To be taught on 23 October 2005
Vernon McGee’s comments: This is the last experiment that Solomon tries. He has made experiments in everything under the sun to see if any of it would bring satisfaction and enjoyment to him. He tried science, the study of the natural laws of the universe, which made some contribution but did not satisfy him. Then he went into the study of philosophy and psychology. They didn’t satisfy. He went the limit on pleasure and materialism. He tried fatalism, which is such a popular philosophy of life today. He tried egoism, living for self. Then he tried religion — no religion can satisfy because only Christ can satisfy the heart. Wealth was another thing which Solomon tried. He was the wealthiest man in the world, but he found that wealth did not bring satisfaction in and of itself.
Now we will see him try the last experiment: morality. Today we would call him a “do-gooder.” I would say that this is the place to which the majority of the people in America are moving. (I think the majority would still be classified as do-gooders.) They are going down the middle of the road on the freeway of life. This group can be described as the Babbitts, doing business in the Big City, under a neon sign, living out in suburbia, in a sedate, secluded, exclusive neighborhood, and taking it easy. Their children go to the best schools. They move with the best crowds. They go to the best church, the richest church in the neighborhood, the one with the tallest steeple, the loudest chimes, and the most educated preacher, who knows everything that man can possibly know, except the Bible (of course, if he did know and preach the Bible, he would lose his job). This is the kind of do-good society Solomon now tries.
VERSES 7:1-14 OUTLINE = HARD TIMES ARE NOT BAD; THEY SHAPE US.
QUESTION for the group: The study book says that “trials, such as cancer, have a very beneficial purpose, they purify you.” What do you think that means? Give examples:
Trials show you what you are.
They put your faith to test.
Whatever comes out of you when you are hit, shows who you really are.
Trials perfect you. It will bring you to the end of your physical, intellectual rope.
Trials make you pray and go to the bible.
Trials make you trust.
Trials make you go to Christ.
Trials prove you.
Trials humanize you, they can make you sweet and sensitive.
QUESTION for the group: How does the group feel about this quote from A.W. Tozer: “God cannot use a man until He has hurt him deeply.”
Certainly is true in my case. God had to drive me to my knees before I would listen….. (1) Mary’s illnesses and (2) crisis at work
QUESTION for the group: What would you do if you only had ONE MORE DAY to live?
Go around the room, ask for answers. Discuss.
Discuss how that day would be different than the way we are actually going to live out the rest of this week, month, year.
Wisdom
1 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
“A good name” = God is committed to our character, not our “ointments or perfume”.
What does “fine perfume” represent in this text?
That is how people during this era got ready for a party. They would dress up for the occasion and put on their best perfume.
What is Solomon saying when he says “and the day of death better than the day of birth”?
Our study book says, “If you want character and a good name, sometimes death is better than life.” Sometimes a funeral is better than a party because pain makes you real. Pain can get you thinking straight.”
2 It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart.
Why does Solomon say that it is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting?
Because in a house of mourning you see the end of every man. The wise person will take it to heart. The house of mourning will change you.
I REALLY liked the point that Tommy Nelson (author of our books) said here….”I can go preach a sermon at the bar, but people don’t want to listen because they are too busy laughing. But whenever I conduct a funeral, I have the audience’s full attention. Funerals are a reminder that one day you are going to die.”
3 Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart.
Why does Solomon say that “sorrow better than laughter”?
A person who is laughing is not facing reality. He’s not learning anything about the nature of life; he’s just pretending that happiness will make him whole. But man’s highest purpose is not simply to enjoy life, but rather to know God.
OK, at this point, it is important to remember what Solomon is trying to teach us here. Here’s trying to teach us that hard times are useful, they serve a purpose, they force us to reach out to God. I think Solomon is just like one of those old time, southern Baptist evangelists like my dad was (is), he restates things, time and time again, sometimes over exaggerating the point, just to drive the point home.
Next section = HARD TIMES BRING WISDOM
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
SUMMARY OF 1-4: Knowledge alone will not save us or allow us to escape the fact of our mortality. In fact the wisest thing we can do is face death and reckon with the issue of how we ought to spend our days.
QUESTION for the group: Is the point of all of these scriptures so far that we should be MISERABLE? If not, what is the point?
We should face facts soberly and make good decisions about how to spend our limited time.
QUESTION for the group: Has anyone here ever had a near death experience? Something that really shook you up and forced you to face your mortality?
struck by lightning, a bad car wreck where other people died, etc.
Did it actually change your opinions about life?
5 It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.
How many of you can honestly say that you respond “favorably” when someone rebukes you? What is our natural tendency?
Can someone give an example of when a wise man’s “rebuke” led you in the right direction?
Pastor John Fields took me aside for quite a few discussions after I first became a deacon. Sometimes I came on a little strong, or I said things that might offend the other deacons….his counsel was wise and timely and CORRECT! God used John to help me relate to the other deacons.
Prov 9:8 (NIV) Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Prov 15:31 (NIV) He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.
6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.
What is this “crackling of thorns under the pot” stuff? What’s that all about?
Study book: Thorns are great to start a fire with because they burn bright and hot. But the also burn quickly and then they are gone. While they are burning they crackle and pop like laughter.
Solomon is saying that a fool’s laughter is like burning thorns. It sounds great and makes a lot of noise, but it’s gone in a flash.
7 Extortion turns a wise man into a fool, and a bribe corrupts the heart.
OK, so where are we going here? Why would a wise man even consider extortion, or why would a wise man consider a bribe?
Power, more and more power. Being surrounded by godless people, who seek power and position, can tempt you. In order to keep up with them, if you are “power” driven, you might be tempted to these type of things in order to succeed.
Summary of this verse….be just and live with integrity.
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
Relating verse 8 to verse 7….verse 7 talks about extortion, and verse 8 talks about the “end of a matter”. So, what he’s saying here is just be patient, be true, don’t get ahead by extortion or bribery. If you do things the right way, the Godly way, then the “end” will be better than the beginning.
9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.
Tommy Nelson discussed that this text was actually talking about getting mad at God Himself. Getting angry for a death of a loved one, your sickness, etc.
Have patience with God, his ways are better than our ways.
You are a fool if you choose to become angry at God.
SUMMARY OF 8 & 9. Cynics and fools laugh at the “stupidity” of trying to maintain righteousness in a world where corruption is the norm and where money rules everything. But a person should patiently wait to see how things turn out. Wisdom is justified in the long run.
10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.
Do not complain to God asking Him why he isn’t doing what he used to do…complaining that your life used to be good but now it’s hard.
Remember, God knows what is good for you….you do not.
11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
QUESTION: How do we obtain “wisdom” or knowledge? Can we get it from just reading about it?
No, usually you have to “experience” it before you can understand it and help someone else through it. That’s why God will let us suffer some times. To give us wisdom.
12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.
The wisdom that God gives you is meant to protect you, or mold you, in your daily lives.
There is a family that goes to this church, I will keep their name anonymous. This is a true story. A father, a mother, a son in his early teens, and a daughter approaching her teen age years. The son is in the youth group. Before his mother was diagnosed with a life threatening disease, this boy was an unbelievable problem child. One of the most challenging I have ever had the displeasure of trying to teach. But then, we all got news about his mother being gravely ill…. the kind of illness that can easily result in death. Over the last year I have seen this boy change, I mean totally change. Now, that same boy, is one of the most pleasant boys in the youth group. I truly enjoy being around him. He is now kind, and courteous, and helpful.
That’s how God works. This news did not have to change this kid for the better, actually things could have gotten worse. But the father and the mother never faltered in their worship. They came week after week, praying and serving and worshipping God. I believe GOD Himself gave the son “wisdom.” God used this scary experience to reverse this young man’s negative behavior.
13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?
QUESTION: Do we sometimes want to change what God has done, or is doing in our lives? Do we sometimes want to take matters in to our own hands and run it ourselves?
Solomon reminds us that we can not change God’s ultimate plan. Embrace God’s plan for your life.
14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future.
How many of us, when good stuff happens to us, wait for the other shoe to drop?
Remember that song, back in the mid 80′s….”Don’t worry, be happy.” When God send you His blessings, rejoice in it!
When times turn back, stay with God and remember that He is probably trying to teach you something. Have faith in God, continue to rejoice, and persevere.
Prov 3:6 (KJV) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
I like what Tommy Nelson said about this scripture: “If you are in a time of pain and adversity right now, be patient. A day of prosperity is coming. And if you are in a time of prosperity, in which everything is great, start preparing. A day of pain and prosperity and adversity is just around the corner.
SUMMARY OF THE LAST FEW VERSES: Although neither wealth nor wisdom can save us from the limitations of our mortality, both have their place in life. We should accept our limitations, fear God, and live balanced lives.
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VERSES 15 TO 29: Solomon is going to remind us that we need to have a correct perspective on not only “adversity” but also ourselves. A person who hasn’t learned humility will always have a problem with God.
So far in this chapter we have discussed (1) prosperity isn’t always good and (2) adversity isn’t always bad. Now we will discuss trusting God even when things don’t add up.
15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these: a righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness.
Off the top of your heads, what “righteous people” do you know of died for righteousness sake?
Jesus Christ
All but one of the apostles
Missionaries
On the other side of the coin, what “wicked” men (women) have you seen living long is his/her wickedness?
Madona…corrupted millions of children, starting the MTV craze.
Larry Flint – Hustler magazine. Pornography is a proven home wrecker and corrupter of minds.
Hugh Hefner – Playboy magazine. This guy is so bad, he even passed his pornography business to his DAUGHTER!
16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise– why destroy yourself?
What is this saying? Is this saying that we should just be mediocre Christians? Is this saying that if we work hard to be righteous and wise that we will destroy ourselves?
Our study guide points out that this scripture is saying that we shouldn’t think we are smart enough or wise enough to understand what God is doing.
However, isn’t this also saying to not be a “holier than though” kind of person…. a person who “knows it all” type? God doesn’t want a show off either. A “know it all” or an overly righteous person can actually bring damage to the kingdom of God.
Off the top of your heads, can anyone give me a few scriptures that says we are to keep growing, we are to keep striving, we are to get wiser?
2 Cor 13:11 (NIV) Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Matt 5:48 (NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1 Peter 1:16 (NIV) for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool– why die before your time?
How many of us have done wicked or STUPID things? Before you were Christians, did you ever drink and drive? Did you ever intentionally go out of your way to hurt or damage someone in a wicked moment?
18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. The man who fears God will avoid all [extremes].
Grasp one = verse 17…do not be overwicked and don’t be a fool.
let go of the other = verse 16.. do not be overrighteous or overwise. Remember, you are just a sinner saved by grace. Not of works, you can not earn it.
Fearing God will put you in the right perspective.
19 Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.
OK, so we’ve talked about how we gain “wisdom” from the lessons that God teaches us. Now, how many of you have heard the saying “be careful what you ask for?”
James 1:5 (NIV) If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
So….chew on that for a little while. How many of you have asked for wisdom but then moaned and groaned when life became hard? God is answering your prayers but you complain about it.
Yes, it is good to ask God for wisdom, we should constantly strive for wisdom from God. But, just so you know, wisdom might come from a few of life’s school of hard knocks too. Wisdom is just not being able to understand that scripture, or remember the scriptures, wisdom also comes from the experiences in life.
I like what Tommy Nelson said here ” You can surround yourself with the greatest men, but if you know and fear God, you’re ahead of the pack.
More scriptures on wisdom:
Prov 24:5 (NIV) A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength;
Prov 8:11 (NIV) for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
20 There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.
Romans 3:10 (NIV) As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one;
21 Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you–
Look at verse 20 first, then look at this verse.
So, let me ask you…. as Christian men and women, have you ever done or said anything that would make a person NOT like you?
Of course, everyone has. We all make mistakes.
In other words…what is this saying?
Don’t be surprised or hurt when you hear that people don’t like you because of your sin. And, don’t be surprised when, because of your sin, people have a reason to NOT like you.
And why did this verse particularly say “you may hear your servant cursing you”? Why “servant”?
Because your employees know the “true” you. You can fool some people that you don’t see routinely, but your employees see the real you.
Now, how do we react when we hear bad things about us? Do we turn inward and evaluate ourselves? Or, do we become angry and strike back? What’s our natural response?
22 for you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.
You reap what you sow? What goes around comes around.
Shepherd Notes: Verses 19-22….we need to learn how to get along with people, lead people, and get the best from people, even though they are all sinners. Another way of saying this is that we need to understand what agape love is all about.
What is “agape” love? Dictionary: Love as revealed in Jesus, seen as spiritual and selfless and a model for humanity.
23 All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise”– but this was beyond me.
I tried as hard as I could, I tried to get wiser, but I couldn’t. Man can only obtain “so” much on his own. There is a limit even for the richest king, the wisest king, that ever walked our planet.
24 Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound– who can discover it?
25 So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly.
NOTE: The Shepherd’s Notes says this about verses 26 to 29. “The key to interpreting verses 26 to 29 is to recognize that it builds upon Genesis 3:15 – a text that teaches that because of sin, family life will be filled with grief.”
It also says…” The Teacher’s point is not that marriage is a bad thing or that righteous people should avoid it. Rather, those who fear God can have a marriage that is characterized by love instead of strife. but just as sin has corrupted the political realm, so it has also corrupted marriage.”
26 I find more bitter than death the woman who is a snare, whose heart is a trap and whose hands are chains. The man who pleases God will escape her, but the sinner she will ensnare.
27 “Look,” says the Teacher, “this is what I have discovered: “Adding one thing to another to discover the scheme of things–
28 while I was still searching but not finding– I found one [upright] man among a thousand, but not one [upright] woman among them all.
29 This only have I found: God made mankind upright, but men have gone in search of many schemes.”
Shepherd’s notes: Summary of verses 15 to 29: ” The teacher here took a serious look at human virtue and sin. He concluded that we should fear God but not be driven by religious scruples, that we should be forbearing in the face of the fact that all people are sinners, and that it is only through the fear of God that we can have a happy domestic life.”
QUESTIONS FROM THE BOOK:
1) Why do you think it is so easy for us to have a higher opinion of ourselves than we should? What are some of the motivations that lie behind this?
2) Has there been a time in your life when you were overwhelmed by someone’s sin against you? Does it help to remember that you have also sinned against others? Why or why not?
Bibliography:
1) A Life Well Lived, A Study of Ecclesiastes. 2005. Tommy Nelson. Broadman & Holdman Publishers, Nashville, TN.
2) Shepherd’s Notes. Ecclesiastes / Song of Solomon. 1995. Broadman & Holdman Publishers, Nashville, TN.
3) Adam Clarke’s Commentaries. First release in England in 1810. Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN.
4) Ray C. Stedman, Title: Why does God allow This? Series: Things that Don’t Work: Ecclesiastes
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1-5:20 Message No: 4 Catalog No: 3809 Date: October 10, 1982
5) Matthew Henry’s Study bible, World Bibles, 1994.
6) Thru the Bible with Vernon McGee. Thomas Nelson INC, Nashville, TN. 1983.