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Ecclesiastes and Wisdom

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Wisdom is of utmost importance, as it is the principal thing to acquire. One must strive to get wisdom, and in all endeavors, seek understanding as well. Wisdom is supreme, and though it may cost all that one has, the pursuit of understanding is worth the sacrifice. It is through wisdom that one finds honor and grace, as it preserves and promotes those who embrace it, placing upon them a crown of glory. The pursuit of wisdom and understanding requires diligent effort, akin to searching for hidden treasures. If one receives the words of instruction, treasures the commands, and cries out for discernment, then they will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. Wisdom does not come effortlessly; it demands hard work, careful observation, prayer, and meditation, much like the labor of striking gold. Wisdom, in its essence, is skill in living according to God's Word. It is not merely sagacity but the practical application of knowledge through determined practice. Understanding precedes wisdom, as one must grasp and distinguish circumstances to comprehend fully. Together, wisdom and understanding guide one to make right choices at the right time for the right reasons, ensuring success in life. Thus, the purpose of wisdom is to achieve success by making choices that align with God's will.

Understanding and Wisdom

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Solomon demonstrates that wisdom holds supreme value as the principal thing in life, worth obtaining at any cost because it equips a person with skill in living and wise behavior that produces success. This value emerges through a clear progression in which knowledge is first gathered, then meditation along with experience and counsel yields discernment, and the practical application of that discernment results in wisdom. Such wisdom enables right choices at the right time for the right reasons, keeping an individual from the wrong crowd and from being trapped by wrong desires. Because understanding and wisdom normally precede righteousness, they form the necessary foundation that leads to the fruit of righteous living. The pursuit itself demands total commitment, as one must receive words, treasure commandments, incline the ear, apply the heart, cry out, and seek wisdom like silver or buried treasure. This diligent search is rewarded not only with skill in living but also with the knowledge of God that constitutes eternal life. Wisdom is further portrayed as a woman more precious than rubies, to be pursued with the same determination a man would devote to obtaining a wife, in contrast to the harlot who represents a destructive alternative. Ultimately the value of wisdom rests on its role as the foundation for real success when it is grounded in the fear of the Lord and accompanied by a clear vision of its worth, a strong sense of responsibility, and sustained, diligent effort.

Biblical Wisdom

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Wisdom holds paramount importance in our lives, being both necessary and essential. Its value is astronomical, far surpassing any human desire or aim. Solomon extols wisdom as beyond compare, emphasizing its worth in Proverbs 3:14, where it is deemed more precious than anything one could ever seek. This high praise underscores the extraordinary significance of wisdom, placing it above all worldly treasures or ambitions. The pursuit of wisdom brings manifold blessings. It promises happiness, long life, prosperity, honor, and peace to those who follow its path. These rewards serve as a compelling incentive to seek wisdom diligently. However, Solomon also warns of the dire consequences of neglecting wisdom. In Proverbs 1:25-32, he paints a terrifying picture of a future filled with destruction, death, calamity, and terror for those who reject the way of wisdom, highlighting the grave stakes involved in this choice. Ultimately, wisdom originates from God, continues through His guidance, and culminates in alignment with His purpose. As stated in Proverbs 2:6, the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. This divine source establishes that true wisdom starts with God, is sustained by Him, and ends with becoming part of His wisdom, reflecting His will and character in our lives.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Six)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God wants us to use wisdom to change ourselves, humbly replacing our perspective with His perspective. God gives wisdom as a component of His grace.

Good Old Age

Sermonette by James Beaubelle

Always understanding that it is God who orders life, our success at a good life depends on our yielding to His direction. We will reap what we sow.

Ecclesiastes: What Is It All About? (Part Three)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Time must not be wasted walking into blind alleys and labyrinths, but must be spent walking the paths God has set before us, developing character through our choices.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Five): Ecclesiastes 9:13-10:4

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Explore Genesis 1:31 and Ecclesiastes 9-10: the fall from innocence, wisdom's limits in a flawed world, and guidance on handling folly in leadership wisely.

Recognizing the Intents of the Heart

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We are counseled to seek wisdom (the power of judging rightly) and discernment (the ability to consider the end of a thought pattern or behavior).

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Until Christ returns, the world's problems will not be solved. Using godly wisdom helps us to deal with our circumstances, but it won't change the world.

Resuming Ecclesiastes (Part Three)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The only kind of pleasure that fulfills comes from applying God's Holy Spirit in serving others. We must seek those permanent things which are from above.

Elements of Motivation (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Vision is a picture in the mind's eye that is undergirded by faith and scriptural revelation, enabling one to anticipate events that have not yet occurred.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-One)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Because of sin prompted, God has deliberately subjected creation to futility. Solomon has accurately taught us that without God, life is meaningless.

Who Do You Trust? (Part Two)

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Carnal men prove themselves to be dangerous, hopeless fools when not equipped with the wisdom of God, made possible only with his Holy Spirit.

Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part Thirty-Two): Ecclesiastes 8:1-9

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Ecclesiastes was to be read during the Feast of Tabernacles, emphasizing a state of temporariness, as God's people were commanded to live in temporary quarters.