1. Ecclesiastes: Pilgrims in Exile “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecc 12:13)

2. Pilgrims in Exile Part 7 – The Life-Giving Value of Godly Wisdom

3. Literary Structure of Ecclesiastes David A. Dorsey (modified) A.Poem about the insignificance of life; the vanity of wisdom. (1:1-18) B. Wisdom v. folly; failure to enjoy life apart from God. (2:1 – 2:26) C.Poem about time; God’s sovereignty. (3:1-15) D. Center: Fear God; enjoy life as God’s gift. (3:16 – 6:12) C’. Poem about time revisited; God’s sovereignty. (7:1-14) B’. Wisdom v. Folly revisited; how to enjoy life. (7:15-10:19) A’. Poem about life’s brevity revisited; the value of wisdom. (10:20-12:12) Conclusion: Whole duty of man -- fear and obey God, for He will judge. (12:13-14)

4. Key Word: הֶבֶל hevel – 38 times A vapor. A breath. Transitory. Meaningless. Impossible to grasp. Absurd. Insignificant. Worthless. Pointless. Emptiness. A void, nothingness. Vanity. The Futility of life “under heaven”, amidst a “fallen” world.

5. Hebel – Creation subject to futility (Rom 8:20 )

6. Center Point – 5:1-7 Humble Yourself before a Fearsome and Holy God Reflection gives way to – Instruction. Literary unit opens and closes with “imperatives” – watch (semor) and fear (yera). An emphatic warning to “the assembly” (ecclesia) – caution, reverence, restraint, moderation, and sincerity. Great “distance” between God and humanity, even His “saints”.

7. The Life-Giving Value of Godly Wisdom Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 God has determined what a person should have and should be (Ecc 6:10). We can’t dispute with God over whether what’s happening is “good”, or what the future holds. But God has revealed precepts and proverbs to live by – how to choose the “better” way and model good character. Wisdom gives life and preserves life.

8. Wisdom’s Value (7:11-19) “Wisdom is good with…” An Inheritance An Advantage Protection Preserves and Gives Life Gives Strength Critical for “last days” (Rev 17:9)

9. How to Get Wisdom Scripture The Word of God teaches wisdom (Pr 2:1-5). God gives wisdom (Pr 2:6; Ja 1:5); “with Him are strength and sound wisdom” (Job 12:14). Pr 9:10: “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. Fear of the Lord v. Faith: – Acknowledgement of God – Knowledge of God – His Holiness and Justice – Trembling at His sovereignty, but finding a refuge – Reverend Submission – Continued Communion

10. New Testament: “Christ Crucified…the power and wisdom of God” (1 Co 1:24, 30; Col 2:3).

11. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow to attain to the resurrection from the dead.” (Php 3:10-11)

12. Pilgrims in Exile “Conduct yourself with fear throughout the time of your exile.” (1 Pe 1:17)