King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026
Chapters: Ecclesiastes 7-12
Lesson: Ecclesiastes: Godly Sorrow
Hello My Friend,
My husband and I went on a road trip yesterday to check out the area west of us, we were told that where we are staying is sitting on top of a mountain. Well, we discovered that to be true as we drove not only down, but through it. I know that the path was man made, but those mountains are all God and there is absolutely no way that they just appeared out of nowhere or are man made. The world is so oblivious to the obvious, but to those who believe that there is a God, He just keeps amazing them the more they discover His handiwork. We may not always understand God, but we do understand that sorrow is what brings us to Christ. As we come to the end of the reading of Ecclesiastes, Solomon comes to understand that sorrow it may better for us than happiness.
[Ecclesiastes 7:1,3,7-10 A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. 7 Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad; and a gift destroyeth the heart. 8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. 10 Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.]
Believe it or not, sorrow is what does bring us to God as we search for life’s answers. There is absolutely no way that the human mind can explain death, disability, and distress without divine intervention. When can think of all this in terms of Jesus Christ, He came to earth in the flesh just as one of us, and while His immaculate birth was an incredible miracle that brought hope to all who believed that He was coming here, His death on the cross was more valuable to us rather than His birth. Jesus said it this way.
[John 16:20-22 Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.]
The joy that we receive through our faith in Christ even in sorrow cannot be compared to any kind of earthly joy because even if we died this second we know that we will be in the presence of Jesus. We do not enjoy sorrow upon ourselves and any good natured person will not even wish sorrow upon our enemies. Once again we are reminded that we need a balance of good and bad in our lives.
[Ecclesiastes 7:14-18,20 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. 15 All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. 16 Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? 17 Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? 18 It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. 20 For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.]
In other words, God sends the rain on the just and unjust, and once we find and accept Christ as our Saviour, nothing else we receive on this earth can compare. I told my husband last night that next to Jesus I was the best thing to happen to him. We may not realize it when we are facing sorrow that what we went through was the best thing to happen to us, but once we get past the pain we will. Not that my marriage is painful, but we surely have been put through Satan’s ringer. We may not know where we are going to lay our head down next month, but since God’s hand is in this I am pretty sure that He does. We can look at sorrow the way that Job did, [Job 23:8-10 Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him: 9 On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: 10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.]
The sorrow we face as Christians really is no different than what the world faces, and in fact, if we stop to think about it, they face more sorrow because they do not have Jesus. The only thing the world sees as easing pain is another pill, another hit, another swig, another notch, another kill, anything that will feed the lusts of their flesh. Let me tell you, as Christians, the older you get the more you realize just how precious life is, that earthly lusts get you nowhere, and it does not matter how much you know, what you know is not very much. Solomon, trying to grasp all that God had told him in regards to His rending the kingdom from his son, figured that out.
[Ecclesiastes 7:25-29 I applied mine heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness: 26 And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her. 27 Behold, this have I found, saith the preacher, counting one by one, to find out the account: 28 Which yet my soul seeketh, but I find not: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found. 29 Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions.]
This proves that before he died, Solomon understood that he was a sinner. In searching for the cause of his downfall, Solomon saw how he had been deceived by his own desires. Now he speaks with Godly sorrow, fully aware of the weight of the sin he had committed. Many Godly men can with thankfulness acknowledge that have found a virtuous woman, but those who have gone in Solomon’s track, cannot expect to find one. Solomon’s life stands as a testament that Godly sorrow is what brings salvation, but true repentance from sin comes when the sin is acknowledged then repented of, [II Corinthians 7:10-11 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.]
Now what happens if someone does marry a person of a different faith or rather someone who enters a business relationship with someone of a different faith? That is something that needs to be worked out with God. Naturally a marriage of two different faiths will cause many problems, likewise s business relationship. However, it can be workable. Solomon, goes on to acknowledge that how important it is to keep an oath, especially of God.
[Ecclesiastes 8:1-3,8-9 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. 2 I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. 3 Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. 8 There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it. 9 All this have I seen, and applied my heart unto every work that is done under the sun: there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt.]
Jesus, gives us all the reason to live, but did you know that too concern over our sorrows can cause God to prolong the blessing He has for us? The longer we face sorrow the more we do tend to look back on our past, and while much of that is dwelling on things that we could have done, it also brings us to wonder why it seemed that we were blessed more back then. Well, God has to remind us that everything has a purpose.
[Ecclesiastes 8:12-14 Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: 13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God. 14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.]
Let me tell you, the more we walk with Christ the more we discover just how much of a sinner we are and that brings our own self judgment. Nevertheless, those who fear God, meaning accept that His Son is the only way to prolong life, they will discover that there is victory over death, [1 Corinthians 15:55-57 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.]
God is quite merciful and long suffering in that He lets us learn things in baby steps so that we do not get so overwhelmed that we run from Him. There are some things about God that are just to wonderful for us to comprehend and that is where simple faith comes in. Solomon discovered this as well, [Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) 17 Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.]
Because we know Christ as our Saviour, and are fully aware of the fact that our salvation is given to us freely, we have confidence in knowing that no matter what we have done, we will still see Jesus when we leave this earth. Solomon, went through a great deal of pain to understand how God works regarding the poor and the rich, the good and wicked, and although he was no closer to an answer than we are, he did come up with one conclusion, one that we all need to agree on as well.
[Ecclesiastes 9:1-3 For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God: no man knoweth either love or hatred by all that is before them. 2 All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; and he that sweareth, as he that feareth an oath. 3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event unto all: yea, also the heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.]
Since we have no idea when our last breath will be, and since Christ holds the keys to death and hell, that means only He can prolong our lives. Those who admit they are sinners, believe in the Gospel of Christ, and receive Him as their only way to life have received the Spirit of God in them, prolonging their life, [I John 5:4-5,10-11 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.]
God accepts you for who you are, not the color of your skin, which He made you as Does He accept sin? NO. Does He condone sin? NO. And He will deal with us as He sees fit. If you are saved, faithful to God, repentant, sincerely confessing your sin, then you are accepted by God. We do not shun the fallen, gossip about them, make up stories about them, or shame them. We treat them as Christ would with love, empathy, compassion, discipline, and yes, rebuke if necessary. While we have this life, there is opportunity, and since we have no idea when we will leave here, it is in our best interest to make the best possible use of the life that God has given us.
[Ecclesiastes 9:5-6,9-10 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that is thy portion in this life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun. 10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.]
All it takes is one unrepentant sin to stain our reputation and bring reproach upon the name of Jesus. God never excuses sin, but what He desires most is that we come to Him with a humble heart, confessing it. That is far more honorable to God than the fool who clings to pride and remains wise in their own conceits. True integrity is not found in pretending we have no sin, but in acknowledging it before God and seeking His cleansing.
[Ecclesiastes 10:1-3,12-14 Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour. 2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left. 3 Yea also, when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him, and he saith to every one that he is a fool. 12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness: and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. 14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?]
Boy, is that not the truth. Think about it, have you ever been around an area where there was a dead mouse or rat? It smells pretty bad, and if you even attempt to cover it up with air freshener it makes it even worse. Now, think about that in terms of our relationship with God and not acknowledging and confessing our sin. We can serve God all we want, but it only makes us stink before God more because we know better, [I John 1:7-9 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.]
It is our faith alone in Jesus Christ that justifies us, nothing more, but since we are saved by the blood of the Lamb, we are not to be living like the world. Therefore, we are to live our lives as Christ. In fact, what better way to keep ourselves from getting into trouble than to be a witness for Christ and actually live liked did. Solomon, now fully aware of how important it is for both the rich and poor to come to knowledge of God encourages his leaders to be merciful and compassionate on the poor.
[Ecclesiastes 11:1-2,5,9-10 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth. 5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all. 9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.]
As Solomon had often observed that nothing was better for a man than to enjoy the good of his own labor, he now extends that wisdom further by urging that others, especially the poor, that they should share in those blessings as well. And just as he had instructed in the previous chapter how men ought to conduct themselves toward their superiors, he now teaches how they should regard the poor. True wisdom does not merely honor those above us; it also shows compassion, generosity, and fairness to those who depend upon us. This is were our good works count, not for our salvation, but to show God that we love and thank Him for all that He does.
[Ecclesiastes 12:1-3,6-7 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; 2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain: 3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened, 6 Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.]
We have one of two choices; believe upon the name of Christ and He will save our soul, then when our body dies our soul get sto spend an eternity with Him. Or two, reject Christ, and when our body dies we get to spend an eternity in hell in complete darkness and pain like you would never believe. Nevertheless, once we make that choice there is no turning back, [II Timothy 2:10-13 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.]
There will come a day when it will be too late to seek Christ, which is why we are to never forget where we were before Christ found us and what He has done for us so far so that others might come to know Him before that happens. Now, granted there are many who get saved on their death beds and that is all they could do, but this is where our good works count after we are saved. Solomon, at the end of his life understood how important it is to maintain good works after we get saved.
[Ecclesiastes 12:9-10,12-14 And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. 12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.]
It is interesting to note that Solomon gives references to one shepherd, and while his father was a shepherd before he even became a king, there is only ONE SHEPHERD that he is referring to, and that is our GOOD SHEPHERD, JESUS CHRIST, [John 10:14-17 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.]
Today’s Prayer: God, Thank You for the gift of eternal life when I trusted Your Son as my Saviour, I know there is nothing I can do to earn or keep my salvation. I know that everything You do for me is in Your best interest, and things I longed for, but never gotten are only opportunities for something better. It is easy for me to say I trust You when things are going well, but not so easy when challenges come. Lord, I want to trust You at all times, even when I do not understand. Help me to trust and obey all Your decisions, let me not get discouraged or disgruntled over things I do not understand, and keep me looking for the blessings as I endure my challenges with You. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
Are You 100% Sure You Are Going To Heaven?: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/ready-to-follow-jesus/
Read Previous Devotions: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/
Read The Bible: https://kingjamesbible.imfollowingjesus.com/
Visit I’m Following Jesus: https://imfollowingjesus.com/Biblestudy/welcome/
I’m Following Jesus On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/byhisstrength
Copyright © 2026 I’m Following Jesus, All rights reserved.