Ecclesiastes 8 and 9 seem to be talking about the fact that life for the wicked and the righteous are very similar. Everyone works and toils and eventually dies. The difference between the wicked and the righteous is that the righteous do what they do for the Lord. They are able to enjoy what they do while they are doing it. They find meaning in what they do through the Lord. Enjoy the life that you have while you can in the fear of the Lord.

1 Timothy 1 is a letter written by an older man to a young leader. Paul notes that some have been emphasizing the law rather than God’s grace. He states that the law is for the sinful to point out their sin. Jesus took Paul a sinner and by His grace transformed him. As Paul is able to communicate this transformation from sinner to saved he is able to give those who hear his words hope. He is encouraging Timothy to do the same. Don’t spend so much time pointing out sin…rather, spend time promoting grace. Lives will be changed.