1. In Proverbs 4:5-7, several important statements are made about wisdom. a. Wisdom is very special -- it is described as "the principal thing." b. Wisdom is to be pursued -- it is to be gotten, it is to be loved, and it is not to be forsaken. c. Those who pursue wisdom will be blessed -- they will be preserved, and they will be kept. 2. According to Proverbs 1:1, Solomon wrote these words. 3. God blessed Solomon with great wisdom (1 Kings 4:29-30). 4. (1 Kings 4:32) Solomon passed on his wisdom through proverbs and songs. 5. (Ecclesiastes 12:9-10) We can profit from Solomon's words of wisdom. 6. "Gaining wisdom from Ecclesiastes" is what we want to accomplish today as a result of studying the Scriptures. 7. We cannot cover all the wisdom presented in this book in one lesson (to illustrate, see 1:7, 9; 7:1; 9:10, 18; 10:18; 12:1). 8. We are concentrating on 5 important subjects that Solomon covered.
Discussion:
I. (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11) PLEASURE, DOING GREAT WORKS, AND ACCUMULATING THINGS DO NOT PRODUCE TRUE HAPPINESS
A. Solomon dealt with: 1. pleasure in vs.1-3 2. doing great works in vs.4-6 3. accumulating things in vs.7-10. B. Solomon revealed his conclusion in vs.11. C. Solomon dealt with these matters further in Ecclesiastes 5:10-13. D. Unfortunately, many people will not listen to Solomon's words of wisdom. E. Additional instructions are given to Christians in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
II. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8) LIFE CONSISTS OF MANY DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
A. In these verses Solomon listed 28 different "times." B. They fall into 2 main categories: 1. half of them relate to "pleasant" situations 2. half of them relate to "unpleasant" situations. C. We need to appreciate the pleasant situations and thank God for them. D. We need to ask God to help us when we face unpleasant situations. E. Later, Solomon mentioned judgment in connection with the times we face (vs.17).
III. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) SOLOMON DISCUSSED "STRENGTH IN NUMBERS"
A. Having close associates can be a tremendous source of help. B. Maintaining fellowship is a blessing for Christians (Hebrews 10:23-25).
IV. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) SOLOMON TOUCHED ON WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DEATH OCCURS
A. Death occurs when the spirit leaves the body (James 2:26). B. The body returns to the dust, and the spirit goes to Hades to await the resurrection.
V. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) SOLOMON REVEALED "THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER"
A. Solomon learned that fearing God and keeping His commandments are matters of utmost importance. B. We must remember this because we will eventually face God in judgment. 1. Those who serve Him faithfully will be blessed. 2. Those who do not fear Him and keep His commandments will be condemned.
Conclusion:
1. Many years after Solomon lived, God demonstrated His infinite wisdom by sending His Son to make forgiveness available. 2. God will forgive those who obey the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16) and walk in the light (1 John 1:7).
