Ecclesiastes is a book about outlook. The plot of “the Preacher” reveals the depression that inevitably results from seeking happiness in worldly possessions. This book gives Christians a chance to see the world through the eyes of a person who, though very wise, was trying to find meaning in impermanent, human things. Most every form of worldly desire is explored by the Preacher and none of it gave him a sense of meaning. In 3:14, the Preacher focuses on God and the reason man should revere [“fear”] Him. Fearing God “under the sun” includes the following.
God’s Actions Are Permanent (“it shall be forever”).
Things that are done by God are final. The granite peak that is being carved into a monument to Crazy Horse, the famous Sioux Indian chief, can never be undone. The dynamite blasts that carve away rock can never be replaced. It is final; it is forever. God, according to Malachi 3:6, is permanent: “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” James identifies the consistency and stability of God in 1:17; His giving of good and perfect gifts will never vary or change.
God’s Actions Are Effective and
Complete (“nothing can be added to it”).
God’s Word penetrates the heart and molds the soul. He chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before Him (Ephesians 1:4). His Holy character provides the prime example for transformation and change. Those in fellowship with the Father are blessed with His illuminating light and Jesus’ cleansing blood. Neither will ascend in greatness because both embody perfection.
God’s Actions Are Totally
Secure (“nothing taken from it”).
God possesses all good qualities and does not lack any, nor does He have any qualities that are not good (Psalm 18:30; Matthew 5:48). He is independent, unchangeable, eternal and omnipresent. He exists as a Spiritual Being, having no form or dimensions and is omniscient, wise, truthful, faithful, good, loving, merciful, graceful, patient, holy, at peace, righteous and just, jealous for His own honor, wrathful towards sin, perfect in every way, beautiful beyond comprehension, and is glorified through the revelation of Himself. He lacks nothing and from Him nothing can or will be subtracted.
In conclusion, true wisdom comes only from understanding who God is and that He is holy, just and righteous. Solomon said, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge”(Proverbs 1:7).
