Where is Real Wisdom Found?

Ecclesiastes falls within the wisdom writings, grouped along with other books in the Hebrew Bible in the Ketuvim. More specifically, Ecclesiastes is one of the five Megillot, connected with the festival of Sukkot, or the Feast of Booths. Throughout the book, the writer wrestles with how to find real wisdom.

In a world where truth is up for grabs, where is real wisdom found?

Sermon Outline

“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)

Wisdom—understanding, knowledge, insight, revelation, good judgment, discernment, skill

Wise sayings/proverbs from Ecclesiastes 7

• It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting,
• “for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart” (v. 2)

Human Wisdom

• It is a gift from God. (Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5)
• It is good (Ecclesiastes 2:13, 7:11, 9:18)
• It is sometimes specially given by the Holy Spirit-(Exodus 35:30-35)
• It is passed down/on by experience/mentorship/education (Daniel 1:3-5, Proverbs 1)
• It is gained by-studying, observing, learning and toil (Ecclesiastes 1:13)
• It has its limits and can be uncertain and unsatisfying (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18, 2:21)

Who are the wise?

• Those who hear the Word of God and put it into practice (Matthew 7:24-27)
• Those who fear the Lord (Job 28:28, Proverbs 1:7)
• Those who prepare/plan for the coming of the Lord (Matthew 25)

Who are fools/foolish (hate wisdom)?

• Those who despise wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
• Those who refuse to worship God (Romans 1:21-23)
• Those who say there is no God, in word and deed (Psalm 14:1)
• Those who trust in their wisdom (Matthew 12:13-21)
• Those who do not prepare for Eternity (Matthew 25)

Making It Real

• Do you lack wisdom? Ask God in faith. (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6)
• Are you boasting about your wisdom? Stop it! Boast in the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23-24)
• Has human wisdom let you down? Put your trust in God. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Look to the Cross of Christ for real wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:24-25)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When you pray, what do you ask wisdom for? Why?
2. This week we continue our preaching series, “The Skeptic’s Guide to Life with God,”based in the book of Ecclesiastes. Whether you are on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read Ecclesiastes 7 aloud.
3. Ecclesiastes 7 contains comments or sayings about wisdom. Mention some of them.
4. Which of these sayings stand out to you based on how you are experiencing in life right now?
5. Human wisdom is a gift from God. Read how Solomon asked for and received the gift of wisdom from God. (1 King 3:5-14)
6. The Holy Spirit also gives some people wisdom to accomplish tasks. Read Exodus 35:30-35. What did the Holy Spirit give to Bezalel and Oholiab in this passage?
7. Scripture lets us know where real wisdom is found, and the person who is really wise. Check out these Scripture passage and discuss who really is wise: Matthew. 7:24-27, Job 28:28.
8. Scripture also lets us know those who are fools (hate wisdom). What traits mark them? (Proverbs 1:7, Romans 1:21-23, Psalm 14:1, Matthew 12:13-21)
9. Christ is where true wisdom is found. He is the Wisdom of God and the power of God. Read 1 Corinthians 1:24-25.
10. What is God speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and share this with someone during the next few days.

DIG DEEPER

• Memorize James 1:5
• Read all of Ecclesiastes 7 and look for other “wise sayings/proverb” and ponder what they mean.
• Read all of Matthew 25 and see the parables that Jesus said about those who are wise because they prepared for his second coming/Eternity.
• The book of James talks about two kinds of wisdom. Check it out (James 3:13-18)
• Proverbs 8 talks about wisdom personified as a woman. Read the passage and draw what you think Lady Wisdom will look like. Pray for wisdom. We all need it.