What's the Point? (A Study in Ecclesiastes: Part 1)Sample

Now Q turns to an explanation of the things that he has explored in his search for meaning “under the sun.” The first thing he devotes himself to is wisdom. The book of Proverbs encourages us to seek out wisdom to help us succeed in life. Yet Q finds that earthly wisdom doesn’t satisfy. Similarly, Eve took the fruit in the garden of Eden because it looked like it would make one wise. Both Eve and Q were disappointed and found that all wisdom and knowledge in this world doesn’t bring satisfaction. We can learn about anything we want to in our world today and get many degrees that say we are experts in that thing, but that doesn’t guarantee us a good life. Often, we know what is right, yet we find ourselves doing what is wrong instead. Or, if we do what is right, there are things outside of our control that send us down a path we would not have chosen. Q leaves us in a tension of knowing something about this world just isn’t right. And so, his journey toward understanding and meaning will continue…

Ask Yourself: How have you used wisdom, knowledge, or education to define yourself or to find meaning in this world? How has it let you down?

Pause to Pray: Ask God for the wisdom to see where you are wise in your own eyes, puffed up by your knowledge, education, or achievements. Acknowledge that God alone is omniscient- all-knowing and wise. Humbly repent of your pride.

Take a Next Step: What is the prevailing wisdom of the day regarding things that are important to you and the decisions you need to make? [i.e., buying a car or house; deciding on a career change; managing your finances; etc.] Consider pausing to ask God for wisdom rather than relying solely on the world’s wisdom. The Bible has a lot to say about godly wisdom vs. worldly!