Part 4

Solomon is writing about how to pursue happiness and success- especially in our families

How do we get there?

1. We must emphasize God's blessings v. 22
   1. We should believe in God's blessings
      1. v. 25 HE gives an everlasting foundation
      2. v. 27 He prolongs days
      3. v. 28. He gives gladness
      4. V. 29 His way gives strength
      5. 28:20 a faithful man shall abound with blessings
      6. Psalm 107:38
      7. Genesis 12:2; 13:2; 24:35
   2. We should desire God's blessings
      1. Sometimes they are material/physical
         1. Deuteronomy 8:17-18
         2. We work for these (and save and pray)
         3. We give thanks for these
      2. Sometimes they are spiritual
         1. Love joy and peace
         2. Contentment
         3. Favor
      3. Sometimes they are relational
         1. A good friend
         2. A good spouse
            1. He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor from the Lord
         3. Children
            1. Lo, children are a heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is His reward
         4. In-laws
            1. A good spouse for your children
            2. A family connection that results
               1. Adams, Mundays, Pisneys, and soon to be Gentiles
               2. Bethlie's parents to me and my parents to her

Questions:

1. How do we balance the idea of God's blessings and the issue of "bad things" that happen?
2. How do we teach this to our children?
3. Is it ok to think of God's blessings as material? How do we balance this with the idea that the best ones are not?