High School | The Wickedness of our World/Goodness of our God (Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:12) | Joel Pickett

Main message: Solomon wrestles with the dark realities of life "under the sun"—systemic injustice, the futility of pursuing wealth, and unanswered questions about death—but the proper response is to recognize God's goodness: enjoying the gifts he gives and finding lasting satisfaction and joy in him rather than in riches. The wickedness of the world does not disprove God's goodness; rather, God's gift of present joy and Christ's victory over death reframe meaning and hope.

Key points:

• Ecclesiastes presents two dark "sides": corruption and oppression in government (5:8–9) and the vanity of wealth and labor (5:10–17; 6:1–12).
• Wealth is uncertain and often produces anxiety or loss; you cannot carry riches into death, so pursuing money as ultimate hope is "severe evil."
• Chapter 6 emphasizes a common human plight: long life, many possessions, or offspring can still leave the soul unsatisfied.
• Solomon often states true observations but draws wrong, despairing applications; the fuller biblical answer points to Christ (who defeats death) and to eternal values.
• The "peak" (Eccl. 5:18–20): it is good and fitting—indeed a gift of God—to enjoy the fruit of one’s labor, delight in the Lord, and let God’s joy be the heart’s strength.

Scriptures mentioned: Ecclesiastes 5:8–20, Ecclesiastes 6:1–12, Job 1:21, Job 14:5, 1 Timothy 6:17, 1 Timothy 4:7, Proverbs 23:4–5, Luke 12:20–21, Deuteronomy 12:7, Psalm 106:15, Psalm 27:13, John 15:11, Psalm 34:4