Ecclesiastes 4
The man who wrote these words about the troubles of the poor, was a very rich king of Israel, when they had all the country of Palestine: he also had rule over near by nations. He was not a selfish man, but wanted to do for the people and for the Lord, and God had given him “largeness of heart” to think about all around him (1 Kings 4:2929And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. (1 Kings 4:29)). He was sorry for the poor, and saw that some of the men who were chosen to judge in the courts did very wickedly (Ecc. 3:16). He said,
“I considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter: on the side of their oressors there was power.” Ecc. 4:1
To oppress, means to treat another uustly, not to pay or give what is derved. The king knew that the good things of the earth were given by God for the use of all: he said,
“The profit of the earth is for all; the king himself is served by the field.” Ecc. 5:9.
So all were dependent on the Lord, but many forgot that, and planned only to make themselves richer, being unfair to others and to their servants. We would think so great a king could stop all unjust things; it seems he could not, but he said,
“God shall judge the righteous and the wicked.” Ecc. 3:17.
For some years this king ruled justly himself, and did much good for the people, but it is sad to know that even so wise a man as he, in his last years, did not keep God’s laws and taxed his people unjustly, using the money for evil instead of for good, and God was dishonored.
There are still many in the world who are unfairly treated, and many who are poor, but if they trust in the Lord they have a comfort which the great king did not know. It was after his time that the Son of God came to earth and, although He deserved the best of all, He lived as a poor man, and told His followers,
“Resist not evil.”
Jesus did not promise riches or justice on earth, but to wait for God to be the. Judge.
Have you read of Paul and Silas, who loved the Lord, and were beaten and put in prison because men wanted to make money wrongly? We are not told of “tears” or complaints from Paul and Silas, but that they prayed and sang praises to God in the prison (Acts 16:19-2519And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, 20And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. 22And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. (Acts 16:19‑25)).
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the forward......
“Because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should foow His steps: “Who did no sin...... Who, when He was reviled, reviled not again.” 1 Peter 2:18-2318Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: (1 Peter 2:18‑23).
ML 06/29/1941