October 20th, 2025
By: Josh Sims
Living Wisely in an Insane World
"The same destiny befalls all... the race is not to the swift... time and chance befall them all... But wisdom is superior to strength." - Ecclesiastes 9:1–18
Ecclesiastes 9 is a raw, uncensored commentary on life, death, and the capricious nature of the world. Solomon wrote it, and it is to every human being who has ever asked:
"Why do bad things happen to good people?"
"Why is life so unfair?"
"What's the point if we all die anyway?"
Rather than giving platitudes or easy answers, this chapter calls us to live humbly, in a state of urgency, and with a sense of purpose even in the face of life's mysteries.
1. Death Is Inevitable (v. 1–6)
"All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad…" (v. 2)
The first section reminds us forcefully: death takes all—good and bad, religious and irreligious. It levels all human arrogance and ambition. This reality can be unsettling, but it is meant to remind us of something. We're not invincible. We're not the masters of our own destiny. We must acknowledge our mortality and determine how to live in response to it.
But in verse 4, hope arises:
“Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!”
That is, if you're alive, there's still time to live purposefully. Whatever your past and your status may be, if you're alive, God can still make use of you.
2. Live Joyfully and Purposefully (v. 7–10)
“Go, eat your food with gladness... enjoy life with your wife, whom you love… do whatever your hand finds to do with all your might…”
In the midst of this realistic chapter comes a resplendent call: Live well. Enjoy life. Work hard. Love deeply. Not an invitation to selfish indulgence or mindless enjoyment, but to thankful, whole-hearted living in the days God gives you.
You won't always have tomorrow. So enjoy your meal. Laugh with your loved ones. Work with passion. Worship with fervor. Love with passion. The little things in life are often times the best.
3. Life Is Unpredictable (v. 11–12)
"The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, but time and chance happen to them all."
This is perhaps the most readable truth in all of Scripture. Ecclesiastes 9 does acknowledge that life does not always go according to plan. The fastest runner doesn't always win. The smartest individual doesn't always get the promotion. Accidents happen. Injustice reigns.
We are reminded here not to trust in our own ability or even the justice of the world—but to live faithfully and endure. Life is unpredictable, but God is not, and our job is to live faithfully, not fearfully.
4. Wisdom Matters, Even When It's Underrated (v. 13–18)
"Wisdom is better than strength. but the poor man's wisdom is despised."
The final section tells a short parable: a poor man saves a city through his wisdom, but then he's forgotten. It's maddening—why is wisdom so always forgotten? Why are the loudest mouths always the least helpful?
But Solomon encapsulates:
"Wisdom is better than weapons of war."
Though wisdom may not always be celebrated, it is still powerful and lasting. Even if no one sees or remembers your faithfulness, God does. Quiet, steady obedience has more eternal weight than loud, flashy accomplishments.
Ecclesiastes 9 invites us into the tension of life:
Life is unpredictable, but we’re called to live fully.
Death is certain, but hope still exists.
Wisdom is overlooked, but it still has power.
Rather than despair, we're called to trust in God, to value the blessings of life, and live in wisdom—even when we don't get it all.".
Living Wisely in an Insane World
"The same destiny befalls all... the race is not to the swift... time and chance befall them all... But wisdom is superior to strength." - Ecclesiastes 9:1–18
Ecclesiastes 9 is a raw, uncensored commentary on life, death, and the capricious nature of the world. Solomon wrote it, and it is to every human being who has ever asked:
"Why do bad things happen to good people?"
"Why is life so unfair?"
"What's the point if we all die anyway?"
Rather than giving platitudes or easy answers, this chapter calls us to live humbly, in a state of urgency, and with a sense of purpose even in the face of life's mysteries.
1. Death Is Inevitable (v. 1–6)
"All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad…" (v. 2)
The first section reminds us forcefully: death takes all—good and bad, religious and irreligious. It levels all human arrogance and ambition. This reality can be unsettling, but it is meant to remind us of something. We're not invincible. We're not the masters of our own destiny. We must acknowledge our mortality and determine how to live in response to it.
But in verse 4, hope arises:
“Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!”
That is, if you're alive, there's still time to live purposefully. Whatever your past and your status may be, if you're alive, God can still make use of you.
2. Live Joyfully and Purposefully (v. 7–10)
“Go, eat your food with gladness... enjoy life with your wife, whom you love… do whatever your hand finds to do with all your might…”
In the midst of this realistic chapter comes a resplendent call: Live well. Enjoy life. Work hard. Love deeply. Not an invitation to selfish indulgence or mindless enjoyment, but to thankful, whole-hearted living in the days God gives you.
You won't always have tomorrow. So enjoy your meal. Laugh with your loved ones. Work with passion. Worship with fervor. Love with passion. The little things in life are often times the best.
3. Life Is Unpredictable (v. 11–12)
"The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, but time and chance happen to them all."
This is perhaps the most readable truth in all of Scripture. Ecclesiastes 9 does acknowledge that life does not always go according to plan. The fastest runner doesn't always win. The smartest individual doesn't always get the promotion. Accidents happen. Injustice reigns.
We are reminded here not to trust in our own ability or even the justice of the world—but to live faithfully and endure. Life is unpredictable, but God is not, and our job is to live faithfully, not fearfully.
4. Wisdom Matters, Even When It's Underrated (v. 13–18)
"Wisdom is better than strength. but the poor man's wisdom is despised."
The final section tells a short parable: a poor man saves a city through his wisdom, but then he's forgotten. It's maddening—why is wisdom so always forgotten? Why are the loudest mouths always the least helpful?
But Solomon encapsulates:
"Wisdom is better than weapons of war."
Though wisdom may not always be celebrated, it is still powerful and lasting. Even if no one sees or remembers your faithfulness, God does. Quiet, steady obedience has more eternal weight than loud, flashy accomplishments.
Ecclesiastes 9 invites us into the tension of life:
Life is unpredictable, but we’re called to live fully.
Death is certain, but hope still exists.
Wisdom is overlooked, but it still has power.
Rather than despair, we're called to trust in God, to value the blessings of life, and live in wisdom—even when we don't get it all.".
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