Some of the most powerful, concise statements about life begin in Ecclesiastes three. Solomon is not intending to show a pessimistic point of view. Rather than looking at this book as a life without God, start looking at it as a book about life with God! We are free moral agents; we have the ability to choose so Solomon is not suggesting that all things are going to happen and there is no choice we have in the matter. What Solomon wants us to consider is the will of God in every decision we make. We can then live life positively and optimistically since God is in control and will provide proper guidance for His people. Consulting the word of God is always the wisest decision, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of god may be completer, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16, 17).

The activities that follow this verse reflect the numerous pursuits of man, “A time to be born, and a time to die; A time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; A time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, and a time to lose; A time to keep, and a time to throw away; A time to tear, and a time to sew; A time to keep silence, and a time to speak;A time to love, and a time to hate; A time of war, and a time of peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:2-8).

Whether these pursuits are creative or destructive, good or evil, they are not done by someone who is self-sufficient. We are within the control of God and will answer to Him someday, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14). By adding the phrase “under heaven”, Solomon illustrated that these are principles that should be universally applied.

We understand that there is a God-appointed time for almost everything. When we decide to do something outside the scope of God’s will, we are likely to suffer the consequences. For example, if one should decide to plant when it is not the planting season, they will suffer the consequences of ignoring the God’s appointed laws of planting and reaping. When a person decides it is time to live righteously, God will reward our good sense.

 “Moreover I saw under the sun: In the place of judgment, wickedness was there; And in the place of righteousness, iniquity was there. I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work” (Ecclesiastes 3:16, 17).

We should consider the appropriateness or our actions and words, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19), “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). We should think seriously about the timing of our decisions. How many times have we said to someone, “now’s probably not the best time to bring this up, but…”? While we need to wait for the proper time, there is never a bad time to obey the gospel.

“For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

By: Justin Odom