Chasing the Wind: What is Better
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
Death & Rebuke (V. 1-6)
· Solomon reflects on the importance of understanding our mortality (v. 1-4)
o Wisdom is gained by confronting life as it is
§ More insight is gained through suffering than pleasure
· Likewise, wisdom is gained from good correction (v. 5-7)
o Rather than from empty platitudes
Patience (v. 7-10)
· Solomon reflects on the wisdom of patience
· Patience means:
o Not taking short-cuts (. 7)
§ Like oppression & bribery
o Having a long-term view of things (v. 8)
§ Thinking through the outcome from the onset
o Being slow to anger (v. 9)
§ Having a command over our emotions
o Not being stuck in the past (. 10)
§ Because it may blind us to God’s work in the present
Wisdom & Wealth (v. 11-14)
· Wealth is of benefit, but is fleeting (v. 11)
o Vanishing during hard times
· Wisdom is of greater benefit (v. 12)
o Because it shelters us in times of trouble
o It actually increases during hardships
· Wisdom produces the knowledge that God is in control (v. 13-14)
o Thus, prosperity has a purpose
o And hardships are for a reason
§ God uses both to teach us lessons
§ Often, how to rely on Him
So What?
· Do we seek wisdom?
o God often teaches us through suffering and hardship
· Can we see His hand in the storms and trials?
o As well as through the blessings of life
Meditation Verse: Ecclesiastes 7:3
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