Finding Purpose in Adversity: Embracing God's Sovereignty
Summary
Ecclesiastes 7 invites us to wrestle honestly with the reality of living in a broken, post-Genesis 3 world. Solomon, having explored every avenue for meaning—education, pleasure, wealth—concludes that true purpose cannot be found apart from God. He observes the world’s crookedness: the righteous suffer, the wicked prosper, and injustice abounds. In this context, Solomon offers wisdom for navigating adversity, urging us to become the kind of people who can live faithfully in a world that is not as it should be.
The passage challenges our cultural obsession with ease and entertainment. We are warned that a life spent avoiding hardship and pursuing only what is fun or comfortable leads to spiritual weakness and, ultimately, harder times for ourselves and others. Instead, we are called to embrace the “house of mourning” over the “house of feasting”—to let the reality of death and suffering teach us what parties and distractions never will. Funerals, not birthdays, prompt us to reflect on our character, our legacy, and our need for God.
A good name, Solomon says, is better than riches or outward appearances. Our reputation—shaped by honesty, integrity, and how we treat others—matters deeply. We are encouraged to surround ourselves with wise people who will speak truth into our lives, even when it stings, rather than fools who only offer fleeting amusement.
When adversity comes, patience is better than pride. We are to resist the urge to become angry, nostalgic for the “good old days,” or cynical about the world’s brokenness. Instead, we are to accept the present moment as God’s appointment, trusting that He is sovereign over both prosperity and adversity. Some things in life are crooked and cannot be made straight by our efforts; these are opportunities to trust God’s wisdom and goodness, even when we do not understand.
Ultimately, the greatest example of God bringing beauty from brokenness is the cross of Christ. Jesus faced the ultimate “crook in his lot” for our sake, and through His suffering, our salvation was accomplished. In our own adversity, we are called to surrender—to trust, obey, and praise God whether our lot is straight or crooked, knowing He is at work for our good and His glory.
Key Takeaways
- Embracing Hardship Over Comfort
Choosing what is difficult over what is easy is a mark of spiritual maturity. Our culture tempts us to avoid adversity and seek only what is fun or convenient, but wisdom teaches that character is forged in hardship. When we choose the path of least resistance, we not only stunt our own growth but also contribute to the brokenness around us. God calls us to pursue what is beneficial, not merely what is enjoyable, trusting that He uses adversity to shape us into Christlikeness. [29:48]
- The Value of a Good Name
A good reputation, built on integrity and faithfulness, is more valuable than wealth or outward success. Funerals remind us that our legacy is not measured by possessions or achievements, but by the impact we have on others and the character we display. We cannot control every opinion, but by tending to our character, our reputation will follow. Let us live in such a way that, when our time comes, the testimony of our lives points others to God’s faithfulness. [36:24]
- The Wisdom of Serious Reflection
There is a time for laughter, but wisdom is found in moments of seriousness and sorrow. Funerals and seasons of mourning force us to confront our mortality, evaluate our lives, and consider what truly matters. Surrounding ourselves with wise counselors who speak truth—even when it is uncomfortable—protects us from the emptiness of shallow living. True friends care more about our growth than our temporary happiness. [41:01]
- Responding Well in the Day of Adversity
Patience, not pride, is the posture of the wise in difficult times. Anger and nostalgia are temptations that arise when we feel out of control or dissatisfied with our present circumstances. God calls us to live in the present, trusting His timing and sovereignty, rather than longing for the past or demanding immediate relief. Accepting our “lot” with faith honors God and opens us to His transforming work. [47:26]
- Trusting God with the Crooked Things
Some things in life are crooked and cannot be made straight by our own efforts. These are not always the result of our sin, but are often God’s mysterious work in our lives. The cross itself was the ultimate “crook,” yet through it came our redemption. When we surrender our desire for control and trust God with the things we cannot change, we find peace and the freedom to praise Him in both prosperity and adversity. [51:56]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 7
[03:45] - Life’s Search for Meaning and the Broken World
[07:30] - Principles for Navigating Adversity
[10:15] - God’s Sovereignty in Hard Times
[13:00] - The Danger of Avoiding Difficulty
[16:20] - What Kind of People Should We Be?
[19:30] - Funerals vs. Parties: Lessons from Mourning
[22:40] - The Value of a Good Name
[25:00] - The Importance of Serious Reflection
[28:15] - The Influence of Wise and Foolish Friends
[31:00] - Responding to Oppression and Temptation
[34:00] - Patience, Anger, and Nostalgia in Adversity
[37:00] - The Superiority of Wisdom
[40:00] - Trusting God with the Crooked Things
[43:00] - Surrender and Worship in All Circumstances
[46:00] - Baptism and Invitation to Surrender
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Ecclesiastes 7 – Wisdom for a Crooked World
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### Bible Reading
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ecclesiastes 7:1, what does Solomon say is better than precious ointment? How does the sermon explain the meaning of a “good name”? [[36:24]]
2. In verses 2-4, Solomon says it is better to go to the house of mourning than the house of feasting. What reasons does the sermon give for why funerals are more valuable than parties? [[39:02]]
3. What does Solomon say about patience and pride in verse 8? How does the sermon connect this to how we respond in hard times? [[44:47]]
4. In verse 13, Solomon asks, “Who can make straight what he has made crooked?” According to the sermon, what does “crooked” mean in this context? [[49:58]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Solomon say that sorrow and mourning are better than laughter and feasting? What does this reveal about the way God uses hardship in our lives? [[39:02]]
2. The sermon says that our culture is obsessed with comfort and entertainment. Why does Solomon warn against always choosing what is easy or fun? [[29:48]]
3. How does the idea of a “good name” challenge the way people usually measure success? What does the sermon say about the legacy we leave behind? [[36:24]]
4. The sermon mentions that some things in life are “crooked” and cannot be made straight. How should Christians respond when they face situations they cannot change? [[49:58]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to “choose hard instead of easy.” Can you think of a recent situation where you chose comfort over what was right or beneficial? What would it look like to choose the harder, wiser path next time? [[29:48]]
2. When you think about your own reputation, what do you believe people would say about your character? Is there an area where you want to grow so that your “good name” points others to God’s faithfulness? [[36:24]]
3. Funerals and times of mourning force us to reflect on our lives. When was the last time you seriously considered your own legacy or the impact you’re having on others? What changes might God be prompting you to make? [[39:02]]
4. The sermon says it’s better to have friends who speak truth into our lives than friends who just make us feel good. Who are the wise people in your life who can challenge you? Is there someone you need to invite to speak more honestly with you? [[42:09]]
5. When adversity comes, do you tend to get impatient, angry, or nostalgic for the “good old days”? Which of these is your biggest temptation, and how can you practice patience and trust in God’s timing this week? [[47:26]]
6. Are there “crooked” things in your life right now—situations you wish you could change but can’t? How can you surrender these to God and trust that He is at work, even when you don’t understand? [[49:58]]
7. The sermon points to Jesus as the ultimate example of trusting God with a “crooked lot.” How does remembering the cross help you trust God in your own suffering or disappointment? [[56:03]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for the courage to embrace hardship, the humility to accept what cannot be changed, and the wisdom to trust Him in every season—whether the path is straight or crooked.
Devotional
Day 1: Wisdom in Adversity: Fun Isn’t Always Best
True wisdom recognizes that what is easy or entertaining is not always what is most beneficial for our souls. In a world that chases after comfort and pleasure, it is tempting to avoid hardship and seek only what feels good, but God calls us to a life of impact, not just enjoyment. The hard things—serious reflection, honest conversations, and even sorrow—shape our character and draw us closer to God’s purposes. When we choose what is difficult but right, we become people of substance rather than people who simply chase after fleeting fun. [34:36]
Ecclesiastes 7:1-6 (ESV)
A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth. It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you tend to choose what is easy or fun over what is right or beneficial? How can you intentionally choose the harder, wiser path today?
Day 2: The Value of a Good Name
Who you are matters more than what you have, and your reputation is built on the choices you make every day. A good name is not about being perfect, but about consistently doing the next right thing, treating others with honesty, fairness, and respect. Funerals remind us of the legacy we leave behind and challenge us to consider how we will be remembered—not for our possessions, but for our character. Let your life be marked by integrity, so that your reputation speaks of Christ’s work in you. [36:24]
Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)
A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
Reflection: If someone close to you were to describe your character today, what would they say? What is one step you can take to strengthen your reputation for Christlikeness this week?
Day 3: Patience and Trust in God’s Timing
In times of adversity, it is easy to become impatient, angry, or nostalgic for the “good old days,” but wisdom calls us to wait on God and trust His timing. Impatience and anger often reveal our desire for control, while nostalgia can keep us from embracing what God is doing in the present. Instead, God invites us to accept our current circumstances, trust that He is at work, and patiently wait for His purposes to unfold—even when we cannot see the end from the beginning. [44:47]
Ecclesiastes 7:8-10 (ESV)
Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools. Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
Reflection: Where are you struggling to be patient or tempted to look back instead of trusting God with today? What would it look like to surrender your impatience or nostalgia to Him right now?
Day 4: Pursuing Wisdom Over Riches
Wisdom is more valuable than wealth or physical strength, for it protects and gives life to the soul. While money can solve some problems, only wisdom—rooted in the fear of the Lord—can guide us through life’s challenges and help us make choices that honor God. Make it your priority to seek wisdom: read God’s Word, surround yourself with godly counsel, and pursue understanding above all else, knowing that wisdom will sustain you when everything else fades away. [49:09]
Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 (ESV)
Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can pursue wisdom today—through Scripture, prayer, or seeking advice from a godly friend?
Day 5: Trusting God with the Crooked Places
There are things in life that cannot be changed, “crooks in our lot” that God alone can straighten. Rather than despairing or trying to force our own way, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty, praising Him in both prosperity and adversity. Even Jesus faced the ultimate “crook” in the cross, surrendering to the Father’s will for our sake. When we surrender our desire for control and trust God with the crooked places, we open ourselves to His transforming work and the beauty He can bring from our pain. [53:46]
Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (ESV)
Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.
Reflection: What is one “crooked” circumstance in your life that you have struggled to accept? How can you choose to trust God and praise Him in the midst of it today?
Quotes
God is sovereign over those times in your life. But that doesn't always mean he causes them. Sometimes you cause the tough times in your life. Weak men and weak women create hard times for themselves and for other people. We do this by doing nothing. We do this by being selfish. We do this by being lazy. And I know this is going to sound a little like get off my lawn, but we live in a culture where people run away from hard. They run away from difficult. They avoid adversity and pain at all costs. They choose light over heavy. We choose convenience and comfort over Christlikeness. [00:29:38]
We want a life of ease when God wants us to have a life of impact. People that watch life while sitting in the easy chair are cowards. Wisdom recognizes that life is more about, is more than being about me being entertained. There's a higher purpose in life. Life is more than my personal enjoyment. Harder things are often better for us. [00:35:02]
It's better to live well than to die smelling good. Who you are is more important than what you have. And think about that, a good name. Do you have a good name? When people think of you, what do they think of? What is your reputation like? How will people remember you someday when you die? Do you have a good reputation with your family? [00:36:19]
If I take care of my character, my reputation will take care of itself. If I just keep doing the next right thing, my reputation will take care of itself. [00:37:33]
For the non-Christian, this life is the best it's ever going to be. But for the Christian, it's the worst it's ever going to be. Your death will be a sweet release. [00:38:20]
At parties, people aren't reflecting about their life choices. They're not pondering their mortality, and they're not sitting in silence. If you are, you need to go to better parties. But at a funeral, though, people are faced with the reality of death. The death is coming for them. Even as a pastor, when I preach a funeral and I see somebody in a casket, I have to question whether my theology is correct or not. Do I believe what I say I believe because that person is in one or two places? [00:38:57]
There are more, more thought goes into these moments of seriousness than ever would at a party because I'm thinking, what is going to happen to me? I preached a funeral yesterday and not a bad thing to say about this woman. It was all true. And I wonder, what will my kids say about me? And will it be true? You wonder at a funeral what's going to happen when you die or maybe you should change the way you live now. [00:39:34]
It's better to tell the truth, especially when people are listening, when people are sensitive to that kind of thing. [00:41:01]
If you want to live wisely in this world, you need to surround yourself with wise men and women that have permission to speak truth into your life. If you really are serious about being wise, you have to surround yourself with people that are wise. [00:42:09]
Make friends that care about you and not friends that just care about having a good time with you. [00:43:03]
Are we the kind of people that would choose character building over fun having? [00:43:48]
On the day of adversity, we need to be people that know how to act in tough times. Verse 8, the end of a thing is better than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. The first piece of advice he gives us during tough times is to wait. Take a long-term view of things. [00:44:47]
When you're worrying, you want to feel in control. Proud people don't think there's anything they can learn from the day of adversity. So maybe God this morning is asking some of you just to be patient, just to wait. [00:45:56]
When you take it out in anger, it means you think it should be different. It means you're telling God how to handle His business, how to handle His will. When you complain, you're saying, God, you don't know what's best for me. [00:46:24]
A wise man recognizes the time he's in, and he trusts God. A wise man accepts his lot. They say, God even has a purpose for this. Submit yourself to the moment on the day of adversity. It doesn't matter how much it used to be. It matters how it is. [00:48:15]
People need to know that wisdom is greater than riches, and wisdom is greater than six-pack abs, wisdom is greater than a fat bank account. All of those things will perish, but wisdom won't. [00:48:41]
It's a hard reality in life that there are things in this world you cannot change. And maybe it's about yourself. Like you wish you had something different about your appearance, or something going on in your heart, or maybe it's a circumstance. What Solomon says in verse 13, consider the work of God, for who can make straight what he has made crooked? [00:49:54]
Solomon is trying to teach us to respond well in the day of adversity, when we have, oh, an old preacher said, a crook in our lot. When we have something that is not quite right, it's crooked. The preacher's trying to teach us to trust in God's sovereignty. If God is the one who made the crook in our lot, then we need to see the crook as the work of God, which means it's vain for us to change it. [00:50:33]
In verse 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. That reminds me of what Job said to his wife in chapter 2, verse 10. Shall we indeed accept good from God, not accept adversity? And the truth is, some of us only want to accept good from God. [00:51:20]
God is at work in your life just as much in adversity as he is in prosperity. A wise person recognizes sometimes things are just broken. And that's hard for some of you to hear. But Solomon is challenging us this morning to praise God when things are straight and praise him when they are crooked. [00:51:56]
They show us that the world stinks and make us hope for another world. They show us the world is full of sin, ours as well. And sometimes they're even God disciplining us for our sins. [00:52:29]
When we're having trouble believing, we should remember that Jesus had a crook in his lot, a crook that came in the shape of the cross. Through that crook came our salvation. If God can make something straight out of the cross, surely he can be trusted with us. We're the crooks in our lot. [00:52:43]
Sometimes that crook is in your lot for a reason. Sometimes you're having to deal with this because God wants to bring beauty out of ashes. Because God wants to do something beautiful in your life, but it's got to hurt first. Sometimes God is doing this because he wants to see, are you going to trust in him day after day after day, even if you have to still deal with this? [00:53:55]
I'm asking you this morning, praise him on the day of adversity. Obey him on the day of adversity and trust him when you can't see the end. [00:54:22]
I want us to be people that choose difficult and adverse if we have to. That judge things not by how much fun they are, but rather by how beneficial they'll be. I want us to be people that invite rebukes into our lives, that allow people to speak truth to us. I want us to be people that don't get sucked into the negativity of our world and our peers. [00:55:07]
Let's be people that chase after wisdom and trust God even when our lots are crooked. [00:55:51]
You want to be tough in this world? Surrender. You want to be wise in this world? Surrender. You want to rejoice in your present circumstances? Surrender. Let's surrender to God this morning as we worship him in all his goodness. [00:56:49]
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