Living Wisely: Embracing Purpose and Integrity
Summary
In our journey through Ecclesiastes chapter 7, we are invited to explore the profound question of what is truly good for us during our lifetime. Solomon challenges us to consider who we are becoming and how we order our lives through the pursuit of wisdom. Living life "under the sun" can often feel like a series of experiments in futility, but Solomon offers a glimmer of hope by suggesting that there is indeed value and purpose to be found.
The essence of our character is of utmost importance. Solomon emphasizes that a good name, one that reflects integrity and righteousness, is more valuable than wealth or status. Our character is shaped by our actions, both public and private, and it is crucial to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to others. This is not about magnifying our own name, but rather lifting up the name of Jesus through our conduct.
Solomon also teaches us that death has more to teach us about life than a party. The reality of our mortality should prompt us to live with purpose and intentionality. Funerals, though somber, remind us of the brevity of life and the importance of being ready to meet the Lord. This perspective encourages us to live wisely, valuing correction and seeking godly wisdom.
Wisdom, Solomon asserts, is a protective force in our lives. It guides us through the complexities of life and helps us navigate the challenges we face. By taking the long view of life, we can trust in God's sovereignty and His plan for our future. This perspective helps us avoid anger and frustration when things don't go as planned, reminding us that God is working all things for our good and His glory.
Ultimately, living wisely under the sun prepares us for the life to come. It allows us to face the end of our lives with the same steadfast faith as Charles Ward, the soldier who found hope in Jesus even in the face of death. May we strive to live with wisdom, integrity, and a heart that seeks after God, trusting in His promises and looking forward to the eternal hope we have in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Value of a Good Name: Our character and integrity are more valuable than wealth or status. A good name reflects who we are in Christ and how we live out our faith. It is essential to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to others. [42:31]
2. Lessons from Mortality: Death teaches us more about life than celebrations do. The reality of our mortality should prompt us to live with purpose and intentionality, being ready to meet the Lord. Funerals remind us of the brevity of life and the importance of living wisely. [49:58]
3. The Protective Power of Wisdom: Wisdom guides us through life's complexities and helps us navigate challenges. It is a protective force that preserves our lives and helps us deal with the reality of death. Seeking wisdom is more valuable than any material inheritance. [01:07:40]
4. Taking the Long View: Trusting in God's sovereignty and His plan for our future helps us avoid anger and frustration. By taking the long view of life, we can trust that God is working all things for our good and His glory, even when we don't understand the present circumstances. [01:06:10]
5. Living Wisely Under the Sun: Living wisely prepares us for the life to come. It allows us to face the end of our lives with steadfast faith, trusting in the eternal hope we have in Christ. Our lives should reflect the wisdom and character that come from a relationship with God. [01:08:45]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[30:42] - Introduction to Ecclesiastes 7
[32:30] - The Question of What is Good
[33:28] - Pursuing Wisdom and Character
[34:49] - The Story of Charles Ward
[36:54] - Living with Purpose
[38:03] - Understanding Wisdom Literature
[39:59] - Wisdom on Life and Death
[42:31] - The Value of a Good Name
[46:26] - Lessons from Mortality
[49:58] - The Reality of Death
[55:37] - Wisdom Corrects
[01:02:49] - Seeking a Godly Perspective
[01:07:40] - The Protective Power of Wisdom
[01:10:27] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Ecclesiastes 7
Bible Reading:
- Ecclesiastes 7:1-12
- Proverbs 22:1
- Philippians 1:21-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Solomon mean by living "under the sun," and how does it relate to the pursuit of wisdom? [32:30]
2. How does Solomon compare a good name to a good ointment, and what significance does this comparison hold? [42:31]
3. What lessons does Solomon suggest we can learn from the reality of death, according to Ecclesiastes 7? [49:58]
4. How does Solomon describe the protective power of wisdom in our lives? [01:07:40]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Solomon emphasize the importance of character and integrity over wealth or status? How does this reflect our identity in Christ? [42:31]
2. In what ways does the reality of our mortality encourage us to live with purpose and intentionality? How does this perspective align with the teachings of Jesus? [49:58]
3. How does taking the long view of life help us trust in God's sovereignty and avoid anger and frustration? What does this reveal about our faith in God's plan? [01:06:10]
4. How does the story of Charles Ward illustrate the concept of living wisely under the sun and preparing for the life to come? [34:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own character and integrity. What steps can you take to ensure that your name reflects who you are in Christ? [42:31]
2. Consider a recent experience where you were reminded of the brevity of life. How did it impact your perspective on living with purpose and being ready to meet the Lord? [49:58]
3. Identify a situation in your life where you need to apply wisdom as a protective force. How can you seek godly wisdom to navigate this challenge? [01:07:40]
4. Think about a time when you reacted with anger or frustration because things didn't go as planned. How can you practice taking the long view and trusting in God's sovereignty in similar situations? [01:06:10]
5. How can you incorporate the lessons from Ecclesiastes 7 into your daily life to live wisely under the sun and prepare for the life to come? [01:08:45]
6. Reflect on the influence of funerals or moments of mourning in your life. How can these experiences motivate you to live with greater intentionality and readiness to meet God? [49:58]
7. In what ways can you invite and receive correction from wise individuals in your life? How can this practice help you grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ? [55:37]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The True Wealth of Integrity
A good name, reflecting integrity and righteousness, is more valuable than wealth or status. Our character is shaped by our actions, both public and private, and it is crucial to live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to others. This is not about magnifying our own name, but rather lifting up the name of Jesus through our conduct. By prioritizing integrity, we align ourselves with God's values and demonstrate His love to the world. [42:31]
"A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your daily interactions. How can you intentionally reflect God's love and integrity in a specific relationship or situation today?
Day 2: Embracing Mortality for Purposeful Living
Death teaches us more about life than celebrations do. The reality of our mortality should prompt us to live with purpose and intentionality, being ready to meet the Lord. Funerals remind us of the brevity of life and the importance of living wisely. By acknowledging our mortality, we are encouraged to focus on what truly matters and to live in a way that prepares us for eternity. [49:58]
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the brevity of life. What is one change you can make today to live more intentionally and purposefully?
Day 3: Wisdom as Our Shield
Wisdom guides us through life's complexities and helps us navigate challenges. It is a protective force that preserves our lives and helps us deal with the reality of death. Seeking wisdom is more valuable than any material inheritance. By pursuing godly wisdom, we equip ourselves to face life's uncertainties with confidence and peace. [01:07:40]
"For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it." (Ecclesiastes 7:12, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a challenge you are currently facing. How can seeking God's wisdom provide you with guidance and protection in this situation?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Trusting in God's sovereignty and His plan for our future helps us avoid anger and frustration. By taking the long view of life, we can trust that God is working all things for our good and His glory, even when we don't understand the present circumstances. This trust allows us to rest in His promises and find peace amidst life's uncertainties. [01:06:10]
"The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." (Proverbs 16:9, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel frustrated or uncertain. How can you practice trusting in God's sovereignty and plan for your life today?
Day 5: Preparing for Eternity with Wisdom
Living wisely prepares us for the life to come. It allows us to face the end of our lives with steadfast faith, trusting in the eternal hope we have in Christ. Our lives should reflect the wisdom and character that come from a relationship with God. By living with this eternal perspective, we align our lives with God's purposes and look forward to the hope we have in Him. [01:08:45]
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your daily priorities. How can you align them more closely with an eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters in light of eternity?
Quotes
And living this way profoundly affects the way we live in anticipation of the next life. See, if we get the first two things right of our character, who we're becoming and living wisely, that's all preparation for what is to come. But if we don't get those first two things right of who our character is forming into or what it's forming into, and we're not pursuing wisdom today, it can adversely affect our life. It can affect our hope for the future. [00:34:49] (37 seconds)
I hope as we've been walking our way through this book, and really every other time we open the scriptures, every time we hear from God, that you are gleaning nuggets of truth for your life and understand that God is calling you not to just carelessly walk through this world in anticipation of heaven to say, you know, it doesn't matter. It's all figured out. It's all under the blood of Jesus. I'm going to make it home. And it, you know, I'm just going to walk until I get there. [00:37:21] (32 seconds)
Solomon is speaking to our character. I hope you know this. But your character matters. Who you are matters. Who you are when no one is looking matters. Solomon says that living with a good name is one of the most valuable things that you can possess. It's not chasing after wealth and possessions, fame and fortune, status and authority. Those things don't matter in the grand scheme of life. Even life under the sun. [00:42:31] (50 seconds)
Everything you do in the presence of people and everything you do in private shapes your character and your personal integrity. When people think of you, what comes to mind? How about those closest to you? If you were to ask your spouse or your children or grandchildren or your neighbor or that close friend or that person that you have worked alongside for many years, if you were to ask them, who do you say I am? What would they say about you? Your character absolutely matters. [00:43:42] (46 seconds)
Death has more to teach us about life. Death has more to teach us about life than going to a party. It's better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting. What Solomon is saying is that when you go to a funeral, something profoundly happens. You come to grips with your own mortality. [00:49:58] (25 seconds)
If you've ever been to a funeral, however it is shaped, whether there's a casket there, or an urn, or if the casket's closed or opened, or maybe it's just a gathering of people to celebrate someone's life that is no longer here, what you begin to understand is that there's someone missing in a profound way. And so when you go to a funeral, you come to grips with your own life. That life will come to an end. [00:50:09] (33 seconds)
Solomon says, be ready. No matter when it occurs, we should be ready to meet the Lord. Moses understood this when he prayed in Psalm 95. These words, teach us to number our days that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. Teach us to number our days. What is he saying? Teach us to understand that we only have a limited, finite amount of time here on earth. [00:53:02] (27 seconds)
Solomon says what is good for man during this lifetime is that you're corrected in this life while you live. Verses 5 and 6. It is better to listen to the rebuke of a wise man than for one to listen to the song of foals. For as the crackling of thorn bushes under a pot, so is the laughter of a foal, and this too is futility. Plainly stated, it's better to be corrected by a wise person than to listen to foolish laughter. [00:55:37] (37 seconds)
Correction that comes from a wellspring of wisdom is better than going to a comedy club. We like to laugh. We like to laugh. Most people don't want to hear correction, though. But correction is life-giving. We all need correction from time to time. Let's just be honest with ourselves. Let me ask you this. Are you perfect? You need correction, then. [00:56:18] (35 seconds)
Solomon calls us to take the long view of life. Don't we live in a world where people are too caught up in the moment? Something bad happens and in that moment they react. And when they react, they make all sorts of decisions that bring trouble and peril upon their life. Because they reacted to a moment. Solomon says, take the long view of life. Begin to understand that God is sovereign. That he's the king. [01:02:49] (45 seconds)
And we know that God causes all things to work together for our good. To those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. I need to be reminded of those verses when it seems like life is skidding off the road. That God causes all things to work together for good for those who love him. That taking the long view keeps us from living as many people do. [01:04:28] (32 seconds)
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