Tuesday, June 26, 2012
The Better Life - Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
The
word “better” is used 8 times – what is better?
A life of godly wisdom is the better life.
1. Great
character is better than good cologne.
V.
1 - A good reputation at the time of
death is better than loving care at the time of birth. (CEV)
2.
Inward reflection is better than outward revelry.
V.
2 – It is better to go to a house of
mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every
man; the living should take this to heart.
3. Perspective is better than pleasure.
VV.
3-4 – Sorrow is better than laughter,
because a sad face is good for the heart. The heart of the wise is the house of
mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
4. Correction is better than commendation.VV. 5-7 - It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke
than to listen to the song of fools .Like the crackling of thorns under the
pot,so is the laughter of fools.
This too is meaningless. Extortion turns a wise man
into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
5. The conclusion is better than the
commencement.
V.
8 a – The end of the matter is better than its beginning.
6. Patience is better than pride.
V.
8b – Patience is better than pride.
7. Peace is better than being peeved.
V. 9 - Do not be quickly provoked in
your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
8. The present is better than the past.
V. 10 - Do not say, “Why were the
old days better than these?” For
it is not wise to ask such questions.
The
Blessing of a life of wisdom – (verses 11-14)
A.
It Protects (v. 11-12) – It gives greater protection than money.
B. It Preserves (v. 12)
C. It Provides (v. 13-14) – Wisdom provides divine insight and perspective. See verse 13 – “Consider.” That means to examine with the purpose of evaluating. When you get wisdom you will discover three things.
1. God is Sovereign (v. 13) – God is in charge. Quit trying to straighten everybody else out. You can’t even straighten out yourself! That’s why we all need a Savior.
2. God is Sensible (v. 14) – For “Times” see Psalm 31:14-15. Enjoy the good times. Remember God is just as involved and caring during the bad times as he is during the good times. He orders them both! He balances our burdens with his blessings. “The blessings keep us happy. The burdens keep us humble.” (Wiersbe)
3. God is Secretive (v. 14) – He won’t reveal the future. Why? He wants us to walk by faith not by sight.
B. It Preserves (v. 12)
C. It Provides (v. 13-14) – Wisdom provides divine insight and perspective. See verse 13 – “Consider.” That means to examine with the purpose of evaluating. When you get wisdom you will discover three things.
1. God is Sovereign (v. 13) – God is in charge. Quit trying to straighten everybody else out. You can’t even straighten out yourself! That’s why we all need a Savior.
2. God is Sensible (v. 14) – For “Times” see Psalm 31:14-15. Enjoy the good times. Remember God is just as involved and caring during the bad times as he is during the good times. He orders them both! He balances our burdens with his blessings. “The blessings keep us happy. The burdens keep us humble.” (Wiersbe)
3. God is Secretive (v. 14) – He won’t reveal the future. Why? He wants us to walk by faith not by sight.
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