A Love Song For the Ages
In his sermon on Song of Solomon 1:1–3:5, Stephen Davey explains that this poetic book celebrates God’s design for love, attraction, and intimacy within the covenant of marriage. Solomon’s love song traces a courtship marked by desire, affirmation, and anticipation, while repeatedly warning against awakening sexual intimacy before God’s appointed time. Davey addresses the church’s discomfort with the book, noting that God Himself created marriage and physical intimacy and placed loving boundaries around it for protection and joy. The repeated refrain—“do not awaken love until it pleases”—serves as a call to patience, self-control, and trust in God’s timing. Davey concludes that the Song of Solomon honors God by showing that true intimacy flourishes best when desire is governed by obedience, reverence, and devotion to the Lord.
Living for Today and that Final Day
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 12:9–14, Stephen Davey explains that Solomon closes his journal by pointing readers to the only true purpose of life: fearing God and obeying His Word. Solomon reflects on his role as a teacher of God’s truth, reminding readers that Scripture is both painfully honest and firmly anchored, given by the one true Shepherd. Davey emphasizes that wisdom from God is meant to prod, correct, and nail truth securely into the heart—not entertain or impress. Solomon then distills life into three priorities: worship God, obey His commands, and live in preparation for final judgment. Davey concludes that meaning is found not in living “under the sun,” but in walking daily with the Son, knowing that every life will ultimately stand before God.
When Common Sense Is No Longer Common
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 10–12, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s warning that even small acts of foolishness can destroy a godly reputation, like a single fly ruining costly perfume. Solomon exposes how a lack of common sense—living apart from God—leads to careless decisions, rebellion, and long-term regret. Writing as a repentant king, Solomon urges the young to enjoy life with joy and gratitude while remembering that freedom always carries accountability before God. He reminds readers that sin must be confronted early, because delayed obedience leads to empty living and sorrow later in life. Davey concludes that the most sensible decision at any age is to remember and commit to the Creator, walking with Him before the “evil days” arrive.
Living with Purpose and Joy
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 6–9, Stephen Davey explains Solomon’s warning against chasing fulfillment apart from God, comparing it to a donkey endlessly pursuing a carrot on a stick. Solomon exposes three dangers: a life that appears full while the heart remains empty, the false assumption that promotion equals success, and the misery of fixating on what we do not have instead of enjoying God’s gifts. Davey shows that religious appearances and public praise cannot satisfy the soul or impress heaven if the heart is hollow. Solomon also wrestles honestly with delayed justice and hypocrisy, reminding believers that God’s judgment may seem slow but is always certain. Davey concludes that true purpose and joy come from walking with the Lord, living gratefully, and enjoying life as God’s approved and redeemed people.
Making the Most of Our Time
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 2–5, Stephen Davey explains how Solomon chronicles his failed pursuit of happiness through pleasure, laughter, alcohol, achievement, and self-indulgence, only to conclude that life without God is empty and exhausting. Solomon’s repeated use of “I” reveals a self-focused experiment that ends in frustration, teaching that entertainment and success cannot satisfy the soul. Davey highlights Solomon’s reminder that God has appointed seasons for everything, fitting all events together according to His sovereign purposes—even when they do not appear beautiful at the moment. Humanity is wired for eternity, yet cannot fully understand God’s plans, which fuels longing for heaven and ultimate meaning beyond life “under the sun.” Davey concludes that true contentment comes from being God-focused—accepting His gifts, valuing relationships, worshiping reverently, and entrusting the brief “dash” of life entirely into His hands.
How to Live a Meaningless Life
In his sermon on Ecclesiastes 1, Stephen Davey explains that Solomon writes as a repentant king, warning readers what life becomes when lived without God’s truth as the guiding “instrument panel.” Drawing from his own experience, Solomon declares that life pursued merely “under the sun” is empty, repetitive, and ultimately meaningless. Human wisdom, achievement, and exploration cannot satisfy the soul or straighten what sin has made crooked. Davey emphasizes that Solomon’s boredom and despair expose the futility of chasing fulfillment apart from God. He concludes that Ecclesiastes begins with grace-filled warning: abandoning God leads to spiritual disorientation, but returning to Him restores meaning, direction, and hope.
The Profile of a Godly Woman
In his sermon on Proverbs 31, Stephen Davey explains that this chapter records a mother’s godly counsel—likely Bathsheba’s—to her son, King Lemuel, urging wisdom in leadership, purity, and self-control. She first warns against sexual compromise and alcohol, drawing from her own painful history and its consequences. Davey then highlights the famous acrostic poem describing a virtuous woman, emphasizing that it presents a goal of godliness, not a demand for perfection. This woman is marked by reverence for the Lord, diligent work, wise stewardship, compassion for the needy, and character that blesses her family and strengthens her husband’s reputation. Davey concludes that true beauty is rooted not in charm or appearance, but in fearing the Lord and living for what will last eternally.
Words of Wisdom from Creation
In his sermon on Proverbs 30, Stephen Davey explains that Agur begins wisdom with humility, openly admitting his limitations and directing attention to the greatness and authority of God alone. Agur asks rhetorical questions that point to the Creator—and even hint at God the Son—showing that true wisdom starts with reverence, not self-confidence. He then warns against four common sins: dishonoring parents, self-righteous hypocrisy, arrogance, and exploiting the poor. Agur contrasts human sinfulness with lessons from creation, highlighting small creatures like ants and locusts that model diligence, unity, and wise restraint. Davey concludes that godly wisdom grows through humility, obedience, moral clarity, and careful observation of God’s created order.
Recovering Some Ancient Proverbs
In his sermon on Proverbs 25–29, Stephen Davey explains that these collected proverbs—preserved centuries later under King Hezekiah—provide practical wisdom for everyday life. Solomon offers guidance on handling conflict wisely, warning against rushing to court, fueling gossip, or damaging one’s reputation through careless words. Davey highlights repeated cautions against pride, self-promotion, and boasting about tomorrow, reminding believers that God alone controls outcomes. These chapters also stress honest self-examination, integrity, and humility, showing that the heart ultimately reveals true character. Davey concludes that God preserved these proverbs out of love, providing timeless instruction so His people can make the right decisions for the right reasons in His presence.
A Word to the Wise
In his sermon on Proverbs 22:17–24:34, Stephen Davey explains that this collection of “words to the wise” is meant not merely to inform but to transform the heart. Solomon urges believers to internalize wisdom—keeping it “within” and ready on their lips—so it shapes daily decisions and character. Davey highlights key warnings against stealing, exploiting the vulnerable, obsessing over wealth, envying the wicked, overeating, and abusing alcohol, showing how these habits quietly destroy lives. Solomon contrasts the empty future of the wicked with the secure hope promised to those who fear the Lord. Davey concludes that genuine wisdom avoids danger early, exercises self-control seriously, and chooses obedience that leads to lasting hope rather than momentary pleasure.