Ecclesiastes 4-6; Psalm 125; 2 Timothy 2

Ecclesiastes 4-6

Continuing his reflections on the search for meaning, Solomon presents a series of proverbs typical of his style, affirmations of wisdom. However, in this case, they describe his musings as cycles of drawing near to God and moving away from Him.

For instance, seeing numerous injustices in the world, he arrives at hopelessness: "So I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is the one who has never been born and has not seen the evil done under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 4:2-3).

But at the end of the chapter, he shows hope by turning to listening in the house of God: "Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong." (Ecclesiastes 5:1).

Most of the fifth and sixth chapters are dedicated to understanding the problem of wealth. He realizes that wealth cannot be the source of happiness: "Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless." (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

And if someone can enjoy the results of their labor, it is only possible through God's mercy: "Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God." (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

Psalm 125

Magnifies trust in God: "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." (Psalm 125:1).

2 Timothy 2

As Paul approaches the end of his life, he reminds Timothy of the source of strength he has in Jesus Christ and His grace: "You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:1). Christ saved us not by our merits (we don't even have the strength to be faithful to Him always) but solely by His good will: "If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:13). This is grace, which Paul urges Timothy to remember and rely on.

This grace must be lived out. It must be passed on to others, dedicating one's life entirely to it because there is no possibility of salvation outside of it: "...if we disown him, he will also disown us;" (2 Timothy 2:12).

In his call to preach the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul emphasizes the importance of rightly handling the Word and faithfully proclaiming it. He persistently urges Timothy to avoid quarrels and disputes: "Don't have anything to do with foolish arguments because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, hoping that God will grant them repentance, leading them to know the truth" (2 Timothy 2:23-25).