What is good for man in this life',

Back to The Pastor's Evening Visit

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"What is good for man in this life?" Ecclesiastes 6:12

This is a very difficult question, if we refer it to temporal things; and God's providence alone can furnish the answer. 

Sometimes prosperity is good—and sometimes adversity;
sometimes health—and sometimes sickness; 
sometimes ease—and sometimes pain; 
sometimes success—and sometimes disappointment; 
sometimes plenty—and sometimes poverty. 

If we set our hearts strongly upon anything below, that is the thing that is NOT likely to be good for us. If God denies us, or takes anything from us—we may be sure at once that that is not good for us. 

What we actually possess is good for us—if we rightly use it, and improve it for the Lord's glory. 

Resignation to God's will, and acquiescence in God's plan, are far better than wishing for this—or longing for that. "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am." Philippians 4:11. "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have!" Hebrews 13:5 

Prosperity is often dangerous, and adversity is usually safe.

It is always good for a man . . .
daily to live by faith on Jesus, 
daily to walk with God, 
daily to lay up for himself treasure in heaven, 
daily to endeavor to benefit all around him.