“Where Is Real Wisdom Found?” – a message from Ecclesiastes by Pastor Femi Ibitoye

This past weekend at Eastbrook, we continued our preaching series “The Skeptic’s Guide to Life with God: Ecclesiastes.” Pastor Femi Ibitoye preached a message entitled “Where is real wisdom found?” largely from Ecclesiastes 7. Femi also leaned into other portions of Scripture, including James 1.

You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone;the living should take this to heart. (Ecclesiastes 7:2)

 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

Wisdom-understanding, knowledge, insight, revelation, good judgement, discernment, skill

Wise sayings/proverbs from Ecclesiastes 7

It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting,
for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. V2

Human Wisdom

It is a gift from God.  (Proverbs 2:6, James 1:5)

It is good (Ecclesiastes 2:13, 7:11, 9:18)

It is sometimes specially given by the Holy Spirit-(Exodus 35:30-35) 

It is passed down/on by experience/mentorship/education (Daniel 1:3-5, Proverbs 1)

It is gained by-studying, observing, learning and toil (Ecclesiastes 1:13)

It has its limits and can be uncertain and unsatisfying. (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18, 2:21)

        

Who are the wise?

Those who hear the Word of God and put it into practice (Matthew 7:24-27)

Those who fear the Lord (Job 28:28, Proverbs 1:7)

Those who prepare/plan for the coming of the Lord (Matthew 25)

Who are fools/foolish (hate wisdom)?

Those who despise wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)

Those who refuse to worship God (Romans 1:21-23)

Those who say there is no God, in word and deed (Psalm 14:1)

Those who trust in their wisdom (Matthew 12:13-21)

Those who do not prepare for Eternity (Matthew 25)

Making It Real

 Do you lack Wisdom, ask God in faith (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6) 

 Are you boasting about your wisdom? Stop it!!! Boast in the Lord (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

 Has human wisdom let you down, put your trust in God (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 Look to the cross of Christ for real wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24-25)

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Dig Deeper

This week dig deeper in one or more of the following ways:

• Memorize James 1:5
• Read all of Ecclesiastes 7 and look for other “wise sayings/proverb” and ponder what they mean. 
• Read all of Matthew 25 and see the parables that Jesus said about those who are wise because they prepared for his second coming/Eternity.
• The book of James talks about 2 kinds of Wisdom.  Check it out (James 3: 13-18)
• Proverbs 8 talks about wisdom personified as a lady.  Read the passage and draw what you think Lady Wisdom will look like.  Pray for Wisdom.  We all need it.