Welcome to Day 2372 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me.

This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom

Wisdom Nuggets – Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 Daily Wisdom

Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2372 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2372 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before. In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I will guide you through the vast landscapes of biblical wisdom. Today, we’re continuing our exploration of the book of Ecclesiastes. We’ll be diving into Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 from the New Living Translation. Ecclesiastes 5:8-20 (NLT): 8 Don’t be surprised if you see a poor person being oppressed by the powerful and if justice is being miscarried throughout the land. For every official is under orders from higher up, and matters of justice get lost in red tape and bureaucracy. 9 Even the king milks the land for his own profit! 10 Those who love money will never have enough. How meaningless to think that wealth brings true happiness! 11 The more you have, the more people come to help you spend it. So what is the advantage of wealth—except perhaps to watch it run through your fingers! 12 People who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep. 13 There is another serious problem I have seen under the sun. Hoarding riches harms the saver. 14 Money is put into risky investments that turn sour, and everything is lost. In the end, there is nothing left to pass on to one’s children. 15 We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us. 16 And this, too, is a very serious problem. People leave this world no better off than when they came. All their hard work is for nothing—like working for the wind. 17 Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud—frustrated, discouraged, and angry. 18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. 19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. 20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. Oppression and Injustice: Solomon begins by addressing the reality of oppression and injustice in the world. He warns not to be surprised if we see the poor being oppressed by the powerful and if justice is miscarried throughout the land.   Corruption in Authority: He attributes this to the corruption within the system. Solomon observes that every official is under orders from higher up, and matters of justice often get lost in red tape and bureaucracy. He even points out that the king himself often exploits the land for his own profit. The Illusion of Wealth: Solomon then reflects on the illusion of wealth. He notes that those who love money will never have enough, and he emphasizes the meaningless pursuit of wealth. The Burden of Wealth: He observes that the more wealth one has, the more people come to help spend it. But ultimately, what is the advantage of wealth, except perhaps to watch it slip away? Contentment in Work: Solomon contrasts the restless pursuit of wealth with the contentment found in work. He says that people who work hard sleep well, whether they eat little or much. But the rich seldom get a good night’s sleep. The Harm of Hoarding: Another serious problem Solomon identifies is the harm caused by hoarding riches. He notes that money put into risky investments can be lost, leaving nothing to pass on to one’s children. The Reality of Mortality: Solomon reminds us of the reality of our mortality. He says that we all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can’t take our riches with us. Acceptance and Enjoyment: Despite these harsh realities, Solomon finds something good. He says it is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them. God’s Gift of Enjoyment: He sees it as a gift from God to receive wealth and good health and to enjoy both. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. Distraction from the Past: Solomon concludes by noting that God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. Key Takeaways: As we reflect on Solomon’s words, there are several key takeaways we can glean:

1. Oppression and Injustice: Solomon acknowledges the reality of oppression and injustice in the world, often due to corruption in authority.
2. The Illusion of Wealth: He warns against the pursuit of wealth, noting that it often leads to restlessness and dissatisfaction.
3. Contentment in Work: Solomon encourages us to find contentment in our work, regardless of our financial status.
4. The Harm of Hoarding: He warns against hoarding riches, as they can be lost in risky investments, leaving nothing for future generations.
5. The Reality of Mortality: Solomon reminds us of the reality of our mortality and the futility of pursuing wealth.
6. Acceptance and Enjoyment: Despite life’s hardships, Solomon encourages us to accept our lot in life and find enjoyment in the simple pleasures God has given us.

Conclusion: So, as we continue on our journey, let’s remember to find contentment in our work and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Let’s not be consumed by the pursuit of wealth, but instead, let’s accept our lot in life and find joy in the gifts God has given us. Join me next time as we delve further into the book of Ecclesiastes. Until then, keep seeking wisdom, keep finding joy in your work, and keep making a positive impact on the world around you. Reflect… If you found this podcast insightful, subscribe and leave us a review, then encourage your friends and family to join us and come along tomorrow for another day of ‘Wisdom-Trek, Creating a Legacy.’. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide, mentor, and, most importantly, I am your friend as I serve you through this Wisdom-Trek podcast and journal. As we take this Trek together, let us always:

1. Live Abundantly (Fully)
2. Love Unconditionally
3. Listen Intentionally
4. Learn Continuously
5. Lend to others Generously
6. Lead with Integrity
7. Leave a Living Legacy Each Day

I am Guthrie Chamberlain….reminding you to’ Keep Moving Forward,’ ‘Enjoy your Journey,’ and ‘Create a Great Day…Everyday! See you next time for more daily wisdom!