That’s one of the questions the Preacher asks in Ecclesiastes 6:12. What is good for a man in times of adversity and absurdity under the sun? He tells us seven things in Eccl. 7:1-14.
- Reputation: a good name gives what money cannot buy.
- Consideration: It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart.(Eccl. 7:2) Consideration of death makes us better prepared for life and more thoughtful in how we live.
- Observation: Better to hear sad words from the wise than happy words from the fool.
- Termination: patiently trust God that he will bring the matter to a completion.
- Vexation: there are no guarantees that things will get better (or worse), so don’t get exasperated.
- Preparation: wisdom will prepare you for what is to come.
- Deliberation: God has made both the good times as well as the bad times to show us that we don’t know and that he is in control.
Take this wisdom to heart in this difficult world, because God has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Part of an ongoing series on Ecclesiastes
I Commend Joy! 