Solomon’s Thesis Statement: Argument #5

Solomon’s Thesis Statement: Argument #5

Based on Memory.

How long will the memory of our being be around after our deaths? “There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.” (Ecclesiastes 1:11). Dear reader, a basic fact must be accepted by all. After one’s demise his children will remember him, hopefully fondly. Stories will be passed down to their children and hopefully their grandchildren as well. This one fact must be face is the chances of one being fondly remembered eight generations down the line is slim to none. There will come a time in which one is no longer remembered, even by his own family. Think to those of whom we know in history. For example, think of George Washington. Our history books teach us that he had wooden false teeth, he did NOT chop down the cherry tree as the story goes, and his death was probably more linked to the practice of bloodletting than the respiratory infection which he had. These are just a few facts. There are many, more obvious ones which have not been named. Does one know exactly how his voice sounded? Does one know how he reacted to the rising and setting of the sun each day? Truthfully, only bits and pieces are known of his life. The rest is unknown to man today. Think still of those of whom we read in the Bible. For example, Isaac is a prominent figure in the book of Genesis and a type of Christ. Still, there are years of his life which are overlooked from one chapter to the other. Only that which God has revealed is known. Even our very own memories fade. No one can remember every single detail of his or her life. Based on this fact, seeking things of this world alone is vanity.

A friend and I once walked through a cemetery in Arkansas. While there, we spied three graves for a husband, wife, and child. The husband passed away first followed by their child a few weeks later. Shortly after the death of the child the wife passed away. We looked at the graves and came up with a scenario. The husband may have passed away overseas (as his death was during World War 2). The child may have gotten sick and perished from the ailment while the mother died of a doubly broken heart. After we played through this scenario, we still knew nothing more of these three other than their names (which I have forgotten since then), their date of birth, and death. Dear reader there will come a day when we are nothing more to anyone than a name on a tombstone.

If seeking after the things of this world is vanity, after what should I seek? Solomon summed it up nicely. “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).

Solomon’s Thesis Statement: Argument #4

Solomon’s Thesis Statement: Argument #4

There is no New Ideology 

“The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9-10). Solomon said that there was nothing new under the sun. One could argue that there are certainly things which are new in the world today. Thousands of years after Solomon’s death, there are many new things which are here. One could argue that a cellular phone disproves his statement as they were not around in his day. It should be noted the Solomon is not making reference to inventions but the basis behind them. For instance, cellular phones are relatively new inventions and are ones which are becoming more enhanced on a monthly basis. Yet, if one were to dig down to the basis for having a cellular phone, we see it is really not a new idea. It’s just a different form of communication. Yes, the technology changes but the basic needs never do. Houses change in style but they are still used for protection from the elements. Many may no longer use horses for travel but vehicles are still used for the same purpose. The basic premise never changes even though it changes its clothing. Even from a spiritual standpoint, before the days of Solomon sin was still sin, man needed redemption, and that redemption could only be found through God. During the days of Solomon the same was true. Today, the same is true. Why is seeking after nothing but that which is in the world vain? It is nothing new, even if its dress is different.

Solomon's Thesis Statement: Argument #3

Solomon’s Thesis Statement: Argument #3

It is Never Satisfactory

What is the biggest problem with greed? You never have enough. Solomon was aware of this as he said, “All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.” (Ecclesiastes 1:8).  The unending desire for more causes one to painstakingly labor for so long that Solomon stated there wasn’t enough time to explain it. What happens when an individual wants something? He labors for it! What happens when he gets it? He wants more and does the labor required for it. Solomon describes it as an eye and ear seeking for more and yet they are never satisfied. Paul wrote, “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). One who seeks nothing but that which the world has to offer will never be content, therefore, Solomon said it was vanity.

Solomon’s Thesis Statement: Argument #2

Solomon’s Thesis Statement: Argument #2

The World is Never Stationary

Notice Solomon’s second argument. “One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose. The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to his circuits. All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4-7). People come and go within this world. Many rise to prominence but that prominence only lasts for a time. The masses mourn the loss of those we call great and for many it seems as if the world is going to come to an end! How does the world react? It continues in its circuit. The world continues to revolve around the sun as it “rises and sets.” The wind continues blowing and moving along the jet streams. The evaporation cycle continues as rivers run into the ocean only to have the water returned in the rain. Why is placing our sole focus on the things of this world vain? My life and death will not keep the world from continuing forward. That is, at least until the return of Christ (2 Peter 3:10).

Solomon's Thesis Statement: Argument #1

Solomon’s Thesis Statement: Argument #1

There is no Longevity

The first argument Solomon uses to prove his thesis statement is that of longevity. He wrote, “What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:3). What long lasting profit is there is this is all a man focuses on? The short answer is, “None.” There is no long lasting profit because all of these things are temporary. The things of this world will succumb to wear, tear, and eventually become unusable. Also take note to Solomon’s use of “under the sun.” How long can man enjoy these things? He can enjoy these things as long as he’s alive. Just as a man enters this world with nothing, he also leaves with nothing (Psalm 49: 10, 17). It is said that two men were discussing the state John Rockefeller’s affairs at Rockefeller’s burial. One asked the other, “How much do you think he left behind?” The other answered, “I reckon he left it all.” Why is placing our sole focus on things of this world vanity? There is no longevity to it.

Solomon's Thesis Statement (Part 1)

Solomon’s Thesis Statement: The Thesis.

A proper thesis statement is always needed during a discourse as it will guide the listener/reader through the material given and better help the listener come to the appropriate conclusion at the end. Now, what exactly is a thesis statement? Wordweb defines it as, “An unproved statement put forward as the premise of an argument.” It is vital in setting the stage for whatever comes after. It is employed by Solomon at the beginning of Ecclesiastes. The book itself can be viewed as a science experiment by Solomon. He starts the book out by giving his thesis statement, some arguments used to back up this statement, and various tests in order to prove his statement. It is our goal to look at the thesis statement which Solomon wrote and to look the thesis statement and his beginning arguments in order to come to a better understanding of our own lives.

Solomon starts by writing, “The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2). A key word used throughout this book is “vanity.” Its most basic meaning is “emptiness.” Solomon stated, “all is empty.” It is important that one understands what Solomon means by “all.” Surely, Solomon does not mean that vanity encompasses everything. One need only look at Solomon’s closing statements to know that he did not view God as vanity (Ecc. 12:1, 13-14). Consider what he refers to as vanity (Ecclesiastes 2). His focus is explicitly on the things of this world with no mention of God. In fact, Solomon’s experiment focused on trying to gain happiness using the things of this world and leaving God out of the equation. Keeping that in mind, when Solomon wrote, “…all is vanity,” he refers to being focused only on that which is worldly. He even calls it “vanity of vanities” which is a statement of degree. It is the vanity at its apex. So, what is Solomon’s thesis statement in a nutshell? “To focus solely on the things of this world is vanity.”

Do You Hate Correction?

There are some within this world who hate any type of correction. It could be a student in class making light of that which his teacher has said. It could be the child screaming to his parent, “Get off my case! You can’t tell me what to do!” Sometimes, it’s even the person sitting in the pulpit, hearing God’s Word preached, “I don’t care what that preacher says. I’m not changing.” Sometimes it is hard to receive correction but it is for our own good. Solomon wrote, “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32). If there is anyone who refuses to listen to godly correction, that person hates his own body! Godly correction is given for the protection of our own bodies. Think about that for one moment. There are some sins which are damaging to the body. Furthermore, these sins are damaging to the soul and WILL keep one from an eternal abode in Heaven. If a man refuses to listen to godly admonition against these things, it can be said that he hates his own soul. On the other hand, if a person is willing to listen to God’s Word and take in God’s Word, that person gains understanding. You better understand what things to avoid and what things to seek. You are more likely to protect your body from certain harm and yourself eternally. Do you hate receiving godly correction? It’s to the detriment of your own soul.