The Limitations of Wisdom

This morning we continue in our study through the book of Ecclesiastes as we consider Ecclesiastes 1:12-18. The Preacher describes how he applied his heart to seek and search out wisdom, to explore and examine through wisdom all that is done under heaven. His conclusion is that God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied. In the words of the Preacher, "I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind" (Ecclesiastes 1:14). The Preacher describes how wisdom cannot change, fix, or mend what is wrong and fallen in the world that is. Wisdom cannot revise what is broken in the created order, it only reveals it. Increased wisdom also leads to increased sorrow. If you grow in knowledge you grow in grief.

The Preacher of Ecclesiastes calls us to see the futility and frustration of finding answers, fulfillment, or satisfaction in wisdom itself and points us towards the ultimate Son of David, the Everlasting King in Jerusalem, Jesus of Nazareth.

We pray as you hear this sermon that you would grow in your faith and trust in Jesus. He invites any who labor and are heavy laden to come to Him and find rest. We can take His yoke upon us and learn from Him for He is gentle and lowly in heart, and we will find rest for our souls.