Money is not the root of all evil, And it’s also not the answer to the problem of evil, or practically any other problems either. In fact, in this warning the Preacher takes the time to lament just how futile amassing, storing and spending wealth is, and how powerless it is to achieve the happy life. 

This passage invites us into a master class on meditation. The psalmist will take you through a whole range of positions from which you can be filled with wonder at just how big and unfathomable God is. We recommend you stretch out well before you start this work out, and give your self plenty of tie to sit in it. 

God loves you. but He is not your buddy. It has become easier and easier for us to view God through the lense of friendship - which is a great thing as He is the truest friend we will ever have. At the same time, Ecclesiastes 5: 1 - 7 warns us that He is not like us. He is not on the same level as we are, He is so much above us, in every way, that the only rational response to knowing Him is a response of humble gratitude. Not exactly the number 1 attribute in our society.

In this song of Praise we are treated to an overwhelming vista of God’s goodness, mercy and strength. We are encouraged to join in exalting the Lord along with all of the works of His hand not only for His glory and power, but also because of the care that He has poured out on His people.

As the preacher continues to demonstrate what the well-lived life looks like here in Ecclesiastes 4::13 - 16, we see this simple warning. Wisdom is really, really important. Even with the caveats that the preacher has already given. A well lived life is marked by wisdom,.

This deep extended passage on sorrow is a fertile landscape where the seed of faith dies, is buried and can bear fruit of hope. Psalm 102 points out to us the very human factor of living in and through sorrow. Yet, it also points the listener to look up to see the eternal power of a sovereign and loving God who is bent towards us in our lowest hours.

This is not just a great song, but it's a great bit of advice from Exxlesiastes 4:7 - 12. We were made for relationship, and to live in community. This is for our safety and for our provision. . The well-lived life is one marked by relationships.

A love for righteousness forces a decision between radical religious fanaticism, or humble grace-based gratitude. It is helpful to consider the perspective of the speaker. On the one hand, it could be a holy God revealing His posture towards the activity of the wicked. On the other hand it could be the posture of a man who is setting his priorities and actions towards holy living. In either perspective the bar is stupidly high and impossible to get over. Accepting the reality of our depth of sinful fallenness is the beginning to be able to receive the righteousnesss of the only man who ever lived in complete integrity.

As we jump into this new week we are looking at Ecclesiastes 4: 1 - 6. Here we are presented with the comparison and contrast of the powerful and the oppressed. What can we learn about the well-lived life by moderating our understanding to a more biblical view of the dynamic we call power?

Closeness to GOd helps us engage better with others out of His love. But, when we identify with shame, retreat than with our Savior we feel distant from God. Being open and vulnerable tiwh God helps us draw closer to Him again.