the Third Week after Easter
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Daily Devotionals
Voice of the Lord
The thoughts of fools are in the house of pleasure (Ecclesiastes 7:4).
It would seem at first glance that Shlomo (Solomon) is speaking against pleasure. But a more careful reading of the Scripture above reveals that Shlomo speaks not against pleasure, but against the house of pleasure; that is, the house of ill-repute.
Shlomo speaks much on the subject of pleasure in the book of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the futility of seeking it: "I said to myself, 'Come now, I will test myself with pleasure and enjoying good things'; but this too was pointless. Of laughter I said,'This is stupid,' and of pleasure, 'What's the use of it?'" (Ecclesiastes 2:1-2)
Shlomo is not focusing on spiritual pleasures but on "pleasures of the flesh." For Shlomo, "pleasure" describes all the things man tries to use to satisfy and fulfill himself. However, his conclusion is that nothing this world can offer will fulfill the longing of man's soul except service to the God who created man.
I enjoy good food and nice clothes, a fast car and some cash in my wallet. But none of these things is a lasting source of pleasure for me. A close relationship with a dear brother in our common faith, a discovery of a new truth from God's Word, a soul that receives Yeshua—each of these provides immeasurable, satisfying pleasure that has value both now and for all eternity.
...seek after the pleasure of knowing God and enjoying the fellowship of Messiah Yeshua.
JS
The Voice of the Lord, Copyright © 1998 by the Lewis and Harriet Lederer Foundation, Inc. Published by Messianic Jewish Publishers, Distributed by Messianic Jewish Resources, www.messianicjewish.net. All rights reserved. Used by permission. No part of this article may be reproduced in print or on the web, or transmitted in any form, without the written permission of the publisher.
