Personal Pursuits Vs. Godly Pursuits
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I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
What is crooked cannot be made straight,
and what is lacking cannot be counted.
I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.
For in much wisdom is much vexation,
and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Search for Wisdom (13a)
Inward
Heavenward
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
2. Search for Satisfaction (v. 13b)
a. Situationally
b. Through the Holy Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
3. Search for Knowledge (v. 14)
a. Through experience
b. Through God
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
4. Search for Direction & Forgiveness
a. Self
b. God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
5. 2 Contrasting Beliefs
a. Personal pursuits lead to vexation & sorrow
b. Godly pursuits lead to faith & comfort
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
