ECC;ESIASTES (7 - 1)

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) The wisest man ever lived, Solomon, left us a legacy of written wisdom in three books (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon). In these books, he gives practical insights and guidelines for life.

b) The book of Ecclesiastes shows that certain paths in life lead to emptiness. This profound book also helps us discover true purpose in life. Such wisdom can spare us from the emptiness that results from a life without God. Solomon teaches that people will not find meaning in life in knowledge, money, pleasure, work, or popularity. True satisfaction comes from knowing that what we are doing is part of God's purpose for our lives. This is the book that can help free us from our scramble for power, approval, and money, and draw us closer to God.

c) Although the tone of Ecclesiastes is negative and pessimistic, we must not conclude that the only chapter worth reading and applying is the last one, where he draws his conclusion. In reality, the entire book is filled with practical wisdom (how to accomplish things in the world and stay out of trouble) and spiritual wisdom (how to find and know eternal values). All of his remarks relating to the futility of life are there for a purpose - to lead people to seek true happiness in God alone.

d) Read Ecclesiastes and learn about life. Hear the stern warnings and dire predictions, and commit yourself to remember your Creator now.

1. Ecclesiastes 7 (1)

a) The Value of Practical Wisdom (7:1-14)

i) A good name is better than precious ointment,

And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;
² Better to go to the house of mourning
Than to go to the house of feasting,
For that is the end of all men;
And the living will take it to heart.
³ Sorrow is better than laughter,
For by a sad countenance the heart is made better.
⁴ The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
But the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

⁵ It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise

Than for a man to hear the song of fools.
⁶ For like the crackling of thorns under a pot,
So is the laughter of the fool.
This also is vanity.
⁷ Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason,
And a bribe debases the heart.

⁸ The end of a thing is better than its beginning;

The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
⁹ Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry,
For anger rests in the bosom of fools.
¹⁰ Do not say,
“Why were the former days better than these?”
For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.

¹¹ Wisdom is good with an inheritance,

And profitable to those who see the sun.
¹² For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense,
But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.

¹³ Consider the work of God;

For who can make straight what He has made crooked?
¹⁴ In the day of prosperity be joyful,
But in the day of adversity consider:
Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other,
So that man can find out nothing that will come after him. (Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 NKJV)

The End ...