THE BETTER THINGS OF LIFE Ecclesiastes I. Introduction. A. Ecclesiastes contains Solomon's reflections upon his own life. B. What Solomon learned can be shared by us. C. Solomon found disappointments; Solomon found joy; Solomon found some things were better than others. II. Body. A. Solomon found that lessons of sadness are stronger than moments of joy.(7:3) 1. Does not sound reasonable. 2. Sadness & sorrow are ways of coping. 3. Does not give a false security. B. Using one's knowledge increases good; conflict tends to destroy good.(9:18) 1. Working out a problems more effective than fighting. 2. Note: After men fight--they try to "talk things out." C. An increase in material goods will not insure peace.(4:6) 1. You cannot buy happiness. 2. You cannot buy friendship(i.e. governments). 3. There are even people whom you cannot buy. D. It is better to deal with reality than live in a dream world.(6:9) 1. "A bird in hand is worth two in a bush." 2. Men have sacrificed self, family, honor, and God in pursuing the unreachable! 3. How easy to dream when young--how difficult when older. E. It is far better to spend time improving the mind rather than the body.(9:16) 1. Mind over matter? 2. How different from world! 3. Consider the wages of sports figures versus teachers, physicians, others. F. Few things satisfy more than productive labor.(2:24) 1. One sleeps in peace. 2. One views the results. G. It is better to accept help when we need it than to reject it.(4:9) 1. Cooperation pays! 2. Everyone needs help at times. 3. Few can accomplish much when alone. H. It is better not to promise what one cannot perform. (5:5) 1. How easy to make; how hard to fulfil. 2. Our society needs to heed these words! I. One should live to have good reputation.(7:1) a. Never underestimate a reputation. b. What one can be versus what one has been. The world has a different view: A. Should realize that it is better one not be in this world than to fail to do good while here.(6:3). B. The world views the past as better because it is not considered wisely.(7:10) 1. We do--the Israelites do--because we live in the present! 2. The past is past-the future is yet-this is now. C. The power of using many words does not show one has a superior knowledge.(10:11) 1. The power of works versus use of many words. 2. Often confuses rather than edifies. III. Conclusion. A. What is better about your life? B. What do you view as being better in this life? C. Do you believe there is a better life later on?-jy