Ecclesiastes 7

Ecclesiastes 7:1-9

The interval between this chapter and the preceding represents a pause in the writer’ s thought, and now he seems to set out on a new quest for the chief good in life. He will seek it in wise conduct. He will renounce feasting and trying the opposite (Ecclesiastes 7:1-6); he will avoid extremes (Ecclesiastes 7:15-18); no one is perfectly righteous (Ecclesiastes 7:19-22); the worst thing he has found is woman (Ecclesiastes 7:23-26); and the conclusion is that man is indeed a fallen creature (Ecclesiastes 7:27-29). “ Inventions” in this last verse is to be taken in the sense of “ tricks, evil artifices, and conceits.” The wise conduct which the preacher now proposes is to be exercised against temptations to disloyalty and rebellion in national and civic relations (Ecclesiastes 8:1-8); and against the oppressions of tyrants and other injustices (Ecclesiastes 8:9-13); and yet after considering it all, in his accustomed despair he reports to his favorite conclusion that there is “ nothing in it,” and he had better enjoy himself anyway (Ecclesiastes 8:14-17). This idea is carried over into chapter nine. The providence of God in human affairs in inscrutable (Ecclesiastes 9:1-3), therefore the only thing to do is to enjoy this life cheerfully, and use it as profitably as possible Ecclesiastes 8:7-12).