Ecclesiastes 6:9: Covetousness vs. Contentment

Ecclesiastes 6:9

"Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite:

this also is vanity and a striving after wind." (ESV)

"What the eyes see is better than what the soul desires.

This too is futility and a striving after wind." (NASB)

"Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have.

Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind." (NLT)

Today we do a great and wonderful thing and pause to look at a singular verse in scripture. When we approach scripture, we must do so at both a macro and a micro level. Is there a benefit to reading three chapters a day, or even full books, in our daily devotions? Most certainly. Yet, we must never forget the beauty of taking an hour out of our day to meditate on a single verse. If you've never tried it, I'd encourage you to.

This morning, we are looking at Ecclesiastes 6:9 and discussing the difference between covetousness and contentment. Let me ask you this morning: which one of these more characterize you? Are you a man or woman who is constantly satisfied with what God has given you? Or are you usually desiring that which hasn't been given to you? Although we often would like to say we are the former, I'd argue that most of us are the latter this morning. Thus, let us find how we ought to be content.

Ecclesiastes 6:9 tells us that that which we have is better than that which we want. How can this be so?, you may ask. Well, Solomon is going to tell you. In his words, "better is the sight of the eyes" than "the wandering of the appetite." What Solomon is saying here is that what we see, that is, what we tangibly have, is better than what we desire. If we simply let our "appetite," that is, our desires, overcome us, we will only be longing for more no matter what we get. When we obtain that which we thought we wanted, there will always be something greater.

However, how do we get out of this trap of desire? Solomon tells us that the way to be rescued from this trap is to realize that what you have is better than what you want. In other words, your lot is better than your longing. But how can this be so? You may ask. Answer: because your desires will never be satisfied. If you learn how to be content with what you have, you will be satisfied. However, if you are constantly longing for more, whatever that may be, you will always be stuck in the trap of dissatisfaction.

So, are you content or covetous this morning? Dear brothers and sisters, you are either one or the other, and if you are coveting anything that you do not right now have, you are the latter. Let me encourage you: stop believing the lie that you will be satisfied once you get that one thing. Perhaps it is more money, a better house, a better car, a girlfriend/boyfriend, a wife/husband, children, or whatever else. Just remember: there is always something more around the corner. Life will always have another thing for you to desire. Rather, we must be content where we are, no matter where that is, TODAY. Today is the day for you to be content, wherever you are. If you are not content today, you won't be content tomorrow.