Wow. Qohelet sure dismantels the "conventional wisdom" of Proverbs! "Again, I saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to the skillful; but time and chance happen to them all." (9:11, NRSV) His verdict, after all his observation, is that the same fate awaits us all, no matter how fast, strong, wise, rich, or skillful we are. Death awaits us all.

Yet, in the face of such desperate news. Qohelet does not despair, nor advise us to do so. His advice? Carpe diem! Sieze the day. Live for the moment. "Go, eat your bread with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do. ... Enjoy life with the wife whom you love..." (9:7,9)

Qohelet tells us to enjoy life TODAY (for there is no certainty of a living tomorrow) for 3 reasons:

1. God has approved it -- a remarkable statement that suggests that God not only enables enjoyment, but also delights in it.
2. It is the portion granted to us as human beings.
3. The possibility of enjoyment is time limited, so enjoy life while you can.

So -- go sieze the day!