Without God - Part 40: Keep to the Right Side of the Road

 

“The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.”

—Ecclesiastes 10:2

We already know, from reading the Book of Proverbs, that King Solomon enjoyed sharing pithy sayings. In his examination of a life “under the sun” without a relationship with God, Solomon shares a number of proverbs with those reading his writings in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Note what Solomon has written, as recorded in Ecclesiastes 10:1-11:

As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left. Even as fools walk along the road, they lack sense and show everyone how stupid they are.

If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest. There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler: Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones. I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.

Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake. Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them. If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.

If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee.

If you examine each of these proverbs carefully, you will see some interesting parallels between humans living their lives without a relationship to God, and those who live in harmony with God’s purposes because He has chosen them to belong to Himself. What often appears to us as the natural outcome of events in life—sometimes appearing more as chance than as purpose—really has the impetus of God behind them. Of particular interest to me is the statement found in Ecclesiastes 10:2:

The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.

This is not a political statement. Though I have recently heard some of my Conservative friends use it as such. Rather, it is a reflection of common courtesy afforded all those who traveled on the roads, or highways, of King Solomon’s day—and even later in history, the roads, or highways, of the Roman Empire and beyond. Travelers kept to the right side of the road to assure that they could pass each other, traveling in the opposite direction, with ease and with safety. (My dear friends in the UK and other nations, who drive on the left side of the road, may object. I intend them no discourtesy.)

A wise person follows the “rules of the road” and keeps to the right. The foolish person, thinking himself or herself above the law, will purposefully move to the left side and run the risk of a head on collision.

As we begin a new day, we need to remember that God has laid out a pathway for our lives. We need to stay on that pathway, keeping to the “right,” and avoiding the “wrong” side. If we do so, we will experience all that life has to offer because of our relationship with the God who loves us and gave Himself for us, through His Son, Jesus.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Without God - Part 39: Impressive Wisdom

 

“The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.”

—Ecclesiastes 9:17

“When I look at life, what do I observe?” This might well be the question that prompted King Solomon’s quest to examine life “under the sun”—that is, life on earth without any provision for the intervention of a holy God and for human beings to have a relationship with Him. We already know that Solomon assembled wise sayings in the Book of the Bible we now call Proverbs. But, that propensity to make wise observations prevails in this Book of Ecclesiastes, as well. For example, Please notice these words from Solomon, as recorded in Ecclesiastes 9:13-18:

I also saw under the sun this example of wisdom that greatly impressed me: There was once a small city with only a few people in it. And a powerful king came against it, surrounded it and built huge siege works against it. Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.

The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

No matter what one may accomplish in life, with very rare exceptions, no one will remember that person, or what he or she may have accomplished. Across the pages of history, we have a few notable figures about whom many writers have preserved that one’s accomplishments. But, there have also been numerous men and women, who have accomplished just as much without anyone recording their deeds. Thus, they have passed off the pages of history, and no one remembers who they are or what they have done.

Good works, as one possible narrative of an individual’s march toward holiness, may have some value. But, as markers of accomplishment, good works by themselves usually mean very little, insofar as the reputation and remembrance of that person. No one who does good works, with the intent to earn praise and reward, will ever find a lasting place in history. Good works alone simply cannot sustain the memory of the person doing good works.

However, when a relationship with God marks a person’s life, that relationship leaves a lasting impression. As we begin another day, I suggest we consider C. T. Studd’s little poem,  ¹ which I have quoted several times before on this blog. I think it summarizes the contrast between King Solomon’s “life under the sun,” where human’s live without a relationship with God, and the kind of life that true believers have on this earth.

Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice,
Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave,
And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years,
Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill,
Living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore,
When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way,
Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep,
In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife,
Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn,
And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone,
Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one,
Now let me say, “Thy will be done”;
And when at last I’ll hear the call,
I know I’ll say “twas worth it all”;
Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last. ”

Only one life, ’twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be,
If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.

Amen.

 

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1 Studd, C. T. (1860-1931). “Only One Life.” Public Domain. This poem has appeared in many publications. Some of these publications may be copywritten. However, the poem itself is in the Public Domain. Citation of any Copyrighted material is made on this blog post strictly for Educational Fair Use illustration purposes only. All Rights Reserved by the original Copyright Holder.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Without God - Part 38: God Gives Life Meaning

 

“The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong…”

—Ecclesiastes 9:11

King Solomon uses the phrase “under the sun” to describe life on this earth where there is no transcendent glory present. In other words, life “under the sun” is a life for humans without the Presence of a Holy God in their lives. Instead of allowing a relationship with God to define their lives, these ones are trapped in a godless world that has no boundaries, no defining purpose, and no hope. Please take note of these words from Solomon, as recorded in Ecclesiastes 9:11-12:

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.

Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come: As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.

Since God is the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, attempting to live life without acknowledging who He is and what He has done leaves humans adrift in an endless sea of meaninglessness. It is God who gives reason and purpose to human life. A relationship with Him is absolutely necessary to enjoy life to the fullest.

I suspect, and many Bible scholars believe as well, that Solomon wrote this somewhat disturbing Book out of a sense of confession for the parts of His life that He realized did not follow God’s pathway. Here, at the end of his life, Solomon is attempting to help those around him see the folly of attempting to live without the driving force of life, namely God Himself.

As we begin a new day, let’s bow in prayer and thank God for His goodness to us, who believe. Let’s allow Him to fill our lives full of His meaning and worth. Then, let’s willingly share, with great joy, how God’s Presence has given our lives the best possible meaning and worth.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Without God - Part 37: A Message to the Godless

 

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.”

—Ecclesiastes 9:7

King Solomon, in imagining what life is like for those humans who do not have a relationship with God, concludes that only death awaits them. This, in turn, prompts him to offer advice to these ones without God, that is to say, the godless. Since death is all that awaits them, Solomon suggests they make the best they can of this life “under the sun,” or here on earth. Please notice these words from Solomon, as recorded in Ecclesiastes 9:7-10:

Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.

Because, to Solomon, it seems as if these godless ones have not received God’s extended opportunity to form a relationship with Him, Solomon presumes that God has put his stamp of approval—or perhaps a better choice of words: God’s hand of acceptance—on what they are doing. This is particularly true because Solomon seems to believe that death for them will be their complete end.

We, of course, know that their existence will not simply end at death. Rather, all those whom God has not reconciled to Himself will spend eternity in total separation from God. His image will no longer reside in them. His influence will no longer preserve them. They will be cutoff and utterly isolated from God.

We also know that those God has chosen will belong to Him forever. That security of His Presence intends to promote us toward works that will bring glory to Him and to His Kingdom. Our good works do not bring us our salvation. Salvation comes by God’s grace alone through faith alone. But, our good works do become an important component of our pathway toward holiness, or what is often called “sanctification.”

It seems as if the light is beginning to dawn within the heart and mind of Solomon. He is renewing the truth that he has learned from his father, King David. Life without God is, indeed, futile, a chasing after the wind.

How blessed we are—we who have been chosen by God—to say with the Apostle Paul from 2 Timothy 1:12b:

… I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

At the beginning of another new day, the only response to this we can make is a hearty “Amen.”

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Without God - Part 36: Their Fate Is In God’s Hands

 

“So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands…”

—Ecclesiastes 9:1

At this point in our study of the words from King Solomon, as he struggles with trying to imagine what life is like for those humans, who do not have a relationship with God, we find Solomon trying to punctuate his analysis with these words, found in Ecclesiastes 9:1-6:

So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them. All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not.

As it is with the good, so with the sinful; as it is with those who take oaths, so with those who are afraid to take them. This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead. Anyone who is among the living has hope—even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!

For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten. Their love, their hate and their jealousy have long since vanished; never again will they have a part in anything that happens under the sun.

Here Solomon paints a word picture of hopelessness. The fate of human beings rests in God’s hands. Yet by himself and herself, no human can know what God intends. Unless a person has a relationship with God, it is impossible to know what one’s ultimate fate might be. In contrast, we who belong to God, through His Son, Jesus, know both who we are and whose we are. As the Apostle Paul states in 2 Timothy 1:8-12:

So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

God has chosen us to belong to Himself. Therefore, we do not need to wonder about our ultimate future. We will spend eternity with God in everlasting glory. But, for those who do not yet have a relationship with God, well, that’s another story.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Without God - Part 35: Getting What They Deserve

 

“There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless.”

—Ecclesiastes 8:14

As we continue to follow the pathway King Solomon lays out before us at the end of his life, we take note of these words, recorded in Ecclesiastes 8:14-17:

There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve. This too, I say, is meaningless.

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe the labor that is done on earth—people getting no sleep day or night— then I saw all that God has done.

No one can comprehend what goes on under the sun. Despite all their efforts to search it out, no one can discover its meaning. Even if the wise claim they know, they cannot really comprehend it.

Reading King Solomon’s words, we must remember that he is leading us to carefully consider what life must be like for those who do not have a relationship with God. As we continue to consider this, I cannot help but think of these words from the first verse and refrain of the hymn “Satisfied,” written by Clara Teare Williams of Houghton, New York, the later site of my beloved Alma Mater, Houghton University: ¹

All my life long I had panted
For a draught from some cool spring,
That I hoped would quench the burning
Of the thirst I felt within.

(Refrain:)
Hallelujah! I have found Him
Whom my soul so long has craved!
Jesus satisfies my longings,
Through His blood I now am saved.

The late Donald Doig sings a remarkable version of this hymn, with a beautiful orchestral arrangement by the late Ronn Huff. Please take a moment to listen: ²

 

 

 

______________________

1 Williams, Clara Tear. “Satisfied.” Publlic Domain. This Hymn is included in various Hymnals that are copyrighted by the publisher of the Hymnal. Citation of Copyrighted material is made on this blog post strictly for Educational Fair Use illustration purposes only. All Rights Reserved by the original Copyright Holder.

2 Doig, Donald. “Satisfied.” from the vinyl album: Satisfied.. Mission, KS: Sound III, no Copyright date given. Citation of Copyrighted material is made on this blog post strictly for Educational Fair Use illustration purposes only. All Rights Reserved by the original Copyright Holder.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}

 

Without God - Part 34: It Will Not Go Well With Them

 

“When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong.”

—Ecclesiastes 9:11

Inevitably, as we follow along with King Solomon’s examination of humans living their lives without the presence of God in their lives, we must look at those who behave as criminals. Please notice how Solomon treats this subject, as recorded in Ecclesiastes 8:9-13:

All this I saw, as I applied my mind to everything done under the sun. There is a time when a man lords it over others to his own hurt. Then too, I saw the wicked buried—those who used to come and go from the holy place and receive praise in the city where they did this. This too is meaningless.

When the sentence for a crime is not quickly carried out, people’s hearts are filled with schemes to do wrong. Although a wicked person who commits a hundred crimes may live a long time, I know that it will go better with those who fear God, who are reverent before him. Yet because the wicked do not fear God, it will not go well with them, and their days will not lengthen like a shadow.

Solomon makes three important points in this passage:

• First of all, there are those who, though they are evil, attend church (go from the holy place) and receive praise and recognition of others. We must guard ourselves, when it comes to those individuals we choose to revere in this life. After all, we are all sinners. Putting one’s faith and trust in another human comes with a cost, especially if time proves that one is actually an evildoer.
  
  
• Secondly, a sentence for a crime must be swiftly carried out, or the punishment will not deter others from committing that same crime. We clearly see this in our own nation every day. Just this week, a person in the city where I live, who committed a murder three years ago, was finally brought to trial. He was convicted by a jury of his peers of first-degree murder. While I know nothing whatsoever about the details of this case, on the surface it appears to me that three years is far too long a time before this person came to trial. It will likely take many more months, even years, before his sentence will be fully and finally implemented.
  
  
• Third, there is a contrast between the life of one, who fears (reveres) God, and a wicked person, who does not fear God. Each may live a long life. But, the wicked person, who does not fear God, will have a miserable existence, no matter what the outward appearance of his or her life may be. Why? Because life without God is a horrible existence.

As a new day begins, we do well to remain thankful that, in His mercy and grace, God has chosen to reveal Himself to us through His Holy Spirit, so that we might have a relationship with Him. Our lives with God are so much better than a life without Him could ever possibly be.

 

_{Copyright © 2025 by Dean K. Wilson. All Rights Reserved.}

_{More info at www.DeanKWilson.com}