Ecclesiastes 7:8-18 NIV
8 The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than
pride. 9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of
fools. 10 Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise
to ask such questions. 11 Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and
benefits those who see the sun. 12 Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but
the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.
13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked?
14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God
has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything
about their future. 15 In this meaningless life of mine I have seen both of these:
the righteous perishing in their righteousness, and the wicked living long in their
wickedness. 16 Do not be overrighteous, neither be overwise—why destroy
yourself? 17 Do not be overwicked, and do not be a fool—why die before your
time? 18 It is good to grasp the one and not let go of the other. Whoever fears
God will avoid all extremes.
Big Idea: In Times of Transition, I Choose to be Appreciative
DISCUSSION:
1. Appreciate the Known more than I Anticipate the Unknown (v.8-9)
Verses 8 & 9 force us to be honest about where we are emotionally in this transition from 2023 to 2024:
i. Patient…slow down for perspective
ii. Prideful…rush ahead with presumption
iii. Provoked…frustrated because over our current position
2. Appreciate the Present more than I Romanticize the Past (v.10)
There is a difference between nostalgia and romanticizing the past
“For the believer, the future is always better than the past. Your best
days are always ahead.” – Pastor Jerry Black
3. Appreciate the Benefits of Wisdom more than I seek the Benefits of Wealth
(v.11-12)
There is no promise that having wealth will bring you wisdom.
But there is the likelihood that having wisdom will attract wealth.
Proverbs 3:13-16 NIV
“ 13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.”
LIFE HACK: Always trade some money for some wisdom
4. Appreciate the Good Times as I Learn in the Bad Times (v.13-14)
We weaken our relationship with God when we assume that only good
times come from God.
We deepen our relationship with God when we appreciate the lessons
in the bad times.
God authors the good
God allows the bad
Life Hack: We may enjoy the good more but we learn more from the
bad.
5. Appreciate the Tension where I find a Sweet Balance (v.15-18)
Stay away from these two extremes: Religious and Reckless
Live in the tension between these two extremes: Responsible with Reality
Ecclesiastes 7:18 MSG
“ 18 It’s best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.”
Are you responsible with reality?
Big Idea: In Times of Transition, I Choose to be Appreciative
