Wisdom in the Traffic Patterns of Life
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 10:4–15, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s practical wisdom for navigating the everyday “traffic patterns” of life—especially in dealing with difficult people, dangerous tasks, and careless speech. First, Solomon addresses misguided anger, urging believers not to overreact when authority figures lose their temper but to remain calm, steady, and self-controlled, letting composure defuse conflict. He then highlights misguided appointments, situations where unqualified people are promoted and capable people are overlooked, reminding listeners that such unfairness is common in a fallen world and must be met with humility and trust in God. Next, Solomon describes five dangerous assignments—digging pits, breaking down walls, quarrying stones, splitting logs, and charming snakes—to illustrate the need for practical wisdom: being protective, patient, perceptive, prepared, and punctual rather than reckless or hurried. Finally, Solomon warns about careless conversation, contrasting the gracious speech of the wise with the destructive, devious, delusional, and distracting words of the fool who talks endlessly yet cannot even “find his way to the city.” Davey concludes that wisdom shows up not in heroic moments but in the small, daily choices to watch our walk, our work, and our words, living thoughtfully and faithfully before God in the ordinary routines of life.
Uncommon Common Sense
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 10:1–3, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s vivid illustrations showing how foolishness—what Solomon calls “folly”—quickly exposes itself and carries consequences far greater than people expect. Using the image of dead flies ruining expensive perfume, Solomon teaches that even “small sins” can corrupt an otherwise good reputation, just as one careless act can overshadow years of integrity. Next, Solomon observes that the heart determines direction: a wise person’s heart inclines to the “right” (a picture of blessing, truth, and God’s authority), while a fool’s heart inclines to the “left” (a picture of drifting from God). Davey emphasizes that Solomon is not making a political statement but revealing a timeless principle—your internal convictions inevitably shape your external choices. Finally, Solomon notes that a fool advertises his foolishness simply by the way he walks through life, unaware that his decisions, attitudes, and speculations make his rejection of God obvious to everyone but himself. Davey concludes that human wisdom—whether in science, philosophy, or religion—cannot answer life’s deepest questions, but Christ can. True wisdom begins when a person stops wandering in the darkness of speculation and follows the One who said, “I am the light of the world,” finding in Him the only path that leads to life.
Expect the Unexpected
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 9:11–18, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s counsel on how to live wisely in a world filled with unexpected, uncontrollable events. Solomon observes that life does not always reward the fastest, strongest, smartest, or most qualified: runners lose races, armies lose battles, wise people go hungry, shrewd investors go bankrupt, and capable workers are overlooked—not because God is absent, but because “time and chance,” meaning unforeseen events, interrupt everyone’s plans. Davey illustrates this with Solomon’s case study of a poor but wise man who saved an entire city, only to be forgotten and uncelebrated. Even so, Solomon insists that wisdom is still the right way to live. Davey highlights Solomon’s three clarifications: wisdom might not win the most applause, because people often honor power more than truth; wisdom might not gain the largest audience, since loud and foolish voices frequently dominate the stage; and wisdom might not win the biggest arguments, because a single sinner can undo good faster than wisdom can build it. Yet wisdom—defined as making the right decision, for the right reason, at the right time, and with the right motive—comes from God alone and is expressed perfectly in Jesus Christ. Davey concludes that while life brings unexpected twists, believers can “expect the unexpected” with steady confidence by seeking God’s wisdom, submitting to His Word, and walking closely with the One who embodies wisdom itself.
Dancing Before the Grim Reaper
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 9:1–10, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s wisdom about facing life and death with realism, humility, and joyful gratitude. Solomon first reminds his readers that all our deeds are in God’s hands—not meaning we are puppets, but that the sovereign Lord lovingly weaves every choice and circumstance into His purposes. Next, Solomon confronts the certainty of death: the righteous and the wicked, the religious and the irreligious—all meet the same appointment, proving humanity’s universal sinfulness and need for a Savior. Davey notes that unbelievers avoid thinking about death because deep down they lack confidence about the afterlife and know they will soon be forgotten by the world. Instead of despair, Solomon calls believers to embrace life with joyful intentionality. He urges them to enjoy simple gifts—a good meal, festive clothing, meaningful relationships—and especially to delight in marriage and family. Finally, Solomon commands God’s people to work wholeheartedly, seizing every task with enthusiasm, knowing that earthly opportunities do not last forever. Davey concludes that the wise believer does not fear the “grim reaper,” but “dances before him”—enjoying God’s everyday blessings, savoring relationships, pursuing excellence, and living today as a preview of the eternal joy to come.
The Missing Piece
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 8:9–17, Stephen Davey explains how Solomon exposes four “missing pieces” of life—puzzling injustices that make the world feel incomplete unless viewed through God’s sovereignty. First, Solomon observes that people in power often misuse their authority (v. 9), reminding us that corruption is not a modern invention and that bitterness develops when we forget that God ultimately oversees authority. Second, he notes that hypocrites often receive the loudest praise (v. 10), describing individuals who appear religious yet live wickedly—people celebrated publicly while hiding lives of deception. Davey illustrates this danger through Solomon’s warning that outward religiosity is no substitute for a regenerated heart. Third, Solomon laments that the wheels of justice often turn slowly—or not at all (vv. 11–13). Though evil people may repeat their crimes “a hundred times” and seem to prolong their lives, judgment is inevitable; God will expose every sin, and only those who fear Him will ultimately find it “well” with their souls. Fourth, Solomon observes that life is not always fair (v. 14), as righteous people sometimes suffer what the wicked deserve and vice versa. Davey explains that God still holds pieces of the puzzle, and believers must wait for Him to reveal how it fits together. Solomon therefore offers two conclusions: thank God for the blessings you can see (v. 15)—the simple gifts of food, work, and daily joy that many overlook—and trust God with the mysteries you cannot see (vv. 16–17), since no amount of effort or wisdom can uncover everything God is doing. Davey closes with the reminder that the “missing pieces” are in God’s hand, not lost; He alone will complete the picture in His time, bringing justice, clarity, and peace to all who trust Him.
Bringing Wisdom to Work
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 8:2–8, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s counsel on how godly wisdom operates in workplaces, governments, and every environment shaped by authority. Solomon begins with obedience to authority, teaching that earthly leaders—whether kings, supervisors, teachers, or officials—possess delegated authority from God. Davey reminds believers that obeying rightful authority is ultimately an act of obedience to God Himself, unless such commands require disobedience to Scripture. Solomon then urges patience in the process, advising people not to react impulsively toward authority but to slow down, respond carefully, and guard against anger-driven decisions. Next comes loyalty to the office, as Solomon warns against joining “evil causes,” retaliating, or undermining leaders—even when they act unfairly—because doing wrong never defeats wrongdoing. Davey highlights Solomon’s instruction to speak with discernment, knowing when and how to speak, and recognizing that only God sees the future and understands how He may use even painful events—like the “bombshell blessings” in Davey’s opening illustration—to bring about good. Solomon concludes by exposing the limitations of human power: no one can control the wind, no one can determine their death, no one can escape life’s battles, and no one can avoid the consequences of sin. Davey closes by urging believers to seek the wisdom God freely gives—to work with integrity, follow authority without compromise, respond to hardship with trust, and believe that even life’s “bomb moments” may be mercies in disguise.
The Balance and Behavior of Wisdom
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:15–8:1, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s counsel on how godly wisdom brings balance to a life that often feels unfair, confusing, or unpredictable. Solomon observes that righteous people sometimes die young while the wicked seem to live long, reminding listeners that life doesn’t always “play by the rules” and must be viewed through God’s sovereignty. Davey shows how Solomon warns against two self-centered extremes—self-righteous pride and self-destructive wickedness—and urges a humble walk with God instead. Wisdom, Solomon teaches, is stronger than political power and shapes behavior in four ways: it rejects perfectionism by acknowledging that no one is sinless; it refuses to be paralyzed by criticism, remembering both our limitations and our own faults; it recognizes the limits of human intellect, since even the wisest people “paddle in the shallows” of God’s vast knowledge; and it resists hedonism, exposing the emptiness of pursuing pleasure rather than holiness. Davey notes that Solomon himself sought satisfaction in a thousand relationships but found none of them capable of giving what only God could provide. As Solomon concludes, godly wisdom makes a person unique, equips them to make discerning decisions, and softens their attitude and demeanor—changing even the hardness of their face. Davey closes by urging believers to seek true wisdom from God, who alone is perfect, all-knowing, gracious, and able to satisfy the searching heart.
Following the Best Advice
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 7:1–14, Stephen Davey explains how Solomon shifts from raising life’s troubling questions to offering God-given wisdom for living well. Davey highlights four truths Solomon teaches: contemplate your mortality, because facing death cultivates serious thinking and a life of purpose rather than pretense; choose wise companions, since the rebuke of the godly is far more valuable than the shallow laughter of fools; cultivate godly character, resisting the pull of anger, corruption, impatience, and nostalgic fantasies about “the good old days”; and consider your Creator with humility, recognizing that God ordains both prosperity and adversity, the straight paths and the crooked ones, to deepen trust in Him. Davey concludes that Solomon’s inspired counsel urges believers to live with sober perspective, intentional relationships, steadfast integrity, and humble dependence on the God who shapes every season of life.
Like Father Like Son
In his sermon on Romans 4:22–25, Stephen Davey explains that Paul presents Abraham not only as the pattern of saving faith but also as the proof that salvation has always been by believing in God’s promise rather than by human effort. Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God—and Paul says this was written “not for his sake only,” but for ours, so that we would imitate his faith. Davey identifies seven lessons to learn from Abraham: salvation depends not on who you are but on who you know—the resurrected Christ; believers can trust God’s promises even when they seem impossible; obedience is required even without full explanation; people of great faith are not perfect but grow through failure; stepping out in faith often brings hardship, not ease; faithfulness is not one grand decision but thousands of small obediences; and being remembered for courage and faith requires actually taking courageous, faithful steps. Through vivid illustrations—from a boy trying to “buy” the Washington Monument to the elderly woman whose simple tea invitation launched a ministry—Davey urges believers to live lives worth imitating. He concludes that just as Abraham believed God about a coming Redeemer, Christians believe in the One Paul describes here: Jesus, “delivered over for our transgressions and raised for our justification,” the Lord whom every knee will one day confess.
Abraham and Islam
In his sermon on Romans 4:20–21, Stephen Davey shows how Paul presents Abraham as the model of unwavering faith—faith that refuses to collapse even when God’s promise appears humanly impossible. While Abraham’s body was “as good as dead” and Sarah long barren, he did not waver but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God by thanking Him in advance for what He had promised. Before unpacking that faith, Davey addresses Islam’s claim that Abraham was the first Muslim, explaining the historical development of Islam, its use of Abraham as a spiritual figurehead, and its significant contradictions with the Old and New Testaments. He demonstrates that Islam’s portrayal of biblical events and of Jesus Himself dismantles the gospel and that the Qur’an’s teachings differ sharply from Scripture. Returning to Paul’s argument, Davey emphasizes that the true promise given to Abraham—confirmed in Galatians 3:16—pointed specifically to Christ, the singular “Seed” through whom all nations would be blessed. Abraham’s great responses were twofold: he grew in daily faith and gave glory to God, trusting God’s character above visible evidence. Davey concludes by urging believers to respond to Islam—and all other belief systems—with respect for individuals, recognition of doctrinal differences, and rededication to wholehearted Christian living, challenging Christians to match the zeal, prayerfulness, and devotion often displayed by Muslims. Ultimately, Abraham belongs not to any single nation or religion but to all who, like him, place their faith in God’s promised Redeemer—Jesus Christ.