Series: Ecclesiastes - Wisdom For Life Under The Sun

Dr. Randy White

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Download these notes here:

Ecclesiastes 2_12-26 Sermon 4.pdf

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Thesis: Torah sets the standard, judges impartially, and encourages grateful joy without demanding control of the future.

Solomon explores wisdom, human effort, and joy, seated at the judgment seat, hearing appeals through the lens of Torah. He evaluates the limits of wisdom, the folly of human attempts to control outcomes, and the simple, profound joy found in God’s daily provision.

His conclusion: Torah’s wisdom is superior to human folly, future outcomes remain uncertain despite wisdom, and true joy is found in gratefully receiving daily blessings from God.

Here is the central message: Torah sets the standard, judges impartially, and encourages grateful joy without demanding control of the future.

Or poetically stated: “Torah is a lamp, not a crystal ball. It guides your steps but won't let you control tomorrow.”

Hearing the Appeal and Returning to Torah (Ecclesiastes 2:12)

• Solomon pauses deliberately to consult Torah in a judicial appeal.
• Kings judged according to divine law, not personal whim (Deut. 17:18–20).
• Wisdom: Torah's guidance. Folly: violating Torah’s covenant commands.
• Torah provides both guidance and penalties, ensuring fair judgment (Deut. 17:8–13).

Rendering Judgment: Torah Wisdom vs. Human Folly (Ecclesiastes 2:13)

• Torah’s wisdom is superior, clear as "light over darkness."
• Human transgressions represent folly, clearly defined by Torah.
• Proverbs provide quick, reliable judicial decisions rooted in Torah.
• Torah's wisdom is authoritative and decisive, not ambiguous (Prov. 6:23).

Death, Memory, and Moral Legacy (Ecclesiastes 2:14–15)

• Wisdom, though superior, does not guarantee better outcomes in every scenario.