Everyday we decide and make choices but consequences of our choices determine the wisdom of our actions. Right choices help to achieve good results while wrong choices often result in serious consequences. People can be guided to make wise choices through God's word. We don't just read God's Word to get wisdom; we keep and apply the word to act carefully and diligently while dealing with issues. Proverbs 4:26-27 - Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil. The followings are discussed: Futility of Chasing Possession; Necessity of Wise Decisions; Work wisely, and Trust God.
Futility of Chasing Possessions: Running after material things and possessing them without satisfaction makes struggles a futile exercise (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12). Temporary satisfaction in possessions attracts greed and makes a person to always seek out for more and more of material things that after some times it results in lack of satisfaction and toxic worry. The wealthy and unsatisfied person will be in constant worry but the man who laboured and was satisfied will live in peace with his possessions.
It is good to pursue and acquire wealth but we should be able to leave a good legacy. Parents should be hardworking and try as much as they could to invest in children that will succeed them. It is not good enough for someone to spend time and energy pursing material things and amassing wealth without consideration for a secured future for others (Ecclesiastes 5:13-17). Human labour for possessions is futile if people don't identify and do things that have eternal value. Life will always present unending challenges, struggles and dissatisfactions; those who depend on God and use His wisdom to set priorities and pursue the most important things will live satisfactory and fulfilled life.
Necessity of Wise Decisions: Godly wisdom is required to make good decisions and right choices that can lead to success and happiness. When we apply godly wisdom we will be in a better position to raise those who have fallen as a result of wrong choices and help others make wise decisions (Ecclesiastes 10:1-7). Wise decision is needed to relate with others and treat issues about the authorities carefully well. When the authority is not fair to us, we shouldn't respond carelessly; we should trust God and respond by wisdom. He equips those who trust Him to deal with life's injustices and human failings.
Life activities involve risks and rewards. We can not stop doing the work that will help us accomplish our goals even if it involves risks (Ecclesiastes 10:8-12). Fear of failure, costs or other risks should not stop us from doing the tasks that offer blessings. All we need is wisdom of God that will guide us to adopt and apply practical skills that will make the work easier. Sometimes opportunities can lead to losses, we need to be very wise and careful and avoid unnecessary risks while pursuing goals. Also, we should guard against behaviours and speeches that can cause problems where we are pursing our goals (verse 12).
Work Wisely; Trust God: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 teaches us to take investment risk, meet needs of others and invest wisely. Investment is like a sown seed. The seed must be buried somewhere it will break down, rise again and after many days produce good fruits. We also find the counsel about diversifying investments to reduce risks. If one fails others should give hope. If we follow God's word and apply His wisdom we will hasten our success and help others to succeed. God's freely given resources are not only to meet our needs and give us pleasure; they must be used to appreciate and glorify Him.
As we convert God's given resources to our possessions we should remember to acknowledge His control over the resources and trust Him with our lives. He gives the life and supports it with good things. As we enjoy His provisions we should faithfully serve Him. He will not disappoint us if we can invest our time and energy towards realizing His purpose for our lives. Lesson texts: Ecclesiastes 5:10-17; 10:1-12; 11:1-6
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