“Road Signs to Life!” Ecclesiastes 7

The book of Ecclesiastes is a book designed by God to help you and me stay off dead-end streets…

Revelation 3:15-16 “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.”

IF we choose the path of wisdom from God, rather than dead-end streets of human design, life will have meaning/purpose/true success.

to better understand the importance of making good choices Purpose: to better understand the importance of making good choices

I Choose to be Serious (vv 1-4) A. Death Better than Birth B. Sorrow Better than Laughter C. Heart of Wise

II Prize a Rebuke (vv 5-7)

It is better to accept a valid word of correction than to be mesmerized by mindless praise from the world.

II Prize a Rebuke (vv 5-7) A. A Wise Man’s Rebuke

Who likes a reprimand? Who likes to be corrected or told they are in the wrong?... But it is necessary!

There is a tendency to gather, congregate or associate with those who do NOT remind us of our sins…

II Prize a Rebuke (vv 5-7) A. A Wise Man’s Rebuke B. Song of Fools

It’s our choice: learn from legitimate/godly criticism or follow the song of the Pied Piper down an empty dead-end street…

III Be Patient and Not Angry (vv 8-9) A. Patience is Better than Pride B. Anger Resides in the Lap of Fools

IV Choose Not to Complain (vv 10-14) A. Living in the Past

It is tempting in challenging circumstances to think of the “good ole days” and find nothing in the present worth hoping in and for…

IV Choose Not to Complain (vv 10-14) A. Living in the Past B. Trust the Wisdom of God

Be confident God’s plan will be accomplished… Ultimate victory is assured…

V Don’t Overreact (vv 15-17) A. Two Wrong Ways

Unlike the great over or under controversy concerning TP, there are two wrong ways of responding…

V Don’t Overreact (vv 15-17) A. Two Wrong Ways B. One Right Way

Conclusion and Summary: We must choose to be serious... 2. We must prize a rebuke… 3. We must be patient and not angry… 4. We must choose not to complain… 5. We must not overreact…