• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Better is the sight of the eyes"

Text: Ecclesiastes 6:9

THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE

There are many things that we have, that we can say we possess. Unfortunately, we do not know how to be content. Instead, we keep desiring other things. This often leads to discontentment and much unhappiness.

“Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of desire.
This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.”
Ecclesiastes 6:9

1. “Better is the sight of the eyes”

a) “Better is the sight of the eyes”

i) This is a reference to what we own or possess.

ii) They are things that we can actually see with our eyes.

b) What are some of these things?

i) It could be a reference to material possessions.

ii) It could be a reference to things that have been accomplished.

2. “Than the wandering of desire”

a) Man tends to desire many things.

b) His sense of desire can be insatiable.

c) No matter what he possesses his desire leads him to wander.

i) He wanders to search for more wealth.

ii) He wanders to search for more power.

3. What is the problem?

a) He becomes discontent.

b) He become distracted.

c) He may even become obsessed by his desires.

d) His desires drive him sometimes to grave danger.

e) He becomes an unhappy soul because he does not possess the things he desires, even though he may have much.

4. “This also is vanity and grasping for the wind”

a) Solomon has already noted many things that may be called “vanity”.

b) He adds this one with an additional phrase.

It is like “grasping for the wind”.

c) One cannot physically or tangibly grasp the wind!

5. Apostolic wisdom

a) The Apostle Paul shared much wisdom with this word of truth.

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain.”
1 Timothy 6:6

b) He added another wise word of warning.

“And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare,
and into many foolish and harmful lusts
which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil,
for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
1 Timothy 6:8-10

i) Contentment must be learned.

ii) The desire for wealth can cause one to fall into a snare.

iii) Many perish because of a foolish desire for riches.