Just about the time you think you have some answers in life, someone comes along and changes the questions.
There is great tension in Ecclesiastes. Some of the things that are such blessings turn out to be curses in disguise. While the writer will proclaim that money is the answer for everything (10:19), he also tells us that the love of money, and the possession of money – even in abundance – will not permit neither satisfaction or fulfillment (5:10 – 17). In chapter 6, money is a curse because it cannot give the one thing we all need: rest.
There was forced rest in the Old Testament, a Sabbath. It was never to be considered as a worship day – or as it later came to be considered by Christianity, a “church” day. It was a day of rest. No work. Time to spend time with family or friends. Time to “re-charge.” Many high achieving people tell me: “I can’t seem to shut down. My mind is always racing with other things to do and more projects.” How can life be enjoyed with such busyness? While they may love the rush such busyness provides, it is a cruel drug. The next thing you know, time is gone, children are gone, friends are gone, and you are exhausted. It is why 5:18-19 are so critical: “Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God.”