Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:1-14.

Memory Verse: "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsel" (Proverbs 1:5).

Introduction:  A student of ancient Greek in an English university surprised his teacher by his rapid grasp of the subject. When asked if someone were helping him, he mentioned his uncle. The professor said he'd like to meet him, and a date was set. The teacher was astounded with the uncle's knowledge of Greek. "What work do you do?" he asked. "I'm an intinerant preacher. I preach God's Word." Dismayed that such a gifted man should waste his time preaching, the professor blurted out, "Man, you're a fool!" The wise preacher retorted, "In which world, Professor?"
                                                                                                             (--Reflections, Atlanta, Georgia)

  In the same way, men of this world are dumb-founded by the wisdom of God. What we, as Christians, choose may astound the world when they judge our actions by their conventional wisdom. As believers, we have a responsibility to seek out godly counselors who will help us gain the wisdom and understanding of God. Through wise counsel and with verification through the Word of God, we will be able to make choices in our daily life that will bear fruit for the Kingdom of God and bring glory to His name.
  There's much truth in saying that every man is the architect of his own fate. Your choices affect your destiny. Out of a rough block of stone one man may make a beautiful statue, another, gravel. Both products are good and useful under certain conditions. But a statue can be immoral in conception, and gravel can be the grudging and punitive work of a criminal condemned to a rockpile. The point is, whether you are a gifted artist or a competent gravel maker, you can choose whether to use your abilities worthily or unworthily. In building a Christian life you have the same choice.

Lesson Questions:

1. Why does the preacher prefer a good name over precious ointment, and the day of death over the day of  birth? Eccl. 7:1; Ruth 2:10-13; 1 Sam. 18:30; Prov. 22:1; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; Dan. 12:13; Rev. 14:13; Jas. 1:12; 1 Pet. 5:4; Phil. 1:21-23.

2. How could it be better to choose mourning over feasting? Eccl. 7:2-4; Ps. 119:67; 78:34; Job 5:17; 2 Cor. 4:17; Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:25; Jas. 4:9,10.

3. Why is the sharp correction of the wise better than the merriment of fools? Eccl. 7:5,6; Ps. 141:5; Prov. 15:5; 17:10; 25:12; 29:15; Amos 5:21-24; 6:3-6; 8:10.

4. What things seriously threaten the wise man? Eccl. 7:7; Ps. 55:1-8; Ex. 23:8; Isa. 33:14-16; Prov. 15:27.

5. Which is preferred, the beginning or the ending, and pride or endurance? Eccl. 7:8; John 4:34; 17:4; 19:30; Acts 20:24; Heb. 10:36; Jas. 5:7; Ps. 40:1.

6. What advice does the preacher give about anger? Eccl. 7:9; Ps. 37:8; Prov. 14:17; 16:32; Jas. 1:19; Titus 1:7.

7. Why must we not allow ourselves to be bound to our past? Eccl. 7:10; Phil. 3:12-14; Prov. 4:18; 2 Cor. 3:18.

8. Wisdom and money together can be a blessing, but which is better? Eccl. 7:11,12; Job 28:16; Prov. 3:13,14; 8:11,32-35.

9. Can anyone fully understand or explain the working of God? Eccl. 7:13,14; Isa. 55:8,9; 1 Cor. 1:26-29; Job 36:22-26; Isa. 40:13,14.