Making the Most of Our Time
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Ecclesiastes 2
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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.
Putting Wisdom to Work
In his sermon on Proverbs 16:1–22:16, Stephen Davey explains that godly wisdom shows up in everyday life through humility, discipline, and trust in the Lord. Solomon teaches believers to commit their plans to God, warning that pride, impatience, and uncontrolled anger inevitably lead to ruin. Davey emphasizes that true strength is measured not by power or position, but by self-control and a submissive spirit before God. Solomon also reminds readers that God ultimately rules over leaders, work, families, and outcomes, even when circumstances appear chaotic. Davey concludes that wisdom is put to work when believers plan carefully, labor diligently, parent faithfully, and entrust every result to the sovereign Lord.
Words and Work
In his sermon on Proverbs 10–15, Stephen Davey explains that these chapters shift from extended instruction to concise, stand-alone proverbs that reveal character through daily choices. Solomon highlights general principles—not guarantees—showing that wisdom typically leads to security, integrity, and peace, while folly produces instability and regret. A dominant theme is the power of words: speech can heal or harm, calm conflict or ignite it, and reveal whether wisdom or foolishness rules the heart. Davey also emphasizes the value of discipline, godly counsel, and wise friendships, noting that those we allow to influence us will shape our future. He concludes that pursuing wisdom in both speech and conduct testifies to our relationship with the Lord and guards us from self-destructive paths.
An Invitation from a Woman Named Wisdom
In his sermon on Proverbs 8–9, Stephen Davey explains that Solomon contrasts two invitations—one from Lady Wisdom and one from Lady Folly—each calling out publicly and urgently for a response. Lady Wisdom offers truth, discernment, godly living, and life, showing that wisdom comes from God Himself and was present at creation. Those who accept her invitation grow in understanding and learn to walk straight paths that honor God and bless others. Lady Folly mimics Wisdom’s invitation but offers stolen pleasures that ultimately lead to shame, judgment, and death. Davey concludes that every person must choose which invitation to accept, because choosing wisdom leads to life worth living, while choosing folly leads to ruin.
The Warnings of Wisdom and the Ways of an Ant
In his sermon on Proverbs 6:1–19, Stephen Davey explains that wisdom is revealed not only by what believers do, but also by what they avoid. Solomon warns against careless financial commitments, especially cosigning debt, and then lists seven behaviors God finds morally repulsive, including pride, deceit, violence, and sowing discord. Davey then turns to Solomon’s portrait of the sluggard—someone who is undependable, full of excuses, and resistant to instruction. Solomon’s remedy is simple but searching: observe the ant, whose diligence, discipline, and self-motivation reflect God’s design. Davey concludes that God cares deeply about how His people work, because faithful diligence ultimately represents the reputation of Christ and the credibility of His gospel.
On a Collision Course With Sin
In his sermon on Proverbs 5–7, Stephen Davey warns that sexual sin is a deadly collision caused by ignoring God’s protective “stop signs.” Solomon exposes how temptation begins with sweetness and flattery but always ends in bitterness, dishonor, and lifelong consequences. Davey emphasizes that sexual sin does not begin with actions but with small mental compromises that gradually lower spiritual defenses. Solomon urges believers to apply wisdom early—flee temptation, refuse overconfidence, and never assume immunity from sin. Davey concludes that when temptation comes, believers must immediately call on the Lord for strength, trusting that God’s commands are given for protection, purity, and freedom.