Not Impressed – Week Five

The words felt timely, but their message was unclear. I found myself rereading them. And again. And again.

The book of Ecclesiastes provides an honest, seemingly unfiltered commentary on life. King Solomon observes the pain and futility we face on this earth while reminding us of God’s eternal purposes.

Chapter 5 begins with a strong warning to approach God’s presence with humility, ready to listen. Then Solomon pivots to the subject of injustice, “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.” (Ecclesiastes 5:8 NASB)

To be honest, I am still working through the meaning and the challenge found in these words. First, let me admit that I would expect that verse to read a little differently. The Amber version would go more like this – “if you see injustice or people mistreated, you should be outraged.” But that is not what it says.

Why? Why I wonder, would wisdom say – do not be shocked by the sight oppression? We know from other places in Scripture that God calls us to be a voice for the voiceless, cry out for the oppressed, show justice, take care of the poor, and work on behalf of widows and orphans. So what is God saying here?

I believe God is reminding us He is not impressed by our indignation. Particularly when it results from issues that we create, enable, refuse to acknowledge, or choose to keep our hands off.

If I had to make my guess, the people Solomon addresses are those who benefit from this corrupt system. They show outrage, but ignore the source of the problem. Workers are abused, and people cry out how terrible that is. But why are the workers abused? Because officials are over officials who are over officials. Power has yielded corruption. The system of work and life as it is being lived leads to the abuse.

When the worst of humanity shows itself, it is natural to cry with outrage, whether it be genocide, rape, abuse, or racism. Is it wrong to feel outraged? Absolutely not. God’s heart in us demands the brokenness of humanity stirs us.

But outrage in and of itself is not enough. True justice, true change comes when we look within, take responsibility, and address the systems and issues causing the problems.

Our words do not fool God. They have to match our hearts. If you speak words of love but have a heart of judgment, God knows. If you shame others but hide evil in your heart, God judges you. If you say what others expect you to say, but never look within and try to change – you are only fooling yourself.

The good news is no matter where we have fallen short or where we are today, God loves a repentant heart.

As we keep reading Solomon’s musings, he continues, “After all, a king who cultivates the field is an advantage to the land.” (Ecclesiastes 5:9) Again, I had to pause. What does this have to do with the problem of oppression addressed here?

I did a little research on this verse and found the Hebrew here is inconclusive, and commentators are unsure of the exact meaning. While the NASB translates with the idea of the king working the land to benefit the nation, other versions communicate that the produce of the land benefits even the king.

Maybe these words serve to challenge rulers to humble themselves and work the land. Maybe they are a reminder that we all have common needs like food. Maybe they are a lesson on how even though the workers depend on the king, the king is also dependent on the workers.

One thing is for sure, freedom from oppression comes through the breakdown of hierarchy. We are all human—the worker’s life matters as much as the life of the king. Value is not based on position or status. Dignity belongs to every man and woman.

Solomon continues, “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) When we pursue what makes us feel good, elevates our status, and chases after our needs, not only will we find ourselves empty, we will also bring harm to those around us.

In recent events, we have seen the problem of systemic racism highlighted. Through Solomon’s words, God is challenging me to consider my response to this racism embedded in our nation. He is prompting me to go beyond the surface and look to the cause. Instead of merely feeling sad or shocked, I am learning that I need to listen, learn, and consider what part I play in the solution.

Leadership and systems can provide needed structure, but this order does define the value of people and should never hold one group in power over another. Jesus came to break down barriers. In Him, “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female. [We] are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

Real change comes when we follow the way of Jesus and breakdown barriers. Justice and reconciliation come when we find common ground, work and serve together, and love well. God is always for those treated unjustly. And I should be too, not only with my words but by how I live.