…from the Wisest Man Who ever Lived!
In chapter 11 of the book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher (Alias for, ‘Solomon’) continues his advice for living. Specifically, he focuses on 2 areas that I see as extremely relevant for today’s struggles:
- How to keep yourself from financial collapse
- How to keep depression at bay
His advice includes:
- Don’t use up every resource you have all at once. Invest some for the future (v. 1).
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use a variety of means to an end (v. 2).
- Understand that you cannot control everything (v. 3).
- Take some risks. I like the way John Ortberg puts it better, “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat (sorry Solomon v. 4.).
- You cannot wrap your mind around everything. God’s ways are higher than yours (v. 5).
- WORK — a full day’s work for a full day’s wage (v. 6).
- Get ahead while you’re young. The older you get, the greater the obstacles (vv. 7–8).
- Have some fun while you’re young. Basically, stop and smell the roses along the way—before your sniffer stops working (v. 9).
Even though the entire book is full of wisdom I thought I’d share just a few from my time of reading today. Besides, we are a culture who loves “top ten” lists. And, since I am a nonconformist at heart, I thought I’d make it a top 8 list just to frustrate those of you who need everything perfect. If that’s you, see number 3 again, only this time, take it to heart.
See you in the new year!