in their lifetimes. In other words, I pray that my works of wisdom may help inspire people to help themselves.” I replied.
Source:
As A Lily Among Thorns – A Story of King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, and the Goddess of Wisdom by Rudy U Martinka.
Available as an eBook at all sellers. Read an excerpt by clicking below
http://amazon.com/gp/search?field-author=rudy+martinka&index=books
Started reading the book and about one third of the way through it. Enjoying it very much!!!
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Thank you for your kind comment.
Regards and good will blogging.I
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You’re welcome! 🙂
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Well said!
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Thanks for the kudos.
Regards and good will blogging.
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Reblogged this on Citizen Tom and commented:
When King Solomon wrote The Book of Ecclesiastes, I doubt he meant to confound people, but that the book does. It humbles us. Ecclesiastes does not shame us, but when we read it carefully, we can begin to see the degree to which we are led by our prejudices instead of wisdom.
What is the source of confusion? It lies in each of us. We can read into Ecclesiastes what we want to find, or we can struggle pass what in pride we would prefer to believe. So it was with me. Even though I was delighted by it, I did not understand Ecclesiastes. At first I saw the book as a vindication. After all, consider how the book begins.
In fact, I had entirely misunderstood Ecclesiastes. Solomon was not making excuses for us. What Solomon wanted us to understand was his own regret. Solomon had lived most of his own life without keeping God at the center of it. Ecclesiastes was Solomon remorse filled testimony, but Solomon was a king and a teacher. Therefore, in Ecclesiastes Solomon maintains his dignity. Until we stop to look for it, we don’t realize just how much of the book is filled with the sorrow and repentance of an old man.
So it is. At first, I completely misunderstood Ecclesiastes. While Ecclesiastes may not be the strangest in the Bible or the most difficult to understand, I was even puzzled as to why it was in the Bible. To understand the book, I had to consult some good commentaries. Then it began to make sense, and I saw what at first I had overlooked.
Here in his post scatterwisdom pulls some of the key verses from the text. When we see that this is what Solomon had to teach us, we can began to understand why our Lord included Ecclesiastes in His Bible.
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Thank you for your re-blog and insightful comments.
Ecclesiastes is truly a challenge to comprehend. In my opinion, the more time you relate the verses to history, the greater your appreciation of the wisdom contained in the verses.
Regards and goodwill blogging.
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