DAY 156 Read Ecclesiastes 6 through 12.
Today's reading: The repentant wise man continues his reminiscences and advice; he ends his appeal with a solemn conclusion.
Memory gem: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Thought for today:
Solomon's example is at once a warning and an inspiration; for, though he failed in his efforts to find happiness through the devices of this world, through intellect, pleasure, and labor, he did find true true happiness at last.
"He that keepeth the law," wrote Solomon, "happy is he" (Proverbs 29:18).
He found happiness in obedience to God. Here is his advice on the subject: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14).
These are almost the same words that we find in Revelation 22:14: "Blessed [happy] are they that do his commandments."
There is one thing certain: Disobedience to God brings unhappiness. Everywhere it appears, it brings confusion, suffering, pain, and finally death. When we break the laws of nature, we suffer for it. When we break the moral laws of God we suffer for our disobedience. There is an effect for every cause.
It was God's plan that man should be honest, faithful, reasonable; that he should walk in the ways of God and follow a righteous life. If he does not do this, he pays for it in disease of body and disease, restlessness, and dissatisfaction of heart. His conscience troubles him. He is unhappy.
Do you want to have joy? Do you want to be happy? Then believe in God. Give your heart to Christ and be happy forever.
Today's reading: The repentant wise man continues his reminiscences and advice; he ends his appeal with a solemn conclusion.
Memory gem: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Thought for today:
Solomon's example is at once a warning and an inspiration; for, though he failed in his efforts to find happiness through the devices of this world, through intellect, pleasure, and labor, he did find true true happiness at last.
"He that keepeth the law," wrote Solomon, "happy is he" (Proverbs 29:18).
He found happiness in obedience to God. Here is his advice on the subject: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14).
These are almost the same words that we find in Revelation 22:14: "Blessed [happy] are they that do his commandments."
There is one thing certain: Disobedience to God brings unhappiness. Everywhere it appears, it brings confusion, suffering, pain, and finally death. When we break the laws of nature, we suffer for it. When we break the moral laws of God we suffer for our disobedience. There is an effect for every cause.
It was God's plan that man should be honest, faithful, reasonable; that he should walk in the ways of God and follow a righteous life. If he does not do this, he pays for it in disease of body and disease, restlessness, and dissatisfaction of heart. His conscience troubles him. He is unhappy.
Do you want to have joy? Do you want to be happy? Then believe in God. Give your heart to Christ and be happy forever.
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