People Made to Fear God

This passage sheds deep light on the world after death and the meaning of life now. Solomon emphasizes that death is a complete severing from this world, and says that because one can have no influence after death, how one lives while alive is what matters. Though the lives of humans and animals may look alike, he warns that the human spirit goes up to God and so will face judgment. It therefore teaches that falling into darkness without receiving Christ is the saddest thing of all, and that we must prepare for what comes after death by faith.

Through the case of King Hezekiah, the sermon points out the problem of regret and vanity. It notes that he was granted fifteen more years of life, but came to regret it because of the evil deeds of his son Manasseh, born during that time. This shows that a selfish life that cannot overcome its own emotions, temper and pride, and so makes family and neighbors unhappy, in the end comes back as vanity. And through the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, it emphasizes that the world's wealth and power do not decide one's destiny after death, and that only faith and the practice of love matter. The rich man suffers after death, unable even then to forget the worries of the world, while Lazarus enjoys peace in Abraham's bosom.

The sermon asks about the wisdom to be content with today and live well rather than worry about tomorrow. Because people cannot know their own end, they must show love and forgiveness to their family and neighbors and live honestly. Believers should strive so that those beside them feel peace and happiness, and should fill the time God has given them with thanksgiving and praise. The sermon leads the reader to reflect on what they value most in their life now, and whether they are making choices they will regret in the face of death.