Wisdom is Profitable

17 May 2020 AM – Ecclesiastes 7:11-8:17 – Ecc20 – Scott Childs

Welcome to our Sunday morning online church service.

Prayer

Introduction: The book of Ecclesiastes talks a lot about man’s wisdom, but in our text this morning, I believe Solomon is talking about God’s wisdom. It is the God-given ability to make right choices. The only way to get God’s wisdom is by fearing Him and living by the Bible. Being wise can keep you useable to God. Wisdom is very profitable.

Transition: This morning I want to identify seven ways that wisdom can be very profitable to your life.

Wisdom stretches finances (7:11)

a. Wisdom is good with an inheritance.

1) When a fool gets an inheritance, he spends it up quickly on things that do not endure.

2) A wise man carefully uses or invests his inheritance so that he gets the maximum good from it.

3) This is an important principle to teach children. When given money, if they spend it on lollies, it is gone. It is better to save it or spend it on something that lasts.

b. Wisdom is a profit to us under the sun.

1) While we live under the sun, we need God’s wisdom.

2) We were not born with wisdom. We must attain it.

2. Wisdom sustains life (7:12)

a. Wisdom and money defend

1) The word “defence” refers to a cool shadow. Wisdom and money are like a shadow that shades from the sun.

2) Wisdom and money protect from the hardships of life. They defend against poverty.

b. The best thing to know is that wisdom gives life

1) The excellency or real profit of wisdom is that it gives life. In other words, wisdom sustains life.

2) Just as driving wisely prevents deadly accidents, so living wisely protects life. This principle is true in every area of life (e.g., health, morals, spiritually, socially).

3. Wisdom strengthens character (7:19)

a. It begins with the fear of God (7:18)

1) To fear God is to give God the glory due unto His name. It is recognizing God as Creator, Sustainer, Sovereign and Judge of one’s life. It is humbly bowing to His authority and fearfully shuttering at the thought of displeasing Him.

2) When a man fears God, his character is strengthened by the wisdom God gives. (Proverbs 9:10) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.“

b. Being wise is better than being mighty

1) Spiritual strength gained by God’s wisdom is a strength greater than the physical strength of ten mighty men.

2) The world uplifts strong men as great heroes. God uplifts those who humbly receive His wisdom. (Proverbs 15:33) “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.“

3) This is a reminder to keep our values right. Rather than uplifting sports heroes, it is far better to make heroes of God’s servants who humbly fear Him and by His wisdom have strong character.

4. Wisdom identifies depravity (7:23, 29)

a. We naturally lack wisdom (7:23)

1) “Though Solomon was the wisest of men (1Kings 3:12; 3:16-28), his wisdom was insufficient to comprehend all the mysteries of life.” ^{Ryrie Study Notes}

2) He sought to be wise and to prove or test wisdom, but he concluded, “It was far from me.” He wisely tried to understand the wickedness of folly, foolishness and madness, but he could not (7:25).

3) Wisdom showed him that sin is a universal problem of both genders of the human race ^(7:26-28).

b. Man’s depravity is not God’s fault (7:29)

1) Solomon wisely did discovered that God made man upright. God said everything that He made was very good.

2) Solomon also wisely discovered that men have sought out many inventions.

a) The word translated “inventions” refers to a device invented to create a shortcut or an easier way.

b) God created Adam and Eve upright, but they believed the devil’s lie, “ye shall be as gods” (Ge 3:5). This plunged them into sin. Every human since is corrupted by is pursuit of foolish inventions to become as God.

5. Wisdom can make you a blessing (8:1)

a. Wisdom is the principal thing.

1) The wise man stands above every fool. He has knowledge received from God. He is able to make right choices.

2) Repeatedly in the book of Proverbs, we read that wisdom is one of our greatest needs.

a) (Proverbs 4:7) “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.“

b) (Proverbs 8:11) “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.“

c) (Proverbs 16:16) “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!“

b. Wisdom will make your face shine.

1) Wisdom illuminates one’s face. “When a man finds wisdom, his face lights up.” ^TWOT His face lights up when by wisdom, he is able to discern between truth and error.

2) Wisdom mellows the boldness or sternness of one’s face. God’s wisdom in the heart calms the emotions and softens the face. The face reflects God’s meekness, gentleness, and peace. It enables the person to respond softly. (Proverbs 15:1) “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.“

6. Wisdom produces discernment (8:5)

The context here is that of standing before a king or authority (8:2-4). A wise person humbly obeys those in authority over him.

a. The wise man knows the right timing

1) A wise man’s heart is able to discern the right time to be silent or to speak.

2) Saying things at the right time can make a big difference. (Proverbs 29:11) “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Proverbs 15:28) “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.“

b. The wise man knows what is proper

1) A wise man’s heart is able to discern judgment, in other words, he can tell what is proper.

2) Wisdom enables him to know the proper response for each situation. A wrong action can be devastating.

3) If married couples had more wisdom, there would be far fewer verbal fights and unkind actions.

7. Wisdom sees God’s superiority (8:16-17)

a. Man cannot discover all that God has done.

1) Solomon in all of his wisdom could not discover all that God has done.

2) With every stronger microscope and larger telescope, men continue to discover unknown things that God has done and is doing in this world.

3) Psalm 147:4-5 sheds light on God’s activities. “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.“

b. Man cannot discern all that God has done.

1) Even many of the details man discovers about God’s creation are still a mystery. Man cannot fully comprehend or understand.

2) (Isaiah 40:28) “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.“

3) A wise person sees God’s superiority over every human.

Conclusion: Wisdom is profitable to you because … (review). Download the notes and ponder the points. We are very limited and we need God’s wisdom. Wisdom begins with the fear of God (Pr 9:10), then Proverbs 2:1-6 gives clear instruction on how to get wisdom. Seek it!

Pray

Wisdom is Profitable

17 May 2020 AM – Ecclesiastes 7:11-8:17 – Ecc20 – Scott Childs

Welcome to our Sunday morning online church service.

Prayer

Transition: This morning I want to identify seven ways that wisdom can be very profitable to your life.

Wisdom stretches finances (7:11)

a. Wisdom is good with an inheritance.

1) When a fool gets an inheritance, he spends it up quickly on things that do not endure.

2) A wise man carefully uses or invests his inheritance so that he gets the maximum good from it.

3) This is an important principle to teach children. When given money, if they spend it on lollies, it is gone. It is better to save it or spend it on something that lasts.

b. Wisdom is a profit to us under the sun.

1) While we live under the sun, we need God’s wisdom.

2) We were not born with wisdom. We must attain it.

2. Wisdom sustains life (7:12)

a. Wisdom and money defend

1) The word “defence” refers to a cool shadow. Wisdom and money are like a shadow that shades from the sun.

2) Wisdom and money protect from the hardships of life. They defend against poverty.

b. The best thing to know is that wisdom gives life

1) The excellency or real profit of wisdom is that it gives life. In other words, wisdom sustains life.

2) Just as driving wisely prevents deadly accidents, so living wisely protects life. This principle is true in every area of life (e.g., health, morals, spiritually, socially).

3. Wisdom strengthens character (7:19)

a. It begins with the fear of God (7:18)

1) To fear God is to give God the glory due unto His name. It is recognizing God as Creator, Sustainer, Sovereign and Judge of one’s life. It is humbly bowing to His authority and fearfully shuttering at the thought of displeasing Him.

2) When a man fears God, his character is strengthened by the wisdom God gives. (Proverbs 9:10) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.“

b. Being wise is better than being mighty

1) Spiritual strength gained by God’s wisdom is a strength greater than the physical strength of ten mighty men.

2) The world uplifts strong men as great heroes. God uplifts those who humbly receive His wisdom. (Proverbs 15:33) “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.“

3) This is a reminder to keep our values right. Rather than uplifting sports heroes, it is far better to make heroes of God’s servants who humbly fear Him and by His wisdom have strong character.

4. Wisdom identifies depravity (7:23, 29)

a. We naturally lack wisdom (7:23)

1) “Though Solomon was the wisest of men (1Kings 3:12; 3:16-28), his wisdom was insufficient to comprehend all the mysteries of life.” Ryrie Study Notes

2) He sought to be wise and to prove or test wisdom, but he concluded, “It was far from me.” He wisely tried to understand the wickedness of folly, foolishness and madness, but he could not (7:25).

3) Wisdom showed him that sin is a universal problem of both genders of the human race (7:26-28).

b. Man’s depravity is not God’s fault (7:29)

1) Solomon wisely did discovered that God made man upright. God said everything that He made was very good.

2) Solomon also wisely discovered that men have sought out many inventions.

a) The word translated “inventions” refers to a device invented to create a shortcut or an easier way.

b) God created Adam and Eve upright, but they believed the devil’s lie, “ye shall be as gods” (Ge 3:5). This plunged them into sin. Every human since is corrupted by is pursuit of foolish inventions to become as God.

5. Wisdom can make you a blessing (8:1)

a. Wisdom is the principal thing.

1) The wise man stands above every fool. He has knowledge received from God. He is able to make right choices.

2) Repeatedly in the book of Proverbs, we read that wisdom is one of our greatest needs.

a) (Proverbs 4:7) “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.“

b) (Proverbs 8:11) “For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.“

c) (Proverbs 16:16) “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!“

b. Wisdom will make your face shine.

1) Wisdom illuminates one’s face. “When a man finds wisdom, his face lights up.” TWOT His face lights up when by wisdom, he is able to discern between truth and error.

6. Wisdom produces discernment (8:5)

The context here is that of standing before a king or authority (8:2-4). A wise person humbly obeys those in authority over him.

a. The wise man knows the right timing

1) A wise man’s heart is able to discern the right time to be silent or to speak.

2) Saying things at the right time can make a big difference. (Proverbs 29:11) “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Proverbs 15:28) “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.“

b. The wise man knows what is proper

1) A wise man’s heart is able to discern judgment, in other words, he can tell what is proper.

2) Wisdom enables him to know the proper response for each situation. A wrong action can be devastating.

3) If married couples had more wisdom, there would be far fewer verbal fights and unkind actions.

7. Wisdom sees God’s superiority (8:16-17)

a. Man cannot discover all that God has done.

1) Solomon in all of his wisdom could not discover all that God has done.

2) With every stronger microscope and larger telescope, men continue to discover unknown things that God has done and is doing in this world.

3) Psalm 147:4-5 sheds light on God’s activities. “He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.“

b. Man cannot discern all that God has done.

1) Even many of the details man discovers about God’s creation are still a mystery. Man cannot fully comprehend or understand.

2) (Isaiah 40:28) “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.“

3) A wise person sees God’s superiority over every human.

Conclusion: Wisdom is profitable to you because … (review). Download the notes and ponder the points. We are very limited and we need God’s wisdom. Wisdom begins with the fear of God (Pr 9:10), then Proverbs 2:1-6 gives clear instruction on how to get wisdom. Seek it!

Pray

1) “Though Solomon was the wisest of men (1Kings 3:12; 3:16-28), his wisdom was insufficient to comprehend all the mysteries of life.” ^{Ryrie Study Notes}

3) Wisdom showed him that sin is a universal problem of both genders of the human race ^(7:26-28).

1) Wisdom illuminates one’s face. “When a man finds wisdom, his face lights up.” ^TWOT His face lights up when by wisdom, he is able to discern between truth and error.