Ecclesiastes 7:15-18 (NLT)
15 I have seen everything in this meaningless life, including the death of good young people and the long life of wicked people. 16 So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? 17 On the other hand, don’t be too wicked either. Don’t be a fool! Why die before your time? 18 Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.

Solomon tells us when the wicked prosper we should not become dishearten, nor when the innocent and young die. In some translations Solomon says all that he has seen here on earth is vanity, because while Solomon’s thoughts are this world; there is a greater place waiting for him in heaven. Solomon calls for a balance in life knowing God wants our life to be enjoyable, but enjoyable without sin. He says if we understand and respect God then we can avoid the extremes of life.

The story of Job is an illustration of what Solomon was trying to tell us. Job served God and feared God in a respectful way. Yet Job lost his possessions, his workers, his children, and even his enjoyment of life itself. He sat miserable and worried in ashes to comfort his sores. Then Job’s friends came around and accused him of offending God; saying he did something that was so wrong he was being stricken with affliction. But the truth is life does not come with rose-colored glasses. The world is not a perfect place and neither are our lives that are in it. Solomon even says in Ecclesiastes 2:22-23, “So what do people get in this life for all their hard work and anxiety? Their days of labor are filled with pain and grief; even at night their minds cannot rest. It is all meaningless.” Can you relate to those restless nights where your mind is troubled? Solomon also came to another conclusion; God provides for us in this world whether it is food or drink. So there is no escaping the fact that there is nothing we can do apart from God. God is there involved in our lives during the times of hardship and during the times when there is plenty. Seek the wisdom of God to understand and find comfort in Him. Pray God will be with you during the rich times of your life as well as the difficult times. Praise Him that he is always there concerned for you as one of His precious children.