Straight Talk from King Solomon to the Youth
Three Boulders for the Young
(Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1)
When you’re young, bright-eyed, bursting with energy, and full of hope, all you really need is someone to point you in the right direction. Actor Denzel Washington once summarized life’s direction in three words: learn, earn, return. Pastor Bill Hybels in Holy Discontent suggested another compass: find your firestorm of frustration—the thing in the world that breaks your heart—and pour your passion into changing it.
That’s exactly what King Solomon is doing for the young in this passage. As an old man, he’s handing down wisdom not as pebbles but as boulders—huge rocks that shape the foundation for a lifetime.
Boulder #1: Rejoice in Your Youth
“You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)
Solomon’s first word is simple: enjoy! You’ve been given permission to celebrate this green-light season of life. Yes, honor the red and yellow lights of God’s boundaries, but don’t miss the joy. What memories are you making today that will still bring a smile in your later years? Youth vanishes like a puff of smoke—so make it count with great memories, not regrets.
Boulder #2: Be Careful with a Rebellious Spirit
“So then, banish anxiety (vexation) from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 11:10)
Here Solomon balances enjoyment with warning. “Vexation,” as Dr. Charles Swindoll explains, blends anger and resentment into rebellion. Rebellion says, You can’t tell me what to do! Solomon’s counsel? Don’t sabotage yourself. Guard your body. Face honestly the costs of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and unchecked desires. Protect your health, your time, and your future. True freedom isn’t rebellion—it’s wisdom.
Boulder #3: Remember Your Creator
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
After chasing wisdom, wealth, women, and wine, Solomon closes with this final resolution: bow before your Creator. “Remember” here means more than casual thought—it means decisive devotion. Samson cried out to God at the very end of his life, and God heard him. But don’t wait for a desperate last-minute prayer - a Hail Mary. Remember God now. Make Him not part-time but full-time in your life.
A 2023 survey showed 74% of Americans believe in God. That’s encouraging. But belief isn’t the same as relationship. How many remember Him daily—in their family, work, youth, midlife, and beyond?
Solomon’s three boulders still stand tall: Rejoice. Be careful. Remember. Anchor your life on them, and you’ll walk a path of joy, wisdom, and lasting faith.
Review & Reflection Questions
1. Are you making memories today that you’ll be proud of years from now?
2. What practical steps can you take to protect your body, time, and future?
3. What does “remembering God” look like in your daily routine?
Grace to you,
Cedric
Traditionalwriter@yahoo.com
(Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:1)
When you’re young, bright-eyed, bursting with energy, and full of hope, all you really need is someone to point you in the right direction. Actor Denzel Washington once summarized life’s direction in three words: learn, earn, return. Pastor Bill Hybels in Holy Discontent suggested another compass: find your firestorm of frustration—the thing in the world that breaks your heart—and pour your passion into changing it.
That’s exactly what King Solomon is doing for the young in this passage. As an old man, he’s handing down wisdom not as pebbles but as boulders—huge rocks that shape the foundation for a lifetime.
Boulder #1: Rejoice in Your Youth
“You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.” (Ecclesiastes 11:9)
Solomon’s first word is simple: enjoy! You’ve been given permission to celebrate this green-light season of life. Yes, honor the red and yellow lights of God’s boundaries, but don’t miss the joy. What memories are you making today that will still bring a smile in your later years? Youth vanishes like a puff of smoke—so make it count with great memories, not regrets.
Boulder #2: Be Careful with a Rebellious Spirit
“So then, banish anxiety (vexation) from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 11:10)
Here Solomon balances enjoyment with warning. “Vexation,” as Dr. Charles Swindoll explains, blends anger and resentment into rebellion. Rebellion says, You can’t tell me what to do! Solomon’s counsel? Don’t sabotage yourself. Guard your body. Face honestly the costs of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and unchecked desires. Protect your health, your time, and your future. True freedom isn’t rebellion—it’s wisdom.
Boulder #3: Remember Your Creator
“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
After chasing wisdom, wealth, women, and wine, Solomon closes with this final resolution: bow before your Creator. “Remember” here means more than casual thought—it means decisive devotion. Samson cried out to God at the very end of his life, and God heard him. But don’t wait for a desperate last-minute prayer - a Hail Mary. Remember God now. Make Him not part-time but full-time in your life.
A 2023 survey showed 74% of Americans believe in God. That’s encouraging. But belief isn’t the same as relationship. How many remember Him daily—in their family, work, youth, midlife, and beyond?
Solomon’s three boulders still stand tall: Rejoice. Be careful. Remember. Anchor your life on them, and you’ll walk a path of joy, wisdom, and lasting faith.
Review & Reflection Questions
1. Are you making memories today that you’ll be proud of years from now?
2. What practical steps can you take to protect your body, time, and future?
3. What does “remembering God” look like in your daily routine?
Grace to you,
Cedric
Traditionalwriter@yahoo.com
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Great message