Ecclesiastes 24 Thoughts About Wisdom 1 Ecclesiastes 7

Ecclesiastes (24) Thoughts About Wisdom (1) Ecclesiastes 7: 11 -29 (1)

• • 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 8 “better” things as he observed life. Tonight, some thoughts about wisdom (7: 11 -14)

In this section: (7: 11 -29) • We find the value of wisdom. It can provide: • Protection (11 -12) Perspective (13 -14) Balance(15 -18) Strength (19 -22) Insight (23 -29) (From Wilson Adams, Ecclesiastes, Courageous Living Series, pg. 34)

Wisdom Gives Protection (7: 11 -12) • An inheritance (11), can be a good thing, OR a detriment. It depends on how wise the receiver is – Will he squander it (cf. Luke 15: 12 -13, 12: 13)? Some simply do not know how to handle wealth. Others fight over their inheritance… • Others have been trained and will make the best of what they receive with wisdom! (Content, stewardship, etc. )

Wisdom Gives Protection (7: 11 -12) • Profitable to those who see the sun (11), “While alive”. What good is an inheritance if you lose your life? All the money in the world cannot prevent death (cf. James 4: 14)

Wisdom Gives Protection (7: 11 -12) • A defense even as money is a defense (12) • Is Solomon saying money is superior, or that it is equal to wisdom? No! • Principles concerning money still apply – 1 Timothy 6: 9 -10 (content); they are uncertain (6: 17), stewardship, etc.

Wisdom Gives Protection (7: 11 -12) • A defense even as money is a defense (12) • Money can provide security and can be good WHEN godly wisdom is used. It can help keep you warm, full and healthy; Provide protection and shelter; Relieve anxiety and worries (present and future); And with extra you can help others and further the spread of the gospel, etc.

Wisdom Gives Protection (7: 11 -12) • A defense even as money is a defense (12) • Often the foolish are robbed of this good because of wasteful and irresponsible actions and decisions – massive debt, frivolous spending, no savings for emergencies and the uncertainties of the future, etc.

Wisdom Gives Protection (7: 11 -12) • A defense even as money is a defense (12) • Wisdom can also be a defense. It is BETTER than riches (Proverbs 3: 13 -15) • Wisdom can protect you in many areas (including financially) – broken relationships, dealings with others, preventing mistakes and damages, even spiritual failures. It can help you avoid the snares of the devil (2 Timothy 2: 26, 2 Corinthians 2: 11)

Wisdom Gives Protection (7: 11 -12) • The excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it (12) • Wise decisions can prolong life in many ways (see previous examples)

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • Consider the work of God (13) • Consider – to seriously contemplate or meditate on something. The wise man will consider many things (Proverbs 14: 15, cf. 6: 6) He does so with an open and honest heart. He genuinely WANTS to know

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • Consider the work of God (13) • He knows God is there (Psalm 8: 3 -4). He sees that design demands a Designer that is greater than us

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • Consider the work of God (13) • He knows that what God has made crooked, man cannot straighten (Eccl. 1: 15) He knows that he may not fully understand God’s working (3: 11)

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • Consider the work of God (13) • He knows that God is in control! Job 12: 13 -15 Proverbs 19: 20 -21 (cf. Romans 8: 28, 31; 1 John 4: 4)

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • Consider the work of God (13) • God is in control How often does man set out to overthrow God’s will? He is outright rejected, explained away, not included in solutions, etc. • The tower of Babel – Genesis 11: 1 -9 King Ahab – 1 Kings 22: 15 -40 The crucifixion of Jesus

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • Consider the work of God (13) • God is in control AND if man thinks he can survive without God, natural disasters and VIRUSES reminds man that he is NOT in control!

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • In the day of prosperity be joyful (14) • When we are blessed, let us be sure to stay humble and thank God for what we have (don’t forget Him – cf. Proverbs 30: 8 -9)

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • In the day of adversity consider (14) • Don’t forget about God in the bad times either! Continue to be grateful. Take time to examine. - See Ecclesiastes 7: 2 -3 – the wise take it to heart! - Philippians penned from prison - Job 2: 10

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • Surely God has appointed one as well as the other (14) • Whether we like it or not OR understand why – we need both days of prosperity and adversity. It gives us character and perspective! We can become better! If we only experienced good times, would we really appreciate and remember God?

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • Surely God has appointed one as well as the other (14) • And God has provided us with answers to deal with adversity: 1) He DOES know the future (cf. Isaiah 46: 9 -11). We don’t! 2) Good can come from troubles (Romans 5: 3 -5) 3) There is coming a day of judgment when all wrongs will be made right (Romans 12: 19, 2 Thessalonians : 7 -9, etc. )

Wisdom Gives Perspective (7: 13 -14) • So that man can find out nothing that will come after him(14) • Man cannot know the future, other than what God has revealed to us. This is why we must be careful before blaming or questioning God. He DOES know what is best!

Are you seeking the better way in Him? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14

Let us pray!