STUDY OF ECCLESIASTES

Part 11 – Discovering the Meaning to Our Lives: Ecclesiastes 5:8-20

What God and Solomon Say about Money and Power!

Principles to Learn◦ The rich tend to take charge, and their power

offends the poor.◦ We must not let our possessions, or our desire to

keep them deny us our feelings toward the Social Justice or social injustices of others. - vv. 8, 9

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We must be mindful that as the middle class fights against the rich (upper 2%) the poor oftentimes are completely ignored, until public tragedy (Fenger High School; Ferguson-Florrisant, Missouri, etc..)

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What this does not mean! These realities mentioned in verses 8, 9 do not suggest that we should abolish leadership and [attempt] to equally distribute all the wealth of the nation or world to everyone. (Socialism). But it does imply that people should use their wealth compassionately not oppressively.

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Greed and Materialism have no built-in controls or limits. v.10

Solomon becomes the greatest example of one who attempted to obtain contentment through the pursuit and achievement of affluence. He was not satisfied, and neither will we.

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Be careful! THIS IS NOT AN ATTACK AGAINST THOSE

WHO POSSES WEALTH AND ARE ACCOMPLISHED AT WHAT THEY DO…GOD WANTS THIS TO HAPPEN, HOWEVER II IS A DIRECT ASSAULT ON THE MONEY-HUNGRY WHO STRIVE FOR MORE AT THE EXPENSE OF OTHERS.

Study of Ecclesiastes

Something you may already know, but are necessarily worried about.

With Increased money and possessions come an accelerated number of people and worries. - v. 11 These can manifest themselves by a number of titles – Management Consultants, Tax Advisers, Accountants, Lawyers, Relatives, etc…

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Solomon is saying, more money, more people, more worries, less sleep, if you are not careful less relationship with God, less worship, less prayer, all heading toward a good-looking meaningless life. #RobinWilliams

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Things to Know and Remember. – vv. 13-17

Those who Hoard will only Hurt Themselves – vv. 13-15

Those Who Live High at the expense of People will Die Without any People – vv. 16, 17

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There Are Some Things That We Ought to Claim! – vv. 18-20

The gift of Enjoyment in your life – v. 18 The gift of Fulfillment in your work – v. 19 The gift of Contentment in your heart – v. 20

Study of Ecclesiastes