Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

6:1-2 This “unfortunate man” parable resembles 4:7-8 and 5:13-17. It is a sickening tragedy when someone succeeds but then cannot enjoy these things. Such a person has missed out on the only available benefit of success.

Verse 3

6:3-6 a hundred children and . . . be very old: Such honors as virility and old age amount to nothing if life is not enjoyable or does not end well (a decent burial). The darkness of being born dead is preferable to a discontented life.

Verse 7

6:7 People never seem to be satisfied with what they have, no matter how much it is (cp. 5:10).

Verse 8

6:8-9 are wise people really better off . . . being wise? Yes, as long as they enjoy and are content with what the Lord has provided.

Verse 10

6:10–7:22 God’s sovereign rule over everything is sobering, but it is ultimately a source of hope.

6:10 Everything has already been decided: Cp. Rom 8:29; Eph 1:5, 11. • It was known long ago what each person would be: Cp. Ps 139:15-16. • no use arguing with God about your destiny: Cp. Rom 9:20-24.

Verse 11

6:11 more words . . . the less they mean: Cp. Prov 10:19; 17:28.

Verse 12

6:12 who knows? Who can tell? These questions have already been answered. Our days can best be spent in wise living and in enjoying our work and God’s gifts (2:13-14, 24; 3:22; 5:18). What will happen on this earth is what has already happened (1:9, 10; 3:15). • like a shadow: Cp. Pss 39:4-6; 90:3-6, 10-12; 109:23; 144:4.