Ecclesiastes 4:4-6 Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbor… What shall we pursue - distinction or happiness? Shall we aim to be markedly successful, or to be quietly content? What shall be the goal we set before us? I. THE FASCINATION OF SUCCESS. A great many men resolve to attain distinction in their sphere. They put forth "labor, skilful labor," inspired by feelings of rivalry; they are animated by the hope of surpassing their fellows, of rising above them in the reputation they achieve, in the style in which they live, in the income they earn, etc. There is very little that is profitable here. 1. It must necessarily be attended with a large amount of failure: where many run, "but one receiveth the prize." 2. The satisfaction of success is short-lived; it soon loses its keen relish, and becomes of small account. 3. It is a satisfaction of a very low order. II. THE TEMPTATION TO INDOLENCE. Many men are content to go through life moving along a much lower level than their natural capacities, their educational advantages, and their social introductions fit them and entitle them to maintain. They crave quietude; they want to be free from the bustle, the worry, the burden of the strife of life; they prefer to have a very small share of worldly wealth, and to fill a very little space in the regard of their neighbors, if only they can be well left alone. "The sluggard foldeth his hands; yea, he eateth his meat" (Cox). There is a measure of sense in this; much is thereby avoided which it is desirable to shun. But, on the other hand, such a choice is ignoble; it is to decline the opportunity; it is to retreat from the battle; it is to leave the powers of our nature and the opportunities of our life idle and unemployed. III. THE WISDOM OF THE WISE. This is: 1. To be contented with our lot; not to be dissatisfied because there are others above us in the trade or the profession in which we are engaged; not to be envious of those more successful than ourselves; to recognize the goodness of our Divine Father in making us what we are and giving us what we have. 2. To let our labors be inspired by high and elevating motives; to work with all our strength, because (1) God loves faithfulness; (2) we cannot respect ourselves nor earn the esteem of the upright if we are indolent or faulty; (3) diligence and devotedness conduct to an honorable success, and enable us to render greater service both to Christ and to mankind. - C. Parallel Verses KJV: Again, I considered all travail, and every right work, that for this a man is envied of his neighbour. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. |
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