An Evil Disease
“…this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.” —Ecclesiastes 6:2
There are all kinds of diseases in the world. The word “disease” comes from the old French word desaise meaning “a lack of ease.” A disease disrupts how God designed you function effectively.
Solomon mentions “an evil disease” in our text that is fatal to a person’s satisfaction and joy in life. Solomon knew about the stresses of life that bring anxiety. He called it “vanity and vexation of spirit” (1:14, 17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9). When life seems futile and unfair we are often tempted to say “what’s the use. Everything I do is in vain.” That is what Solomon had in mind when he referred to “ALL THE DAYS OF HIS VAIN LIFE” (Ecclesiastes 6:12).
Solomon asks three questions in Ecclesiastes 6:11-12 that focus on this “evil disease.” Each question begins with the word “WHAT.” Notice these three questions:
- “WHAT is man the better?” What will make my life better? More things? More children? More money? More education? More activity? More trials? Only God knows what will make me better! A person’s standard of living has nothing to do with his standard of enjoying.
- “WHAT is good for man is this life?” We sometimes think we know what is good for us, only to find out it hurts more than helps. Only God knows what is good for me.
- “WHAT shall be after him under the sun?” Who can tell what is going to happen tomorrow? (James 4:14; Prov. 27:1). Only God knows! Ira Stanphill wrote—
I don’t worry for the future; For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside him; For He knows what lies ahead.
Many things about tomorrow; I don’t seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow; And I know who holds my hand.
The only cure for this “evil disease” is knowing and trusting GOD!
