How can we find a meaningful existence?

1
The Big Questions

• How can we find a meaningful existence?
• What should our priorities be in order to be
  truly satisfied with life?
• How can we live with what seem to be the
  arbitrary changes life forces upon us and still
  be joyous?

2
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Life

• Listen to Wisdom!

3
Three Key Questions

• Why should we listen to this author?
• What is his ultimate message of wisdom?
• Why should we heed that message?

4
Why should we listen?
5
Because of what we know about the preacher.

• In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher
  also taught the people knowledge and he
  pondered, searched out and arranged many
  proverbs. The Preacher sought to find delightful
  words and to write words of truth correctly.
  (Ecclesiastes 129-10)

6
Because of what we know about the preacher.

• The preacher cared about people.
• The preacher put effort into his study.
• The preacher was concerned about the impact of
  his message

7
Because of what we know about wise words.

• The words of wise men are like goads, and masters
  of these collections are like well-driven nails
  (Ecclesiastes 1211a)

8
Because of what we know about wisdoms ultimate
source

• They are given by one Shepherd. (Eccl. 1211b)

9
Because of what we know about the writings of men.

• But beyond this, my son, be warned the writing
  of many books is endless, and excessive devotion
  to books is wearying to the body. (Ecclesiastes
  1212)

10
What is the message?
11

• The conclusion, when all has been heard, is fear
  God and keep His commandments, because this
  applies to every person. (Ecclesiastes 1213)

12
Why should we heed this message?
13
Because this applies to every person!
14
Because God will bring every act to judgment

• For God will bring every act to judgment,
  everything which is hidden, whether it is good or
  evil. (Ecclesiastes 1214)