Peace | October 25
Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the
sun: and look! The tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter—on the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter.
Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.
The fool folds his hands and consumes his own flesh.
Better a handful with quietness than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:1; 4-6
Father, Solomon sees the oppressors and the tears of the oppressed, but sees no comforter. Had Solomon been a prophet, as well as the wisest man that ever lived, he would have capitalized Comforter and assured us that You, Jesus, were coming. The Scriptures refer to You, Jesus, in many ways, including Comforter, Counselor, Savior, Redeemer and Son of God. We know there are oppressors and always will be until the day of judgment but thank You God for our Comforter, the Holy Spirit sent, by You, to help us every moment of every day.
Solomon teaches us that admiring the work of others and being envious of them is vanity, a pursuit of what is not, for what might be. Father, You give each of us gifts. Help us never worry about what we do not have, in the way of talent, but to embrace and run forward with that which we do have.
Solomon also helps us understand that idleness leads to consumption of what we have, without replenishment. Yet, if both hands are “full” without quietness and peace, we have achieved vainly and without a good end. You have taught us Jesus, that if we possess all the riches of the world and have not Your love, we have nothing. This day, help us work hard, to value obedience to You and to enjoy Your peace and comfort in every circumstance. You are our Comforter. We praise You for Your presence. In Your Holy name, we pray, amen.
Bruce Caldwell
The Sola Scriptura Project
