"A Better Way To Live - Ecclesiastes 7

Text: Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
Title: “A Better Way To Live”

Introduction.
Ecclesiastes 7 is about living a better life than living the lives that Solomon has examined and studied over the last 6 chapters. We will read in this chapter that Solomon’s tone changes, and he is eager to share some wisdom as the Preacher to his reader and listener.

I. The Wisdom of God proposes a better life:
In our text, Solomon uses the word "better" 7 times. He wants us to perfectly know that God has a better way for us to live. Here are 7 better ways to live:

1. Have a good reputation that glorifies God (v.7:1)
A. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.”

2. Have an eternal perspective (v.7:2-4)
A. Psalm 90:12 teaches us to “to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

3. Have an attitude of seriousness rather than silliness (v.7:3-4)

4. Have an open ear for correction from those who are wise. (v.7:5-7)

5. Have a determination to make your life count (v.7:8a)

6. Have an attitude of patience and humility (v.7:8b-9)

7. Have a focus on the present good than the past (v.7:10)

II. The Wisdom of God produces a better life.
If we know that God's wisdom proposes a better way to live, lets define some terms about God's wisdom. Lets dig into some theology.
A. God’s Omnisapience (omni-sapience) God is ALL wise. "Omni" means all, and "sapience" means supremely knowledgeable and wise. Therefore, God is completely and perfectly wise. At His nature He is essentially wise in everything He establishes, from creation to the cross, from the fall of man to the final judgment.

1. God is Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30)
2. God has Infinite Wisdom (Colossians 2:3)
3. God has Infallible Wisdom (Psalm 19:7)

Solomon tells explains to us what God’s wisdom does for those who desire to have it. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 1-9 declares, defines, and describes what God’s wisdom can do for us.

A. Proverbs 1 – The Petition of Wisdom (Listen to God)
B. Proverbs 2 – The Profit of Wisdom (Seek God)
C. Proverbs 3 – The Promise of Wisdom (Trust God)
D. Proverbs 4 – The Provision of Wisdom (Follow God)
E. Proverbs 5 – The Precaution of Wisdom – (Run to God)
F. Proverbs 6 – The Persistence of Wisdom – (Live for God)
G. Proverbs 7 – The Prevention of Wisdom – ( Pursue God)
H. Proverbs 8 – The Preeminence of Wisdom – (Praise God)
I. Proverbs 9 – The Proclamation of Wisdom – (Fear God)

Also, James explains to us how to know what is God’s wisdom in James 3:17. God’s wisdom has 9 characteristics according to James:
1. From above
2. Pure
3. Peaceable
4. Gentle
5. Willing To Yield
6. Full of Mercy
7. Full of Good Fruit
8. Has no Partiality
9. Has no hypocrisy.

We should trust in God's wisdom and go to Him for wisdom. The way we know it is from above is if it one of the characteristics of His wisdom. Therefore, read the word, trust in God's promises and proverbs and "do not lean on your own understand, but acknowledge God in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight." God's wisdom will direct you into a better way to live.