by Ester yusufu | 25 July 2024 08:46 am07
Ecclesiastes 10:15
“The toil of fools wearies them; they do not know the way to town.”
This short verse might sound humorous at first—but it’s actually a deep reflection on life, effort, and purpose. The Bible is saying that a fool works hard but without direction. They are exhausted by their own efforts because they don’t even know how to reach their goal. It’s like working for years to reach the city, only to realize you’ve been walking in the opposite direction the whole time.
In a practical sense, many people spend their lives pursuing success, wealth, or comfort. There’s nothing wrong with work or ambition—Proverbs commends diligence
(Proverbs 13:4, NIV:
“The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”).
But Ecclesiastes warns that if your life lacks wisdom and purpose, your work becomes tiring and meaningless. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about knowing where you’re going.
The Spiritual Revelation Behind the Verse
This verse also has a profound spiritual message. For believers, “the city” symbolizes our eternal destination—the New Jerusalem. It’s the place prepared for us by God, described beautifully in Revelation.
Revelation 21:2-3
“I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God… And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people…'”
Just like in the natural, working without knowing your spiritual destination is exhausting. Many live their lives full of religious activity, generosity, even morality—but still lack a relationship with Christ. They’re walking, but not toward the city.
Only Jesus is the way.
John 14:6
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Without Jesus, our efforts, good deeds, or even spiritual practices are like heading toward a city we can’t find on our own. This is why salvation through faith in Christ is essential. He doesn’t just show us the way—He is the Way.
Who Will Enter This City?
Revelation 22:14-15
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral…”
This tells us clearly: entry into the city is only for those who have been washed—cleansed through the righteousness of Christ. It’s not about how hard you’ve worked, but whether your name is written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 21:27).
Faith Like Abraham’s: A Heavenly Vision
Abraham, the father of faith, understood this. He didn’t live for this world alone.
Hebrews 11:10
“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Though he was wealthy and blessed, he lived like a pilgrim—because he knew his true home was with God.
Conclusion: Know the Way and Follow It
If you don’t know Christ, you are like the fool in Ecclesiastes 10:15—tired, busy, and directionless. Your effort may look impressive on the outside, but it leads nowhere spiritually. But if you follow Christ, your work gains eternal meaning.
With Jesus, your life has purpose. You’re walking toward a real destination. Every sacrifice, every act of love, every struggle becomes an investment in eternity.
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
So the question remains:
Do you know the way to the city?
Jesus is calling. Follow Him—and you’ll never labor in vain.
God bless you.
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