Ecclesiastes 7-9

Ecclesiastes 7

Verse 1

A good reputation is more valuable than money and possessions. Money is not everything

Verse 2

Don’t get caught up in all the glamour of the world

Lots to be learned in the low times of life

Stronger bonds built in the low times

Verse 3

The face reveals the true state of the heart, a sad face allows the heart issues to be addressed and resolved

Don’t hide behind a laugh if you truly don’t feel the laughter in your heart

Verse 4

Fools let themselves get wrapped up in distractions thinking everything is always about a good time

Verse 5

Correction is better than empty praise

Don’t surround yourself with people who fill your head with empty praise, but with those who are willing to call you out and help you be a better person

Verse 7

No one likes a sellout

Sellouts have weak character

Verse 10

Don’t get hung up in the past

Verse 11

We should not be focused so much on leaving behind lots of physical things, but more focused on leaving behind wisdom. Be a good mentor. If you a believer, you have a responsibility to mentor.

Verse 13

What power do you have over God? Can you manipulate his plan? Why you try?

Verse 14

Be content in the bad and good

Verse 16 break it down

Verse 17 is a good reminder actions have consequences. Their is no outrunning consequences of your actions.

Verse 20. Every single person on this earth makes mistakes.

Verse 21-22

Know how to take criticism, gleam from it but don't take it to heart. Remember at some point you were the person down talking someone, show some grace because you are just as guilty

Ecclesiastes 8

Verse 1

Wisdom shows itself, no need to brag or flaunt it. Their is wisdom in silence and modesty

Verse 3

We have a responsibility to stand for what is right. It is not optional.

Verse 5-6

A big part of wisdom is timing, not just knowing the right thing to say, but also knowing when and how to say it

Verse 8

You have no power over death, cannot outrun it

Verse 11-13

People think just because consequences for their actions don’t happen immediately they are getting away with their wickedness. Eventually though consequences will catch up with you. Their is wisdom in knowing time is limited and every action will have to be accounted for

Verse 15

Nothing wrong with experiencing the things in this world with joy as long as you keep a proper mindset. A mindset of worship and gratefulness. You are not owed anything.

Ecclesiastes 9

Verse 1

Lay to heart God’s truths. Realize what you do is in the hands of the Lord

Verse 2

This verse makes me think of Matthew 5:45

Matthew 5:45 ESV

so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Verse 3

evil dwells in the hearts of all from a young age

Verse 8

Always do what you can to walk in purity. Do you keep white, shoes, pants, shirts, etc. white by being care free or without treatment? You do not. I don’t wear white because I will mess it up But to walk in purity you got to be intentional

Second part of this verse lets us know we need not to be lacking in doing good. How is God’s anointing evident in your life?

Verse 9

Marriage is a special blessing on this earth. God does not mind you enjoy doing life together as you both glorify him

Verse 12

Evil will over take you before you know it. Evil will attack out of no where no matter how prepared you may be.

Importance of doing life in community

Importance of strengthening spiritual armour

Verses 13-16

What is Russia’s President? Vladimir Putin. Who is the president of Ukraine? Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Wisdom unlocks so much. Wisdom changes so much in life compared to everything else.

Discuss verses 17-18