One hates his/her job and works only to be free at day’s end. Work for him/her is drudgery, draining and meaningless. Another sees work as part of God’s plan for him/her. Work takes on meaning because it is joining in God’s care for the world and others. Qoheleth refuses to accept that human endeavor is meaningless and futile.
Seeing work as meaningless drudgery (Ecclesiastes 2:18-23)
This passage presents, more clearly than most, the possibility that Qoheleth first quotes the philosophy of his day and then corrects the confusion in these teachings. The passage in 2:18-23 quotes the discouraging conclusions of philosophers of his day. Verses 2:24-26 show that one who views work as part of God’s plan has great satisfaction.
The philosophers declared their dissatisfaction with work. These persons “hate” their work, that is, they have strong emotional feelings against it and deliberately distance themselves from labor and its results. This hatred occurs “under the sun” (in the area of human activity), and expresses life and effort done apart from God and his influence.
Many view work as only labor or toil. Interestingly, work as toil and a producer of weariness was not part of God’s creation. Adam and Eve from the beginning had work in the Garden. After the advent of sin, work became “painful toil” (Genesis 2:15; 3:17-19).
Another problem with work is that one can build but another will come to take over what is produced. This one may be foolish and refuse to acknowledge God. The philosophers point to the futility of this happening and sink into despair concerning his work. No matter how much knowledge and skill used to produce the results could be squandered by one who did not contribute to them. The realization that the results of one’s labor might be lost creates feelings of futility, grief-filled days, and disturbed nights. Work apart from God leads to grief (physical and mental pain) and sorrow (anger, feelings of being trapped) and is meaningless and futile.
Seeing work as joy (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)
In contrast to the marred conclusions seen above, Qoheleth presents the possibility of viewing work as a source of joy. Nothing is better than eat, drink and enjoy work. Actually, seeing life as an endless cycle of eating, drinking and working could be a source for feelings of meaninglessness. The teacher presents another view.
Work can be viewed as a gift from God’s hand. Work, rather than a burden, can become a blessing when seen the direct answer to the plan of God in one’s life.
I stood in a cow barn where a young man was engaged in one of the most difficult and demanding jobs I know. He was milking the cows on a large dairy farm. The work was continuous and done in dirty, uncomfortable surroundings. The young man said, “This farm and these cows do not belong just to the owner. These are God’s cows and I am helping take care of them.” He had grasped the concept of work as serving God.
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The next teaching is one of the most important in Ecclesiastes. The Teacher declares enjoyment, happiness, and meaningfulness in life only result when one is in proper relationship with God. God provides wisdom, knowledge and joy to one who walks with him. Work when done in God’s presence and in accord with his will is a source of joy.
To the one not in proper relationship with God, the gathering and accumulating of wealth is a task, a burden. These sinners (people who miss the mark of God’s will) may eventually have their wealth turned over to God-pleasing persons. The pursuits of the sinners are again like one trying to grasp the wind.
The teaching is the tremendous importance of being in right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Not only is this relationship important for life after this world but has great rewards while one is living and working in the present age.
Seeing work as the gift of God (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20)
Qoheleth returns to his lesson in 2:24-26. Believers can enjoy work because it is a gift from God. Christians should live with joy the days and the opportunities God has opened. Life may be limited to a “few days” but can have great meaning when the one living these days is in proper relationship with God. Work done in accord with God’s plan has great benefits and meaning. This work allows us to share our increase with others (Ephesians 4:28).
God intends us to have the experiences of life and provisions of life (v. 18). Whatever one has is God’s provision. These opportunities and provisions can be seen as rewards to those who please God. Such living in God’s provision is good and God’s people should rejoice in them.
Work rewarded with provisions and meaning is a gift from God. God gives the gift of work and provision and allows (empowers) one to enjoy them. Those who see work as a gift of God do not see their lives as wasted, meaningless or drudgery. They enjoy life because God helps them remain centered (occupied) with the joy in their hearts.
We need to view our work as a way of serving God and others. This discovery will take work from toil to blessing. Find ways to serve God in the work he has given you, and seek other ways to serve him.
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