Mysteries That Defy Explanation
In this paragraph out of Solomon's journal (Ecclesiastes 8:10-17) we find the wise man, hoping to balance idealism with realism.
Our world desperately needs models worth following. Authentic heroes. People of integrity whose lives inspire us to take God seriously, to follow His Word obediently, to pursue Christ passionately.
Thankfully, the Bible places before us a spiritual "hall of fame"—raw, uncensored, gritty stories of men and women sometimes soaring, often stumbling, through the incredible life of faith. They wrestled with sin, experienced God's grace, struggled with weakness, and overcame by faith. Their inspiring biographies have been memorialized in Scripture, not simply because of their faith in God but because of God's faithfulness to them.
These great lives from God's Word not only provide realistic portraits for appreciation but also relevant principles for application.
In this paragraph out of Solomon's journal (Ecclesiastes 8:10-17) we find the wise man, hoping to balance idealism with realism.
In Ecclesiastes 8, wisdom is personified in the life of “the wise man.” These principles can be applied to today's leaders.
The verses in Ecclesiastes 7:15-29 help us see the practical usefulness of wisdom and how to fit it into everyday life.
Solomon shares wise counsel about certain things being better than others.
Ecclesiastes 6 is the tragic picture of a man, old and weary, who has come to the sunset years of his life.
Solomon comes to some conclusions about financial frustrations worth hearing and heeding. But beware! This is not your typical “think and grow rich” advice.
When we come into the Lord's presence to worship Him, what's to be remembered? How how are we to think and respond?
If we take Solomon's counsel to heart, two are better than one, we learn how to survive lonely, desolate days.
It's lonely at the top. The dream of climbing the ladder to success is more often than not a distress-ridden nightmare.
In the final paragraph of Chapter 3, Solomon is alone with his thoughts. He admits his disillusionment and confusion.