Woodridge Community Church Sermons Woodridge Community Church

It’s been said (and sung) that everyone wants to go to heaven but nobody wants to die. Something similar could be said about wisdom, everybody wants wisdom but nobody wants to go through what it takes to be wise. In this section of Ecclesiastes Solomon uses proverbs to explain how the wise grow in wisdom through difficulties. Understanding this helps the Christian trust the Lord in times of adversity.

The Preacher continues his observation of life under the sun by pointing out another common problem in the world that he calls “a grievous evil.” People often seek out wealth, fame and status as their ticket to joy and happiness. But true satisfaction in this life can only come from the peace provided by Jesus Christ through the gospel.

Solomon describes the dissatisfaction that accompanies the one who lives their life for wealth. However, wealth isn't bad in itself when life is lived for a greater satisfaction than what money can buy.

In previous chapters Solomon made observations about the world, the vanity of life and the sovereignty of God. In this passage Solomon tells us how we are to live in light of these realities exhorting us to not be fools but to fear God. His exhortations remind us that God is God, and we are not.

Solomon’s struggle with life under the sun continues as he considers the misuse of power, the result of envy, the loneliness of greed and the cycle of politics. Contemplating these realities will help us think biblically about the world and help us enjoy God’s good gifts.

There is a time, a season and a purpose for everything that happens in this life and there is more to this life than what we can see. Considering these realities causes Solomon to contemplate and to struggle with the sovereignty of God.