One "insight" came to me as we were discussing, and when combined with what God has been teaching me about stewardship, I'm reminded that for those of God's people who have much, much will be required. For someone like King Solomon of great wealth, much would've been expected of him, for he was given stewardship of so much. So, from that perspective, wealth is greater responsibility, and if seen in that light, would be something that we may want to ponder before pursuing; to see if we can faithfully handle that responsibility.
Something also that was mentioned, was related to Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart". I think I've heard it before; but, I didn't remember it. But, a better interpretation of this verse is that rather than God giving us what we desire; it is really saying that He will give us desires, which are in line with His.
10-Oct: In the lesson on Ecclesiastes 3, Dr Jeremiah said that if you take all the trials out of your life, it would be "vanilla". Life is made of both with and black (sharp and flat) keys. vs 12 emphasizes being happy and doing good; and vs 13 being thankful.
10-Jan: The lesson on Ecclesiastes 7 is one of the best of the series so far. The title itself "When Bad is Better" demonstrated a different perspective than usual. Some of the "right-side up" points made were:
- Sorrow is better than Laughter - adversity can develop us as nothing else can; and it is easier to learn through adversity than prosperity for wisdom is forged through trials. In vs 1, when Solomon said the day of our death is better than the birth; it was related to a good name. At death, when we have lived our life well, then we die with a good name; but, at birth, we have our lifetime to affect our "name". Man's highest purpose is not to be happy, but to know God
- Rebuke from the Wise is better than Praise of a Fool
- The Hard way is better than the Easy - similar to the first point, sometimes it is best not to look for the "short cut"; but to grow through the process of the "hard way". We should also start with the end in mind, asking "where will this path lead me?"
- Today is better than Yesterday - In the valleys, we cannot help but turn to the LORD and see HIM high and lifted up
23-Jan: "Wisdom to be Thankful For" - In the Ecclesiastes 7:11-29 lesson, what stood out was that wisdom is better than wealth; so either in prosperity or in poverty, we can trust God. We are not to let what we don't understand cause us not to trust HIM
5-Mar: Folly - In Ecclesiastes 10, foolishness even in little things can cause ruin. It can easily get into leadership, labor, and language. He gave an acronym of H.A.R.M. for Hit and Run Mouth. Throughout the OT, foolishness is associated with sin and wisdom with righteousness; so that acting in wisdom requires yielding to the Spirit's leading in contrast to our sinful natures
20-Mar: "Before It's Too Late" - In Ecclesiastes 11 and 12, we are reminded that:
- Life is uncertain so embrace it (11:1-6) - The phrase to "cast bread upon waters" refers to putting grain on ships for commerce, and the use of the plural points to diversifying)
- Life is short, enjoy it (11:7-10) - Live each day with gusto
- Express faith thoughtfully (12:1-2)
- Embrace aging thankfully (12:3-7)
- Life is mysterious, examine it (12:8-12) - Get wisdom from God; Christianity and Knowing God is not about search but finding
- Life is Obedience, express it (12:13-14) - Fear God and Keep His Commandments => so, the meaning of life in found in relationship with Him
The series ends with Psalm 92:12-15 - The Righteous will flourish even in old age.
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