Reverence, Humility, and Contentment in Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 Part 2

A Reflection on Timeless Wisdom 

The Book of Ecclesiastes is nestled in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. It offers profound insights into the human condition. It also explores our relationship with the divine. Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 is a particularly evocative passage that illuminates the virtues of reverence, humility, and contentment. These qualities are essential for leading a meaningful and fulfilling life, transcending the ephemeral nature of worldly pursuits. 

Reverence: Approaching the Divine with Awe 

Ecclesiastes 5 begins with a call to approach the house of God with a sense of reverence and awe. Verse 1 states, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong.” This verse underscores the importance of entering God’s presence with a heart ready to listen. It discourages empty rituals or vain offerings. Reverence requires a recognition of God’s majesty and an understanding of our position before Him. 

The act of listening, as emphasized in this passage, is a form of reverence. It suggests an openness to divine instruction and a willingness to be transformed by God’s wisdom. In a world where noise and distractions abound, cultivating a posture of listening is vital for spiritual growth. Reverence is not just about outward actions but also about an inward disposition of humility and awe before the Creator. 

Humility: Acknowledging Our Limitations 

Humility is another central theme in Ecclesiastes 5. Verses 2 and 3 caution against making hasty vows to God. Do not be quick with your mouth. Do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool.” These verses remind us of our human limitations and the folly of presumptuous speech. 

Humility involves recognizing our place in the grand scheme of things. It means understanding that we are finite beings with limited knowledge and power. By acknowledging our limitations, we open ourselves to God’s guidance and wisdom. Humility is the antidote to pride, which often leads to discontent and strife. It fosters a sense of dependence on God and cultivates a spirit of gratitude for His provision. 

Verse 7 further highlights the transient nature of human aspirations: “Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.” This verse reinforces the idea that human endeavors, without the grounding in divine reverence and humility, are ultimately futile. True wisdom lies in fearing God and submitting to His sovereign will. 

Contentment: Finding Satisfaction in God’s Provision 

The latter part of Ecclesiastes 5 shifts focus to the theme of contentment. Verses 10-12 discuss the insatiable nature of human desires. “Whoever loves money never has enough.” “Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless. As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what advantage are they to the owners except to feast their eyes on them? The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much. Still, the abundance of the rich permits them no sleep.” 

These verses paint a vivid picture of the relentless pursuit of wealth and the emptiness it can lead to. The love of money and material possessions often results in discontentment. They can never truly satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. Contentment, on the other hand, is found in recognizing and appreciating the blessings that God has already bestowed upon us. 

Contentment is a state of being that transcends external circumstances. It is grounded in the assurance of God’s provision and the trust in His goodness. Verses 18-20 offer a compelling conclusion to this theme. “This is what I have observed to be good: It is appropriate for a person to eat and drink.” It is right to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun. They should do this during the few days of life God has given them. For this is their lot.” Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, these are gifts from God. Accepting their lot and being happy in their toil is truly a divine blessing. They seldom consider on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.” 

These verses affirm that contentment is a divine gift. It enables us to find joy and satisfaction in our daily toil. We also find it in the simple pleasures of life. It does not depend on the abundance of possessions. Instead, it relies on the ability to appreciate what we have and to trust in God’s providence. 

Conclusion: Embracing Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 

Ecclesiastes 5:1-20 presents a timeless call to embrace reverence, humility, and contentment. In a world often characterized by ambition, pride, and discontent, these virtues offer a path to genuine fulfillment and peace. We align ourselves with the wisdom of Ecclesiastes by approaching God with awe. We acknowledge our limitations and find satisfaction in His provision. This alignment reveals the divine purpose for our lives. 

As we consider this passage, we cultivate a spirit of reverence in our worship. Let us embrace humility in our daily interactions. Let contentment fill our hearts. These qualities enrich our spiritual journey. They also transform our perspective on life. This leads us to a deeper appreciation of God’s infinite wisdom and grace. 

To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

Minister A. Francine Green

Note:

All Scripture references are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE) unless otherwise noted).