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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

Wisdom is of supreme value, as Solomon teaches in Proverbs, where it is described as the principal thing, the main focus for a successful life. Skill in living is supreme, and one should pursue it at any cost, for no price is too high nor any sacrifice too great to obtain it. Wisdom, along with understanding, is so crucial that it precedes even righteousness, as it involves making the right choices at the right time for the right reasons, which is the essence of real skill in living. Solomon outlines a clear progression for attaining wisdom: first, gathering information or knowledge; second, meditating through experience and seeking counsel for discernment; and third, applying this practically, which manifests as wisdom. In Proverbs 1:1-6, the purpose of his teachings is to impart wisdom, instruction, and understanding, emphasizing skill in living and wise behavior tailored to specific circumstances. Wisdom is portrayed as a treasure, more precious than rubies, and something to be sought with intense commitment, as if mining for silver or digging for buried treasure. In Proverbs 2:1-5, Solomon urges a deep dedication to receiving his words and commandments, inclining the ear to wisdom and applying the heart to understanding. This pursuit requires crying out for knowledge and seeking it as hidden treasure, promising that such diligence will lead to understanding the fear of the Lord and finding the knowledge of God. The effort is not easy, demanding one to fight past distractions and diversions, but the reward is invaluable. Proverbs 4:7 reinforces that wisdom is the principal thing, linking it inseparably with understanding, urging one to get both with all their might. The entire purpose of wisdom within Proverbs is to enable right choices for achieving success in life, equating wisdom with making those right choices. Solomon personifies wisdom as a woman, contrasting her with the harlot, and implores the son of God to pursue wisdom as one would a lifelong partner, making a serious choice to seek her above all else.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.