Ecclesiastes 1:14-18, “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, l am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
I referenced this scripture in counseling once to a UPC pastor, expressing my frustration with the futility of life. He blew off my interpretation, and tried to tell me that this theme in Ecclesiastes was sarcasm. Despite our early relationship, and wanting to be properly deferential, so certain was my conviction that it was as real as anything ever was, I told him that I didn’t believe that. Like, at all.
And 30 years later, he betrayed all the deference, trust, and loyalty I had given him, and I pray that I never have to see or hear him or anyone in his family again.
Talk about vanity and vexation of spirit.
Once he and his wife are dead, I can speak about it openly, and I don’t give an unholy crap what his sons will think about it.