1. What the living should take to heart (1-12)

Human expectations are almost always a disappointment. So pain, mourning, sadness and the rebuke of a wise man are all more valuable in strengthening one's inner life than are fleeting pleasures and empty praise. Money can corrupt the heart. Patience is better than pride and/or anger. It builds wisdom in the inner man. Wisdom is better security than money, for it preserves the life of its possessor (11,12).

2. Consider what God has done (13-29)

There are no accidents with God. He has led our lives until now. Our future is in his hand. Both the good times and the bad have a purpose in his plan. Life without God is meaningless. One who seeks to please God can escape the snare (26). Solomon needed to meet a prayerful woman (28). God made mankind good, but mankind turned from God. Only when we consider what God has done and is doing, can we find meaning in life.

Application: Lord, teach me your ways and give me spiritual wisdom that comes from you.
One Word: Consider what God has done