Keeping It Honest
- Larry Kutzler
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
Honesty is a great value. Just to speak with someone who has nothing to prove, nothing to sell, and has no interest in impressing anyone. Now, that would be a fun person to talk with, wouldn’t you agree? King Solomon was that kind of person. His insights in the Book of Ecclesiastes is an honest account of his experiences from the top of the human experience. Recently, I felt a need for my own personal mental health to read through the Book again. Here is what I wrote on Facebook about my impression.
I am fascinated with Ecclesiastes. Everything to King Solomon was meaningless … like chasing the wind. Pleasure along with wealth … all fleeting. There is no justice … evil rules the courtroom. All flesh goes back to dust … no advantage for either animals or humans. We all will be forgotten by the next generation, and the benefits of our hard work will be enjoyed by others. Sorrow is better than laughter, and in the end, you will give an account to God for everything. And I can hear King Solomon say, “And have a nice day.” Solomon lived life at the highest possible human privilege, yet in his own words, everything is ‘chasing the wind.’ Ecclesiastes is honest … a perspective not too popular today. Yet Solomon’s conclusion is worth it all … to fear and obey God. However, chasing the wind … meaningless. ~Larry Kutzler, Facebook Post
Analysis
Let’s be honest, Solomon’s perspective is not one that is readily accepted in today’s world. I remember reading a piece from author Arthur Brooks, on being bored. He mentions that being bored is a great way to get alone with yourself, your thoughts, your goals, your dreams. Our phones entertain us, informs us, and we learn from others what they think … all at the expense of knowing ourselves. However, being alone with yourself and being bored is probably the best way to get back to knowing yourself. It is a great challenge to be bored, forcing you to drive deeper into your own human experience. Solomon is doing somewhat of the same thing. He is commenting on all the things that brings us pleasure, wealth, influence, and stability. He is challenging our sense of clinging to what we know in this world, at the expense of knowing God and preparing for the world to come. Yes, some would say Solomon is morose with his narrative, but I would say he has the right idea. Nothing in this life is permanent, yet we live for things in this life as if they were.
Think About It
So, what’s Solomon’s conclusion to his narrative? Fear God and keep His commandments. Another way of saying this would be, to know God and live in His Word. Keeping life honest begins with God’s perspective, and I think He would agree with King Solomon’s narrative on how temporary everything is, just like chasing the wind.
Challenging the Culture with Truth … Larry Kutzler