December 12

<p>Ecclesiastes 7-12 We are in the Wisdom Stream reading from the New Living Translation. 7streamsmethod.com | @7streamsmethod | <a href= "http://www.sevenstreamsmethod.com/donate"><u>Donate</u></a> Commentary by Dr. Drake Travis</p> <blockquote> <div>Lord, thank you that we can learn from others' lives/words/teachings/writings; from those who are spent their lives doing their best to leave wisdom to us. May we learn and grow because from this we have heard today. Amen.</div> </blockquote> <p>07 -  Solomon's proverbs continue along with his assessment that life (by its worldly self and apart from God) is an endless pursuit of ... who knows what. He opens with a great call to sobriety and grave interspection, to realize that our appointment with death is looming. He reminds us to wisely manage emotions and money, and to accept the lot that God dealt us with. The best plan in life (all things considered) is to live wisely. Accept human frailty and understand that people's loyalty is always under question. Consider yourself fortunate to not get tangled up with women (that's plural, guys!) God created us to be virtuous, though we have long forgotten it.</p> <div>08 - There is great truth in wisdom and great need for wisdom also. It is best to simply obey those in authority over you - keep in mind Solomon is saying this from the top of the heap, btw. Any leader knows the stress of subordinates who will not do what is asked of them. It is wise to take pause in one's assessment and observation of good and evil. i.e. resolve to not be evil. Some are evil and think they will "skate on thru forever" and go unrebuffed - don't be fooled!  All in all: you're here so enjoy your family, your friends, your food, yourselves, and realize that you are <u>under</u> an omniscient God.</div> <div>09 - He's said it before but Solomon again reminds us to be assured that our days are numbered and no one is leaving this earth alive. Be good because God wants for this for us; He planned for it. Don't expect "good boy" coupons because the g