Ecclesiastes 9:1–12: You’re Dead Men Walking, So Enjoy the Gifts of Life

Ecclesiastes 9:1–12: You’re Dead Men Walking, So Enjoy the Gifts of Life

From Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio by KFUO Radio

April 24, 2026 · 57 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the themes of life, death, and the importance of enjoying the gifts of life as presented in Ecclesiastes 9:1–12.

The living know one thing the dead do not: that they will die. Qoheleth delivers this as good news, strange as that sounds, because the living still have time to eat, drink, enjoy their wives, and do their work with energy. The dead know nothing, earn nothing, and are forgotten. But the clock is ticking for everyone, and time and chance ambush the swift, the wise, and the strong without warning. Fish caught in a net, birds caught in a snare: that is how the evil day falls on the sons of men. The Rev. Steven Theiss, serving St. John Lutheran Church (AALC) in Pocahontas, MO, joins guest host Andy Bates to study Ecclesiastes 9:1–12. What does a man gain from all his toil under the sun? Solomon asked that question three thousand years ago, and it still cuts. Ecclesiastes is the Bible's most unflinching book about work, wealth, wisdom, and the ache nothing in this life can fill. It is also one of the most pastoral, because the Preacher tells the truth about death, time, and meaning without leaving the reader in despair. Pastor Booe and guest pastors from across the Synod study it verse by verse, following Solomon's argument to where it finally lands: fear God and keep His…

People in this episode

Hosts: Andy Bates, Rev. Dr. Phil Booe

Guest: Rev. Steven Theiss

Topics covered

  • death
  • life
  • enjoyment
  • work
  • wisdom
  • meaning

Keywords

  • Ecclesiastes
  • death
  • life
  • enjoyment
  • wisdom
  • meaning
  • work
  • theology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: St. John Lutheran Church (AALC), St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN

Books & works: Ecclesiastes

More episodes of Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio podcast page.