“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.” Psalms 111:10 NASB 95
King David = Commitment (1 Samuel 13:14)
King Solomon = Compromise (1 Kings 3:3)
King Rehoboam = Corruption (1 Kings 14:21-31)
Three Ways We Can Gain Wisdom
- From God (1 Kings 3:6-15, James 1:5)
2. From myself (Genesis 3:6-7)
3. From failure (Ecclesiastes 2)
“Under the sun” “Chasing after the wind”
How Can We Learn From The Hindsight Of Solomon?
Solomon continually felt two emotions as he looked for happiness and satisfaction:
- Frustration
- Futility
- Solomon’s Experiment
- He searched for wisdom
“I devoted myself to search for understanding and to explore by wisdom everything being done in the world. I soon discovered that God has dealt a tragic existence to the human race.” Ecclesiastes 1:13 NLT
- He searched for pleasure
“I said to myself, “Come now, let’s give pleasure a try. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless. “It is silly to be laughing all the time,” I said. “What good does it do to seek only pleasure?” After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. While still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I hoped to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.” Ecclesiastes 2:1-3 NLT
- He searched in the area of achievement
“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless. It was like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.” Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT
2. Solomon’s Evaluation
I’ve done everything and I cannot find happiness or satisfaction “So I turned in despair from hard work. It was not the answer to my search for satisfaction in this life.” Ecclesiastes 2:20 NLT
3. Solomon’s Conclusion
- Every blessing is from God
“So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that this pleasure is from the hand of God.” Ecclesiastes 2:24 NLT
- Every blessing without God eventually will be without joy
“For who can eat or enjoy anything apart from him? God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him.” Ecclesiastes 2:25-26a NLT