Proverbs 3
Ecclesiastes 3 begins with the well-known confession that “there is a time for everything.” Verses 1 through 8 repeatedly list various things that happen in life (birth and death, sowing and reaping, weeping and laughing, etc.), emphasizing that each event occurs at the appointed time. Through these contrasting expressions, we can see that even within human limitations and life’s uncertainty, everything happens according to its given time. After verse 9, the text presents human questions about these different moments in life (“What profit is there for the worker in that which he labors for?”), and then adds that God has placed the desire for eternity in each person’s heart, yet humans cannot fully understand it all. In the end, the chapter concludes by advising people to recognize life’s finiteness and humility, and to enjoy every moment joyfully.
1verseMy son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2versefor they will add to you length of days, years of life, and peace.
3verseDon’t let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4verseSo you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5verseTrust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.
6verseIn all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7verseDon’t be wise in your own eyes. Fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8verseIt will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.
9verseHonor the LORD with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase;
10verseso your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11verseMy son, don’t despise the LORD’s discipline, neither be weary of his correction;
12versefor whom the LORD loves, he corrects, even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.
13verseHappy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gets understanding.
14verseFor her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold.
15verseShe is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
16verseLength of days is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.
17verseHer ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace.
18verseShe is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her. Happy is everyone who retains her.
19verseBy wisdom the LORD founded the earth. By understanding, he established the heavens.
20verseBy his knowledge, the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew.
21verseMy son, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22verseso they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck.
23verseThen you shall walk in your way securely. Your foot won’t stumble.
24verseWhen you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
25verseDon’t be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes;
26versefor the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being taken.
27verseDon’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28verseDon’t say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give it to you,” when you have it by you.
29verseDon’t devise evil against your neighbor, since he dwells securely by you.
30verseDon’t strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
31verseDon’t envy the man of violence. Choose none of his ways.
32verseFor the perverse is an abomination to the LORD, but his friendship is with the upright.
33verseThe LORD’s curse is in the house of the wicked, but he blesses the habitation of the righteous.
34verseSurely he mocks the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.
35verseThe wise will inherit glory, but shame will be the promotion of fools.
The Main Message of Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
- The meaning of every moment of life: Ecclesiastes 3 shows that it is not as though everything happens by chance; instead, all things have their own meaning and purpose, and life is formed through processes of change and repetition.
- Human limitations and mystery: God gives “the desire for eternity,” but humans cannot understand the entirety of His will. This calls for acknowledging that human wisdom and understanding are limited, and it leads us to carry humility within the mystery of God’s providence.
- Faithfulness to the present life: By recognizing that the life of work and joy, and eating and drinking itself, is a gift from God, the passage emphasizes an attitude of receiving each moment with gratitude.
Meditation Points
- Do I live trusting that, for each moment of my life, there is God’s plan and providence?
- When I feel powerless in the face of something I can’t understand, I check whether I’m finding balance between humility in accepting it and trust.
- I also think about how much I’m enjoying and giving thanks for the value of the life and everyday things given to me right now.
Apply It to Yourself
- Today, for the big and small things in my life, I decide to choose peace rather than rushing or anxiousness—accepting that “even this too has its time.”
- When there is a situation that makes me anxious or doesn’t make sense, I entrust my life to the one who has wisdom and mystery to guide me, and I put into practice the joy and gratitude given to me now.
As part of Coupang Partners activities, this post may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
