Wisdom is quite undervalued in our world today. There was a time when experience was a driving motivator for wisdom, but in today’s world people seek new experiences simply for the thrills. The book of Ecclesiastes is filled with wisdom, the question is, are we seeking after it?
Observations: Question: Are you the wise man or the fool?
- Authority – Wisdom is greater than riches, power, and age, but if it is not passed on it is meaningless
– Therefore, stand in awe of God - Temptation – Wisdom will preserve and protect, but trials will tempt you to abandon it
– Therefore, you must look to God during the trials - Pride – Wisdom will make you powerful, but power will lead to pride
– Therefore, fear God - Culture – Wisdom can save your life, but those who are saved are not guaranteed to be wise
– Therefore, seek forgiveness from God - Obedience – Wisdom is expected from authorities, but fools are often put in charge
– Therefore, honor Jesus as the King of kings - Money – Wisdom demands care and diligence with money, but even the smartest investments may fail
– Therefore, recognize God who owns it all
Conclusion:
- Wisdom is precious but fragile
Application: If you want wisdom, it begins by recognizing God as God
So, are you the wise man or the fool?
Authority | Temptation | Pride | Culture | Obedience | Money
Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness…”
Ecclesiastes 3:13-14
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.”
Ecclesiastes 3:22
“So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?”
Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.”
Ecclesiastes 8:15
“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.”
Ecclesiastes 9:7-10
“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
Ecclesiastes 11:8-10
“However many years anyone may live, let them enjoy them all. But let them remember the days of darkness, for there will be many. Everything to come is meaningless. You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.”