Ecclesiastes 23 Some Better Things 2 Ecclesiastes 7
Ecclesiastes (23) Some Better Things (2) Ecclesiastes 7: 1 -10
• • About this section We continue our study of the second half of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon begins a greater focus on things ABOVE the sun. Greater emphasis on wisdom – cf. James 3: 17 -18 Previously we noted 4 (of 8) “better” things as he observed life – a good name, the house of mourning, sorrow, etc. Tonight’s lesson – part 2
Better to hear rebuke of the wise (7: 5 -7) • The “song of fools” (5), possibly associated with “the house of mirth” (7: 6) • A party (and most comedians) is NOT the place to get advice for life. Not a serious time and like crackling thorns in a fire, they are temporal
Better to hear rebuke of the wise (7: 5 -7) • The rebuke of the wise (5), is better • Rebuke is not pleasant. We do not like to be corrected. Cf. Hebrews 12: 5 -11, either by God or our fathers, but it is needed as it can yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness
Better to hear rebuke of the wise (7: 5 -7) • The rebuke of the wise (5), may include: - A doctor telling you to change habits - Parents chastening children Ephesians 6: 4 - The elderly who have lived long and wise lives – Job 12: 12 -13 - An elder or preacher telling you the truth, even when it hurts – Hebrews 13: 17, Galatians 4: 16 - Could include the house of mourning
Better to hear rebuke of the wise (7: 5 -7) • Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason (7), may include: - The oppression BY a wise man - OR, a wise man oppressed - likely! • We see the wise oppressed and rejected even today. Far too many will not even consider the other side of a situation. If you disagree, you are (insert label)
Better to hear rebuke of the wise (7: 5 -7) • Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason (7) • While we need convictions – the wise have conviction, we must NOT be blind and oppress those who dare challenge us. Consider Jesus, Paul and Stephen • The humble will listen and consider!
Better to hear rebuke of the wise (7: 5 -7) • And a bribe debases the heart (7) • Greedy and selfish ambitions can cause even the wise to ignore truth and trouble. • Bribes are ALWAYS wrong – consider Judas betraying Jesus Proverbs 17: 23 • Proverbs 15: 31 -33 – concluding thoughts in this section
The end of a thing is better than the beginning (7: 8) • While this could include one’s death, it is much more • The wisdom of age The harvest of a crop The completion of a job or task • Possibly dealing with the patience addressed next
The end of a thing is better than the beginning (7: 8) • While this could include one’s death, it is much more • Humility, where some boast about what they are going to do – cf. 1 Kings 20: 11 • Also, when something is completed, you typically have a better understanding of success and failures
The end of a thing is better than the beginning (7: 8) • While this could include one’s death, it is much more • Spiritually, when we are prepared, even as Paul – 2 Timothy 4: 6 -8 Matthew 10: 22 • NOTE: These are good outcomes as a result of a good start. The opposite is equally true! The end can be worse
The patient in spirit is better… (7: 8 b-9) • Patience is important. – Galatians 5: 22 -23, 1 Corinthians 13: 4 -5 (longsuffering) • James 5: 7 -11 addresses this, including the prophets and Job
The patient in spirit is better… (7: 8 b-9) • Better than the proud in spirit • Pride and arrogance condemned and dangerous Romans 1: 29 -30, 2 Timothy 3: 2 (boasters, proud…) • 1 Peter 5: 5, God resists the proud. Proverbs 6: 16 -17 – He hates the proud look
The patient in spirit is better… (7: 8 b-9) • Better than the proud in spirit • Pride may also lead to anger – Ephesians 4: 26 -27, 31, etc.
Do not dwell on the past (7: 10) • Living for now is better than living in the past • While many think of the “good old days”, were they really that good? In some ways maybe, but consider advancements and how they have improved our lives and understanding
Do not dwell on the past (7: 10) • Living for now is better than living in the past • BUT, suppose they were better! Still they are gone! We have to move on and deal with where we are today – cf. Mathew 6: 33 -34 • NOTE: It is not wrong to remember the past, just don’t dwell on it and let it consume you
Are you seeking the better way in Him? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14
Let us pray!
- Slides: 18