Tag Archives: Wisdom

July 17, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Careful Living

1 Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, And cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, But a fool’s heart at his left. 3 Even when a fool walks along the way, He lacks wisdom, And he shows everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rises against you, Do not leave your post; For conciliation pacifies great offenses.

Ecclesiastes 10:1-4

Solomon concludes the book of Ecclesiastes with application for the hearer. The last three chapters give instructions on how we are to live in the meaninglessness of life. It is advisable to give this matter careful consideration at this stage.

The writer commences with a warning against folly. Folly could be thought of as mindless pursuits that lead to nowhere. Folly doesn’t have to be sinful (though at times it includes sinful acts.) Even good things when done in mindless, non-thoughtful manner can be considered folly.

The preacher is making a point. Life is short and we need to be live carefully and thoughtfully. Recreation and fun have its place in our lives. But, when we are totally given over to these things they become our idols. We can lose God’s blessing and opportunities for growth when our time is occupied with folly.  Therefore, we need to avoid folly and use our time wisely.

Tony French

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July 10, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Proper Wisdom

14 There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares around it. 15 Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. 16 Then I said: “Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised, And his words are not heard. 17 Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good.”

Ecclesiastes 9:14-18

Proper wisdom occupies the last portion of this text. Christian, seek Godly wisdom through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and His people. Wisdom is needed now more than ever.

We can live our lives through the power of God. We don’t have to do this alone.  Christ came to this earth to live for us, die for us, and He rose again to verify that all that He said and did was truth. Relationship with Christ is available. “The wages of sin is death, but, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another.” (1st John 3:23)

Tony French

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May 29, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Wisdom Lessons

But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. 13 Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked? 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, But in the day of adversity consider: Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, So that man can find out nothing that will come after him. 15 I have seen everything in my days of vanity: There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, And there is a wicked man who prolongs life in his wickedness. 16 Do not be overly righteous, Nor be overly wise: Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Do not be overly wicked, Nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you grasp this, And also not remove your hand from the other; For he who fears God will escape them all. 19 Wisdom strengthens the wise More than ten rulers of the city. 20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good And does not sin.

Ecclesiastes 7:12-20

As we close out this chapter, let us see five lessons. As we examine the question, “Why do we need Godly wisdom?” We will look at three of these principles today and then peruse the others next week.

Why do we need Godly wisdom?

**We need wisdom because we all die. As was stated earlier, the rich and the poor, the foolish and the wise, the believer and the unbeliever all will perish. Are you ready to meet God?

**We need wisdom because we all sin. Solomon teaches us that there is not one person who does not sin. We all come short of God’s glory and need His mercy. Wisdom helps us to see ourselves as we truly are—sinners in need of a Savior.

**We need wisdom because people won’t always like you. People will speak evil of you and even “curse” you behind your back. We also are guilty of doing the same thing to others. Lord, give us wisdom to use our words wisely.

Tony French

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May 22, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Wisdom For Today

7 Surely oppression destroys a wise man’s reason, And a bribe debases the heart. 8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools. 10 Do not say, “Why were the former days better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, And profitable to those who see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. 

Ecclesiastes 7:7-12

Ecclesiastes 7 reveals to us the need for Godly wisdom. The wisdom of the Lord is greater than the sage advice of the world. And wisdom is needed today by each and every Believer.

Today’s guidance emphasizes the importance of refraining from accepting bribes and actively opposing oppression.  Wisdom also implores us to be patient, humble and not easily angered. We also find that Godly wisdom is profitable to us and acts as a defense against the foolish pursuits of this life.

We need wisdom in our day. Knowledge and facts are good to know. But, wisdom tells us what to do with our knowledge and principles. Wisdom helps us assemble our learning in a way that we can apply to the circumstances of our life. May God give us wisdom!

Tony French

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February 27, 2025 · 9:00 pm

Careful Worship

1 Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much activity, And a fool’s voice is known by his many words.

Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

Worship and generosity occupy Solomon’s musings In Ecclesiastes 5 as he considers life on this planet. This passage is filled with warnings and exhortations. Let’s take these seriously as we study this week’s lesson.

The first warning from the preacher deals with our worship. He exhorts us to be careful in how we approach and worship God. Evidently, many words and large-scale activities do not make for true praise. Worship is always a matter of the heart first. Prudence and wisdom are needed for effective adoration.

The same warnings apply to us. Worship can become mindless and routine if we allow it.  Our goal should be to come before God with longing and yearning to worship. Let us not allow our praise to denigrate into mere songs, words, and deeds which have no meaning. May our hearts, minds, and souls be engaged as we worship the one, true God.

Tony French

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November 14, 2024 · 9:00 pm

Godly Wisdom

12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. 15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, And what is lacking cannot be numbered. 16 I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind. 18 For in much wisdom is much grief, And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

Ecclesiastes 1:12-18

The conclusion of chapter 1 deals with the meaninglessness of purely, human wisdom. While human wisdom is greater than foolishness, it too is limited. Solomon was given great wisdom. Yet, the wisdom he had did not help to ease his frustrations when viewing the paradoxical nature of life. Instead, His wisdom only made the futility and madness of life on this planet more plainly seen and easily discerned.

What is the point of all this? The world’s knowledge, the world’s pleasure, and the world’s prominence will never bring true satisfaction and will only lead one to a meaningless existence. Solomon tried it all and every time was left with one thought—“all is vanity.”

The only hope we have is Jesus Christ. If you are not a Christian, trust Jesus as your Savior today. Call upon Him and ask Him to forgive you and save you. Believe that He died and rose again for you and trust Him to reconcile you.

The world’s goods and delights can never fulfill your deepest longings. Only Jesus can do that! Trust Him today.

Believers, we ought to spend our time pursuing Jesus. While we must live in this world, let’s not be too at home here. We are called to a higher plane of living and being. Seek godliness and Christlikeness instead of this worlds allures.

Tony French

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April 25, 2024 · 6:00 pm

Wisdom of God

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

James 3:14-16

In this passage, James teaches the Church about the failure of worldly wisdom. Jealousy and selfish ambition causes people to have an improper view of themselves and “lie against the truth.” Human beings can be deceived so easily and it’s important for God’s people to be on guard against this scheme of the evil one. 

Worldly wisdom does not come from the Lord. James describes this wisdom as “earthly,”  “natural,” and even “demonic” in nature. What sounds good and right to the worldly person is often diametrically opposed to Christ’s will and His Word. This earthly philosophy leads to chaos and further sinfulness when followed.

God’s people have the wisdom that comes from above. God’s Word provides us with the truth. The Holy Spirit leads us to righteousness and true goodness. And the Lord’s Church holds us accountable to the truth as we meet regularly for worship.  

Let us be thankful and give praise for the wisdom of Christ. Without it, we would be tossed to and fro by godless teaching and wisdom.

Tony French

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April 11, 2024 · 9:00 pm

Wise

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

James 3:l3

The wisdom of the Christian is exhibited by two things. First, the deeds the Believer performs are an opportunity to show Godly wisdom to those outside the faith. An understanding Christian who serves God by serving others is a wonderful example of Christ’s love and grace.

Also, the Christian who exhibits humility is a wise convert.  Wisdom and comprehension are revealed by the Believer through their actions. May we live with wisdom and understanding each and every day.

Tony French

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October 12, 2023 · 9:00 pm

God-Given Wisdom

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:4-5

Oh, how we need wisdom today. It has been said that our world is full of very great knowledge and very little wisdom.  We need the wisdom of God and not worldly wisdom.  When we live by Godly wisdom and persevere through problems, our faith grows. As our faith grows, we become mature and complete in our faith.  In God’s economy, problems have a purpose and wisdom pushes us to maturity in Christ.

Are you in need of wisdom? Ask! God loves to give wisdom to His people. The answer may not arrive on our timetable. So keep asking and seeking Godly wisdom each and every day. When the timing is right and when you are ready, God will reveal Himself to you.

In what areas do you need wisdom today?

Tony French

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