The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Ecclesiastes 5:6-9, “Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands?
7 For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God.
8 If you see oppression of the poor and denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be shocked at the sight; for one official watches over another official, and there are higher officials over them.
….

13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: riches being hoarded by their owner to his hurt.
14 When those riches were lost through a bad investment and he had fathered a son, then there was nothing to support him.
15 As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand.”

If ever there were practical words of advice in the Bible, they are here in the book of Ecclesiastes. How many of us (yes, you the reader and I the writer) have spoken out of turn? Even more so, we have spoken negatively in the presence of the LORD, making Him angry and destructive of our intentions.

Multiple things that command our attention are simply empty of value. Time is of more value than the multiple things that often fill it. What also ought to command our attention is the oppression of the poor and those who are denied justice.

The Book does not condemn riches, per se; yet it does look down on bad investments and the lack of care for the support of one’s family. Money itself is not sinful; but everyone will one day die; and how does that wealth benefit its owner then?

“Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into
your lap a good measure– pressed down, shaken
together, and running over. For by your standard of
measure it will be measured to you in return” (Lk. 6:38).

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom