Living life to the full

TODAY A Wise approach to life

Life is meaningless without God, and a mystery with God ! The wise old sage concludes: Life is meaningless without God, and a mystery with God !

1. In the Enigmas of life, be content (8:16-9:9) l. Life is too complicated (8:16-17) The wisest men who try to search out the meaning of life can never really comprehend it.

In the Enigmas of life, be content ll. Life is unpredictable, irrespective of who you are or how you live (9:1-6) 1. Tomorrow cannot be known (v.1) We must learn to live with mystery (Isa 55:8). 2. Pain and trouble show no partiality (v.2) 3. Death is unavoidable (v.3-6)

In the Enigmas of life, be content lll. Life is meant to be enjoyed(9:1-6) - (9:7-9) It is commended by God (8:15) "Command those who are rich in this present world ... to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment“ (1 Tim 6.17) God has approved pleasure (9:7)

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Phil 4:11-12)

2. In the Challenges of life, be confident (9:10-18)

2. In the Challenges of life, be confident (9:10-18) Be diligent (v. 10) Be dependent (v. 11-12) Be discerning (v. 13-18)

“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed” Prov. 3:13-18

3. In the Uncertainties of life, be careful (10:1-20) In chapter 10, foolishness is unmasked It doesn't take much foolishness to destroy something good (v.1) Foolishness brings loss of favour (v.2) Foolishness can’t be hidden (v.3)

In the Uncertainties of life, be careful (10:1-20) Foolishness is linked with pride (4-7) Foolishness is careless (8-11) Foolishness is an obstacle to success (8-9)

In the Uncertainties of life, be careful (10:1-20) Foolishness brings difficulty, disaster and disgrace (12-20) HIS WORDS A fools words are destructive (v.12) empty (v.14) and critical (v.20) HIS WAYS Lives for pleasure (v. 16-17) Lazy (v. 18)

The wise approach to life... in the enigmas, challenges and uncertainties of life: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6