Part 11 – Discovering the Meaning to Our Lives: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

 What God and Solomon Say about Money and Power!  Principles to Learn ◦ The rich tend to take charge, and their power offends the poor. ◦ We must not let our possessions, or our desire to keep them deny us our feelings toward the Social Justice or social injustices of others. - vv. 8, 9

 We must be mindful that as the middle class fights against the rich (upper 2%) the poor oftentimes are completely ignored, until public tragedy (Fenger High School; Ferguson-Florrisant, Missouri, etc..)

 What this does not mean! These realities mentioned in verses 8, 9 do not suggest that we should abolish leadership and [attempt] to equally distribute all the wealth of the nation or world to everyone. (Socialism). But it does imply that people should use their wealth compassionately not oppressively.

 Greed and Materialism have no built-in controls or limits. v.10  Solomon becomes the greatest example of one who attempted to obtain contentment through the pursuit and achievement of affluence. He was not satisfied, and neither will we.

 Be careful!  THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK AGAINST THOSE WHO POSSES WEALTH AND ARE ACCOMPLISHED AT WHAT THEY DO…GOD WANTS THIS TO HAPPEN, HOWEVER II IS A DIRECT ASSAULT ON THE MONEY-HUNGRY WHO STRIVE FOR MORE AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHERS.

 Something you may already know, but are necessarily worried about.  With Increased money and possessions come an accelerated number of people and worries. - v. 11 These can manifest themselves by a number of titles – Management Consultants, Tax Advisers, Accountants, Lawyers, Relatives, etc…

 Solomon is saying, more money, more people, more worries, less sleep, if you are not careful less relationship with God, less worship, less prayer, all heading toward a good-looking meaningless life. #RobinWilliams

 Things to Know and Remember. – vv  Those who Hoard will only Hurt Themselves – vv  Those Who Live High at the expense of People will Die Without any People – vv. 16, 17

 There Are Some Things That We Ought to Claim! – vv  The gift of Enjoyment in your life – v. 18  The gift of Fulfillment in your work – v. 19  The gift of Contentment in your heart – v. 20