Day 66: The Vanity of Life Without God

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 26–31; Ecclesiastes 1–5

Date: Thursday, 4th September 2025

To the Faithful Readers

Today you close the book of Proverbs with timeless words of wisdom, then step into Ecclesiastes—a book of deep reflection on the meaning of life. Proverbs 26–31 exhorts you to live wisely and uprightly, while Ecclesiastes 1–5 confronts the futility of pursuing life apart from God. This combination calls you to seek not just wisdom for living, but also the eternal perspective that gives true meaning to life.

Reading Instructions

Read Proverbs 26–31 slowly, noting the warnings against folly, pride, and dishonesty. Pay attention to the noble words in Proverbs 31 describing the virtuous life. Then move into Ecclesiastes 1–5, where Solomon examines the emptiness of pleasure, work, and wealth when God is left out. Highlight what speaks to you about finding contentment and meaning only in God.

Guided Devotional

1. Who is God?

• The Giver of True Wisdom – His counsel is pure and leads to life (Proverbs 30:5).

• The Judge of All Vanity – He reveals the emptiness of pursuing life apart from Him (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

• The Giver of Contentment – He enables us to find joy in simple gifts when they are received with gratitude (Ecclesiastes 5:18–20).

2. What Are the Ways of God?

• God calls His people to integrity, diligence, and humility in all their ways.

• God shows that every pursuit apart from Him ends in emptiness.

• God teaches that the fear of the Lord is the key to finding meaning in a fleeting world.

• God delights when His people enjoy His gifts with gratitude and reverence.

3. What Is His Character?

• Wise – His wisdom is flawless, protecting all who walk in it.

• Eternal – He stands above the vanity of human pursuits.

• Generous – He gives joy, peace, and satisfaction to those who honor Him.

• Faithful – He remains the constant meaning in an ever-changing world.

Golden Nugget

All of life is vanity without God, but with Him, even the simplest work and daily bread become treasures of eternal value.

Prayer

Father, thank You for showing me that wisdom and life are meaningless without You. Guard me from pride, folly, and empty pursuits. Teach me to fear You, to walk in Your wisdom, and to find joy in the gifts You provide. May my life glorify You and carry eternal meaning. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation Challenge

• Reflect on one area of your life where you’ve been chasing meaning apart from God—surrender it to Him today.

• Practice gratitude: list five simple blessings from your daily life and thank God for each.

• Share one insight from Ecclesiastes with someone, pointing them to the truth that true life is only found in God.

Next Reading:

Day 67 – Ecclesiastes 6–12; Song of Songs 1–4

Continue in the reflections of Ecclesiastes, and then step into the Song of Songs—a poetic picture of love, devotion, and intimacy.