[324]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM - VANITAS VANITATUM – PART 2 of 3

PART 2 OF THE POEM IS HERE.

This is a long poem and after speaking about the man who could not find fulfillment, I then move to the body of the poem, which is based on the book of Ecclesiastes. We take up the message of the preacher. A lot of the material for the poem comes from Ecclesiastes.

The title “Vanitas Vanitatum” is the Latin for “Vanity of Vanities” – {{Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 “VANITY OF VANITIES,” says the Preacher. “VANITY OF VANITIES! ALL IS VANITY.” What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?”}}

All the work of man without the Lord’s direction is vanity because – {{1 Timothy 6:7 “for we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either,”}} meaning that if that is all there is to life then all is vanity. The following verse is much in line with the theme of Ecclesiastes – {{Ecclesiastes 1:14 “I have seen all the works that have been done under the sun, and BEHOLD, ALL IS VANITY and striving after wind.”}}

The world is full of farce and showmanship and the emptiness of Hollywood and the rock scene, night clubbing and worthless endeavours. People try one thing and another to find satisfaction but all is vain, that is, all is vanity in the end.

To go through life and right at the end you come up with this conclusion, it is very sad ? Ecclesiastes 2:11 “Thus I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labour which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun”}}

I have had to make a Part 3 because the length of the poem is not accepted. Part 3 will follow.

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VANITAS VANITATUM – PART 2 (continued from Part 1)

There is no one to comfort the oppressed in these ruthless acts.

I, the preacher, congratulated the dead rather than those

Who are living, for the dead are not being oppressed as these.

The one who has not existed is better off, I suppose

Than all those dead or alive, because they’ve never seen evil;

Those atrocities committed wickedly under the sun.

Fools are vanity. Lazy fools fold their hands and will not work.

A poor lad, but wise, is better than a foolish king with none.

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Two are better than one, for if one falls, the other one helps.

Two together keep each other warm, and each other protect,

For a three strand cord is not easily broken through strength.

Consider, when before God, that your words be few, not unchecked;

It is not wise to be hasty in word, impulsive in thought.

Do not let your speech cause you to sin, or claim it a mistake.

You do not want God to be angry for this on your account.

If you make a vow to God, then fulfil it or face heartache.

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He who loves money will never be satisfied or fulfilled.

Faith in abundance, and its income, is only vanity.

If men eat little or much, the sleep for good men is pleasant.

Full stomachs of the rich are sleepless. That is insanity.

Exactly as a man is born, in like manner he shall die.

He came naked from his mother’s womb, and naked shall return.

Nothing can he take from the fruit of his labour all his life.

What advantage is it to toil only for wind, and God, spurn?

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A good name is better than good ointment; death better than birth;

Sorrow is better than laughter, for you can’t judge the inside.

A man may have facial sadness, but his heart may be happy.

Do not listen to the songs of fools, but in wise men abide.

Within your heart, do not be eager to accede to anger,

And remember constantly, that a bribe will corrupt the heart.

In the day of prosperity you may be happy, but if,

In the time of adversity, God’s still in control. Think smart.

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There is not a righteous man on earth who constantly does good;

There is not one upon the face of the earth who does not sin.

If one curses you, such as a subordinate, don’t use haste;

Consider, and be careful, for you have cursed others within.

It will be well for those who fear God and do it openly.

A sinner may do evil one hundred times without conscience

And lengthen his life like a shadow in his estimation,

But he can’t. He does not fear God but gains God’s vengeance.

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Ron Ferguson 28-31 December 2020 15 throughout ABCBDEFE