This ought to humble man’s heart and teach him that he has far less power than he likes to think. It is foolish to think that we can control future events or secure a guaranteed outcome. Far more, the events of life are a result of time and chance, of luck. But where do time and chance come from, and what is luck but another name for man’s ignorance of the various causes that determine events, all of which are in the hands of God. We think too highly of our gifts and powers; they go to our heads and we think we do not need the Lord. If even in this life, man is not in control of his destiny, how much less in the world to come. No one can secure a place in heaven; it is the gift of God. None one can force open the door of life, but we must all come with heads bowed to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask him for mercy.
Because he is aware of this, the believer commits all his plans to the Lord, even those things that seem to be assured. When setbacks occur, he should not complain, for he must receive many things which are not pleasant but which work for his eternal good.
Quite apart from the divine wisdom contained in this book, Solomon’s language is strikingly beautiful. His ability to summarise in a few well-chosen words and present truth in such an interesting way makes this book a joy to read even when it is discussing such solemn subjects.