He teaches that the good things of life do not satisfy the soul. One can have money and fame but still not be satisfied in the inner being.

Even if one were to live a thousand years twice over one would not be satisfied (v.6).

The writer makes the remarkable assertion that God gives riches, wealth and honour to a person but does not give him the power to enjoy them. The reason lies in the fact that when people see the good things of life as ends in themselves God will shake people to make them realize that earthly things do not satisfy the soul.

Ultimately, soul-satisfaction does not come from the good things of life but from Christ Jesus who is life itself. Jesus taught that he came to give life and to give it in abundance (John 10:15).

The possession of earthly things does not give satisfaction. Nor even our labour for the good things of life gives soul-satisfaction. We toil to achieve the good things of life but in the end the soul remains unsatisfied (v.7). Both the wise and the foolish seek the good things of life and both meet with the same experience - seeking in vain. Better to be satisfied with what one has than to desire more (v.

8,9).

What folly to make the things of this life ends in themselves. Our real end is God himself. He predetermines everything and we cannot argue with him (v.10). Although we have free choice in this life, which is not to say we have free will, our choices have limited impact. Looking at the bigger picture let’s understand that the Almighty has predetermined our lives. We cannot extend our designated time on earth. Neither do we know what will happen after we die (6:12).

Nelson Rockefeller was one of the richest men in America. One day he was asked how much more wealth he needed before he would be satisfied.

His reply was "just a little bit more". That "little bit more", which we all desire, is deceptive as it is elusive. Be content with what you have and thank God for it.

Ecclesiastes 6 teaches us that soul- satisfaction does not come from the good things of life. What then does satisfy the soul? The New Testament teaches that life is found in Christ Jesus who is life itself. One of the most remarkable statements in the Bible is that God was manifested in the flesh (1 Tim. 3:16). Jesus is the Son of God who has come to give us soul-satisfaction.

Jesus said he was the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He said he was the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). He said he was the bread of life and all who come to him and believe in him would not hunger or thirst (John 6:35). Inner satisfaction comes from fellowship with our Creator through Jesus Christ. Knowing Jesus is riches indeed.

Recently, the astronauts who landed on the moon in the late 1960’s were interviewed. They spoke of the wonder of the universe and how earth seemed so small and fragile. These men were changed when they saw earth from outer space. Some of them acknowledged the Creator.

Soul-satisfaction comes when we know our Creator.

Every morning we should awake and just thank God for his mercies. He gives us life. In him we live and move and exist. And all this is possible because of the manifestation of his Son Jesus Christ. Learn to thank God for the small blessings of life and don’t be anxious. The Lord will look after you.

Soul-satisfaction comes not from worldly possessions and pleasure but from a spiritual communion with God. Through faith in Christ we can be reconciled to our Creator and enjoy fellowship with him.

Worldly things are temporary. Spiritual things are lasting. We were made for communion with God and lasting satisfaction can only be found in the spiritual realm. Therefore do not neglect your soul-life. Get to know your Creator today. Pray to him through Christ Jesus the one mediator between God and people.

We cannot tell the future (v.12). We do not know what tomorrow may bring as far as the good things of life are concerned. But what we can know is that God loves those who love his Son and that he cares for believers throughout their lives. What a blessing to have fellowship with the Lord and to have soul-satisfaction.