The Value of Wisdom

Ecclesiastes Study, 2024

Series Title: Pursuit of Purpose

Message #23

Ecclesiastes 9:11-18.

ETS: Solomon reflected on the limitations of wisdom, again.

ESS: Wisdom is only so valuable in life under the sun.

OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to trust in God and not their own devices for purpose.}

PQ:

What does this text mean for my life?

TS: Let us reason with the text to determine what significance it bears for our lives.

We should not trust the devices of man. [vv. 11-12]

Five examples are given to prove that even the most valuable devices of man do not provide guaranteed assurance of success or security:

The swift runner is not guaranteed victory

The strong warrior is not guaranteed victory

The wise person is not guaranteed wealth

The discerning one is not guaranteed wealth

The skilled worker is not guaranteed favor

Additionally— and central to this section— no one knows his time. Every person falls prey to time and chance— they’re beyond his/her control.

Application:We should not trust in the devices of mankind because they are no guarantee of success or prosperity, purpose or assurance. Each person, no matter what devices he/she may trust, is bound to limited time.

We should listen to wise counsel. [vv. 13-18]

Solomon reflected on observations made under the sun regarding wisdom:

The story about the city:

Small city, few men.

Great king, powerful works.

Poor wise man delivered the city by his wisdom, but he was forgotten

Solomon’s reflections:

Wisdom is better than strength— even the weapons of war

Yet, wisdom is often overlooked and rarely heeded

Application: We should listen to wise counsel because, though it may be overlooked and unappreciated in the world, it is truly valuable, powerful, and grants purpose and assurance that otherwise is not offered in the world.

Reflective Questions:

[1] So, what is the wisdom of Ecclesiastes we should heed?

To begin, the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes is to fear the LORD.

Extended further, Proverbs 1:7 “7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” — Solomon writes again that wisdom is found in fear of the LORD.

[2] What am I actively doing in my life that supports a fear of God in my life?