1. Zeal without knowledge (1-19)

Zeal is good, but it must be tempered with knowledge and wisdom (2,3,8,10,11,19; Ro 10:2,3). One who blames God for his troubles (3) is a fool. One who trusts riches (1,4,6,7,17,22) will find them deceptive. One who tells lies and perverts the truth will perish (5,9,22,28). Wise parents discipline their children (18,27) and teach them to be diligent, obedient, and truthful (15,16).

2. The Lord's purpose prevails (20-29)

People make many plans and have all kinds of desires, but God's purposes prevail. So we must know God and learn to fear him and obey him. God gives us love that satisfies and real contentment (22,23). God establishes marriages. We may inherit wealth from parents, but God is the one who gives a prudent wife or a loving, diligent husband (14).

Application: Lord, teach me patience and wisdom and direct my zeal by your word and Spirit.
One Word: We need both zeal and knowledge