Thank you for listening to Servants for Christ. And all that we do and all that we say, we want to give glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for tuning us in as we get into the wonderful Word of God. For the next few minutes, let's take the beautiful Word of God and share it with each and every one of you as we have a sense of anticipation to take the Word of God and to listen to its truth for each and every one. Thank you for tuning us in as we continue on in our devotions from the book of Ecclesiastes, Wisdom for Life's Journey. Here as the book of Ecclesiastes. deals with life's biggest questions. What's the meaning of life? How can we find contentment in uncertain times? And how do we navigate a world full of both beauty and brokenness? You see, this devotion teaches us the timeless wisdom of guiding us toward God's purpose for our lives. And it reveals all of the wealth of pleasures pointing to a true fulfillment in a relationship with God as we connect to everyday lives of all of God's sovereignty, the value of time, and the joy of his gifts. Here in our devotion, we're going to be talking from Ecclesiastes chapter 10 about wise advice for seeking lasting joy. Wise advice for seeking lasting joy. In verses one through three, we're gonna recognize that even small acts of foolishness can cause great harm. In verse four, we can learn how to stay calm when we're confronted by angry leaders. In verses five through seven, we can be cautious about placing inexperienced people in leadership roles. In verses eight through 11, work thoughtfully, remain vigilant, and avoid negligence. In verses 12 through 15, value the wisdom of constructive words and reject foolish talk. And lastly, in number six, in our devotion, verses 16 through 20, we'll talk about understand how the fate of a nation is tied to its leadership. Here, as we start out wisdom for life's journey. Will you pray with me? Heavenly Father, we come before you acknowledging our need for your grace and forgiveness. And your word declares that if we confess our sins, that you're faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Lord, we ask your forgiveness for our times of our words that have caused harm rather than healing and cleanse us from sins that hinder our walk with you. Help us daily to put on the whole armor of God, Lord, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Guard our minds with a helmet of salvation, strengthen us with a shield of faith, and guide our words to speak only truth and grace. Open our hearts today to receive your wisdom and apply it into our lives. In Jesus' marvelous mighty name we pray, amen. You know, one day while sitting in a traffic, a lady repeated some words that she had overheard from a young daughter. and embarrassed and convicted, the father realized how much his words held, because even in the ears of a young child while they were sitting in traffic, and as she began to repeat the words that she had heard said, it was a moment of reckoning, a clear reminder that our words not only reflect our character, but also shape the lives of those that are around us. Well, here in the book of Ecclesiastes, there's a similar admonition. Because he tells us, words from the mouth of the wise are gracious, but fools are consumed by their own lips. And we explore the weight of our words and how they reflect wisdom, our foolishness, or how they prepare us for the influences of our speech for our entire lives. And so, wisdom for life's journey, we look and we realize wise advice for seeking lasting joy. And I'm glad that each and every one of us, as we look and realize that first of all, number one, we need to recognize that even the small acts of foolishness can cause great harm. in verses one, two, and three, we're to avoid the careless actions as they can lead to a lot of horrible consequences. And so, you know what? A man that built highways posted a sign on the front and the rear of his large grading machine, this, and it said on the sign, the road to happiness is always under construction, unquote. You know, people spend their lives doing one thing and that is changing another to an effort to perfect happiness. But the process, one that is almost always under construction because Solomon gives us a blueprint for a happy life here in chapter 10 of the book of Ecclesiastes. Happiness is the result of a person making wise decisions and then living his or her life wisely. And so, wise counsel. Just like chapter seven here in chapter 10 is a reminder of Solomon's writing in the book of Proverbs as well, that he offers a set of wise sayings that can be organized into six primarily lessons that he tells us about. And those six lessons are what I am shared with you in this devotion that I just talked about. From starting out to recognize even the small acts of foolishness that can harm us, to the sixth thing, to understand how the fate of a nation is tied to its leadership. And so we look and we realize that he tells us, first off, when we read verse one, from the Word of God, he said, dead flies calls the ointment and the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor, so doeth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor. Now what is he talking about? He's saying that sometimes perfume is worthless. The costly, the precious ingredients from which it was made are wasted and the value is no longer considered because the core of its value, the purity, the distinctiveness has been corrupted and its usefulness has been destroyed by the presence of dead flies. And so in the same way, one senseless, impulsive mistake, just one can sabotage a person's reputation testimony and influence. And I'm telling you, old Tim R., when we did carpenter work years ago, used to say something that he says, you know what, he says, this one good, this one good, this one bad thing can take away all the old that a good boy does. You know, that a boy, you can get 10 that a boys, but when you get one of them old you know what's, it'll wipe out all the good of the good boys. And you know what? That's so true. Solomon is speaking again about the importance of a good name, the balance of a lifetime careful, consistent, upright living, because on one side is one mindless wayward act, but scripture tips the scales and overshadows the years of good judgment, the fact that somehow we can compare a good name to precious perfume. And the same in this verse that the metaphor stresses here that one scentless act blemishes a person's good name, often ruining his or her reputation and honor. And so, when we look and we realize that, and that we see that out of all of this that happens, We know that the foolish behavior, even a little, is dangerous. Solomon picks up where he left off in chapter nine, that he talks about one sinner can destroy the good that a multitude of people have done. In verse one, he talks about foolish behavior that spores the reputation of a wise person, in the same way that one piece of bad fruit can ruin the whole basket. Everything that he's talking about picture the finest quality of the designer that they can do and it's mixed with some most precious Fragrant substance that has some kind of aroma and all of a sudden it can destroy every bit of the good That's exactly what we're talking about because here We look and we see that a perfume can become worthless. And so, as we read in the word of God that he says, verse two, a wise man's heart is at his right hand, but a fool's heart at his left. And verse three, yea, also when he that is a fool walketh by the way, his wisdom faileth him. And he saith to everyone that he is a fool. And so we recognize that even small acts of foolishness can cause great harm. Because foolish behavior exposes a corrupt heart. A person's heart determines his or her actions and words. And so foolish behavior is the fruit of a corrupt heart. You know what? What did Jesus say in Luke chapter 6 verse 45? A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil, for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. You see, a foolish heart is a sign of immaturity. There's a lot of immature Christians walking around in the world today that makes all of the mature Christians look like fools. because foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, the proverb says. Other words, a corrupt heart pulls a person toward dishonorable deeds. And the right hand, that is the place of honor, while the left hand is viewed as the seat of dishonor, Solomon is saying that the wise man leans toward what are honorable and strengthens his reputation, while the foolish man leans toward what is dishonorable and harms his reputation. You see, A fool does not have to carry a place card on himself that says, I'm a fool, I'm a stupid fool. Oh my God, I'm a stupid fool. No, the fact of the matter is that all that he has to do is just open up his big wide mouth. And sometimes he doesn't even have to open his mouth to prove that he's a fool because his crazy foolish actions will tell on him. Through the course of a day, a person's words and actions bear the witness to foolishness within his or her heart, the integrity of the walk that earns a person's reputation of honor or dishonor. And for that reason, the fool cannot, I mean, cannot disguise the foolishness that's in him. And so, when we see verses one, two, and three to recognize that even small acts of foolishness can cause great harm in our devotion of Ecclesiastes chapter 10, As believers, we must always be concerned about our testimony before others. Someday, we will stand before the Lord in judgment to give an account of our influence upon others, and whether good or bad. Think about all the great men of faith whose testimonies were marred and lives forever changed by moments of moments of senseless behavior over the years. Abraham's influence was compromised because of dishonesty and declaring that Sarah was his sister rather than his wife. In fact, Pharaoh rejected him from Egypt because of it in Genesis chapter 12. Think of Noah's testimony that was damaged by one episode of shameful drunkenness in Genesis chapter 9. Well, think of David's life and family that were forever changed by one weak moment of indulgence and the lust of seeing a naked woman on the rooftop in 2 Samuel chapter 11. And then he went and committed murder and killed the man's husband, the woman's husband. Moses' destiny was altered by one rash act of frustration, impatience, and anger when he struck the rock instead of speaking to it, in Numbers chapter 20. And all of these men were still used by God. But their effectiveness, as well as their testimonies, were damaged by their personal failures. And though their overall lives are still shining examples to the world today, the brightness has been dimmed by their reckless acts. If these heroes of faith had their images defiled by personal corruption, it was brief how much more can we, vitally important as we walk in the humble dependence upon the Lord, must be filled, must be filled with the Spirit, clothed in the daily armor of God, with the sword of the Spirit, the word of God, always ready to do battle against the temptations of life. I myself fail, fail miserably daily. But when we look and look as we continue on, not only wise advice for seeking lasting joy. Secondly, we need to stay calm when we're confronted by angry leaders in verse four, because we respond with a composure and patience to diffuse tension. And that's hard to do sometimes. Some people have a button on them that when that button gets pushed, they act like someone you don't even recognize. They are totally out of control. And so, we gotta remain composed if a person of authority becomes angry. Solomon offers that he tells us in the reading here that he says, And so, we've gotta Don't quit or resign or forfeit our position of duty because someone in a higher position, a boss or an instructor or a ruler or a principal or any number of other levels of power gets upset and irritates you. Don't make an unwise decision based on hurt feelings and embarrassment or anger. Even if you feel that you've been wronged or disrespected, don't react by doing something that is foolish. We've got to be calm and correct the mistake. Remember, I know this is not easy to do. but we don't need to be fueled by our emotions. It's always best to wait until we've calmed down and our emotions are under control before taking any action. Words hastily spoken out of hurt or anger are often irresponsible and inappropriate, and worst of all, they cannot be recalled. And you will be far more successful in confronting someone when you can do so in a controlled environment. calm manner. Disrespectful, emotionally charged words will only worsen the situation. And so remember the wise proverb, out of the word of God in Proverbs chapter 15, verse one, a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger. You see a calm and a quiet spirit, one that allows the Lord to take over before responding will promote the healing of your relationship with any angry authority figure. And so, We apply these things to our home, our children, our teenagers that don't run away or lose respect for parents because of harsh words and tempers, because adult children should not cut off relationship with parents. Spouses should not let arguments, heated moments come between them. No, or severing relationships or forbearance or forgiveness because of this or that. And so even as an employee, a child, a spouse often tolerate, and sometimes they're in abusive relationships, nor should a person with a bad temper simply be excused. But Solomon said back in chapter eight, that there is an appropriate time and appropriate way to appeal with those who occupy positions over us. Solomon's advice is that we're not to retaliate nor walk away from our responsibilities or our relationships because of angry outbursts or harsh words by those in authority. Instead, we're to hold our tongues, remain calm, and patiently wait for the right time to address the issue. Again, this may not be easy for you to do, but that's what the Bible and wisdom, when we have wise advice for seeking lasting joy, comes on the scene. Remember that any of us who are leaders and authorities are also sinners. And when pressures and problems mount, we're prone to vent our frustrations toward those around us and those who mean the most to us. And far too often, we're guilty of speaking harshly to or about others, of being impatient with others, of losing our temper with others, of severely severing our relationship. And so we must forbear and forgive and hope that others will forbear and forgive. Christ has set the perfect example, the be patient, always forgiving. Even though that we sometimes, as Paul said, let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice, and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you. Paul said also in Colossians, put on therefore as the elect of God, holy, beloved, bowels of mercy, kindness, humbleness, of mind, meekness, longsuffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another. If any man have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And so, Proverbs, as we look from the wisdom of Proverbs, he says, by long forbearance is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue beareth the bone. So here are some very difficult times that we do. But let's move on from the wise advice for seeking lasting joy. Number one, two and three, verses one, two, and three. Number one, recognize that even small acts of foolishness can cause great harm. Number two, stay calm when you're confronted by angry leaders in verse four. But number three, verses five down to verse seven that we read out of Ecclesiastes chapter 10. Number three, be cautious about placing inexperienced people in leadership roles because you have to ensure decisions about authority are based on proven character and ability. Will you read along with me as we do our devotion in Ecclesiastes chapter 10, start with verse five. As we continue on, he says, There is an evil which I have seen under the sun as an error which proceedeth from the ruler. Verse six, folly is set in great dignity and the rich set in low place. He says in verse seven, lastly, I've seen servants upon horses, princes walking as servants upon the earth. When we look at this, we see that we've got a guard against people that have little proven ability because sometimes, as Solomon recognizes the danger of having unqualified people in positions of authority, it's bad for everyone that is involved. It's bad for the king, it's bad for the nation, and it's bad for the people. Some rulers and leaders have authority to to fool and not to a people of a proven ability, because in verses five and six, the word error that we read in verse five refers to an unintentional mistake rather than an intentional wrong. Rulers is different from the word in verse four, because in verse four, the word ruler refers to an authority at any level. But in verse five, the ruler, the Hebrew word shalaf, is used of a sovereign ruler of authority. So down through history, many rulers have made unwise and tragic appointments, and their favoritism are in return for a favor. Solomon wrote, and he had in mind that this appointment, even as of Jeroboam to a position of great leadership in his own kingdom, Jeroboam was the son of a servant who rebelled against Solomon. And so, As we see, some leaders allow unqualified to manage while the qualified served. And so as the true leadership position in a government in any nation, the same is true in the church. When the wrong people occupy positions of leadership, problems and trouble emerge. And for that reason, the New Testament gives strict and very specific guidelines to navigate the church in the selection of leaders, that we notice the qualifications of an elder or an overseer or as a pastor. Amen. The qualifications that come from 1 Timothy chapter 3 and 1 Timothy chapter 1. the qualifications of a deacon that are identical in 1 Timothy 3, verses 8 through 13. How should leaders be chosen in the church? The apostles established three basic criteria for the church at Jerusalem in their selection of the first deacons. They were to be men of good reputation with solid, consistent testimonies. They were to be men who were filled with the Holy Spirit, who showed evidence of such in their lives. They were to be men who were possessed and displayed wisdom. And many problems today within the church could be avoided if those charges would simply follow the warning that when ordaining and when appointing people to leadership positions within the church, they lay hands suddenly on no man. Because I'm telling you, we look and realize, as Proverbs says, delight is not seemingly for a fool, but much less for a servant to have rule over princes. Every one of us can make mistakes. So we have to be careful, be cautious about placing inexperienced people in leadership of roles. We go on to the fourth point in wise advice for seeking lasting joy. And that is, he says, verses 8 through 11, number 4, work thoughtfully, remain vigilant, and avoid negligence. In other words, plan carefully, stay attentive to prevent unnecessary mistakes. And so, I'm glad that each and every one of us, we plan our work, we stay alert, and we guard against carelessness, because Solomon offers down-to-earth advice in our daily jobs, and he cites five Pacific occupations where hazards are possible, even likely, because if the laborer does not plan for them, purposely, precautiously avoid them, then these are examples that all workers in every occupation need to learn. What we read in verse eight, he says we need to plan when digging a hole, because there are always the dangers of falling into it. The wise man will cause caution when close to its rim. And Solomon paints of a man digging a hole as a trap for an animal, foolishly forgetting where it's located and falling in it. And so number one, plan where you're digging a hole. But number two, plan where you're demolishing a wall. Because the scenario of the picture is a man working who is caught by surprise by a snake. And perhaps that snake is nesting under the hedge or within the crevices of a wall or a stone fence that he's tearing down. Unseen, unanticipated dangers. And we all must be aware that what is going on around us. We must pay close attention to our surroundings and expect the unexpected. And so, plan when you're digging a hole, in verse 8. And plan when you're demolishing a wall, in verse 8. But in verse 9, plan when you're working in a stone quarry or when splitting locks, because both of these occupations have hazards. The wise worker will anticipate what could go wrong, and will prepare in advance for the dangers But also, we have to be careful of what happens because many accidents occur because people either carelessly or over-cautiously do not take preventive measures to avoid them. And then, fourthly, in verse 10, plan when circumstances and equipment are not perfect. Wise planning ensures success. Solomon is advising us to work smarter, not harder. Far greater to make time to sharpen our axe than it does to beat and cut with a dull axe, to work efficiently, use the sharpest best suited tools, the most advanced methods to preserve strength to accomplish swiftly and efficiently as possible. And fifthly, in verse 11, plan when charming a snake because poor planning risks a loss of income and a loss of life. What do we read in verse 11? Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment and a babbler is no better. And so, When we look at verses eight through 11, he says, he that diggeth a pit shall fall into it, and whoso breaketh a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. In verse nine, whoso removeth stone shall be hurt wherewith, and he that cleaveth wood shall be endangered thereby. In verse 10, if the iron be blunt, and he do not whip the edge, then must he put to more strength, but wisdom is profitable to direct. And then again, verse 11, surely the serpent will bite without enchantment, and a babbler is no better. And so, Solomon's lessons that we need to be thorough in our work. And I'm glad that as we look at all of these things, I'm glad that we can look and realize that you can calm a snake before it has a chance to strike. But the message is, would be about resolving the situation or condition before anyone is harmed. And so hazardous consequences are suffered at the retribution for those actions that we're going to reap what we sow. And so Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians chapter 3, according to the grace of God, which is given unto me as a wise master builder, I've laid the foundation, and another buildeth their own. But let every man take heed how he buildeth their own. For other foundation can no man lay than that he has laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, Every man's work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. And if any man's work abide which he hath built thereon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire. You see, Paul said that he labored as a wise master builder, or an expert builder. In other words, he worked wisely, efficiently, and productively. And Paul cautioned that we too should take care in how we work. And he said that our work will be evaluated by the Lord himself. Either reward or our work will be rejected. Solomon is saying we all may always must work cautiously and be prepared for the risks that come along with our work. Sharpen our tools, use effective methods, and Our message never changes, but our methods do. And that is constantly changing culture, society, but we must use whatever acceptable means it takes to get the job done. And we must use our spiritual gifts in our service for the Lord. We should develop those gifts, sharpen our skills, and be the best implements possible in the fields of the world to bear the witness for the Lord. No work is of greater importance than the Lord's work, impacting people for eternity, reaching them and winning them to Christ. There's no room for shortcuts because we must do our best and give our best to the one who gave his all for us. And so, I'm glad we move on to the fifth thing, and that is value the wisdom of constructive words and reject foolish talk. In verses 12 down to verse 15, we need to seek out advice that builds up and ignores harmful foolishness, because what does he tell us, starting out in verse 12? The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is mischievous madness. Verse 14, a fool also is full of words. A man cannot tell what shall be and what shall be after him. Who can tell him? Lastly, in verse 15 of this, the labor of the foolish weareth every one of them because he knoweth not how to go to the city. Well, When we look at the value of wisdom of constructive words and reject foolish talk, wise advice for seeking lasting joy. We need to heed the words of the wise and not the words of fools. When we're looking for true happiness, people must carefully guard our words, how we use them and how we receive them. Because we could be identified as wise or fools by what we speak. And the words of wise are gracious, they're pleasant, They're encouraging a man and they have a lot of impact that they build up, they cheer up, they lift up everyone. And so they can be gracious, kind words that build up and help many people. But a fool's words are destructive and consuming. And so Solomon says that, These words, knowing that everything a man eats passes through his lips, but Solomon pitches a man's lips, reversing their direction and swallowing him up instead, because they destroy the reputation, the effectiveness of their work, their relationship with others and opportunities that they've spoken so foolishly. That a fool's words, we see that in verse 13. They begin to be nonsense. They lead to madness and wicked behaviors. And so, in verse 14, the fool's words are uncontrolled, and the fool's words are boastful, and they claim to know the future when they don't. And so, in verse 15, the fools talk. and work is exhausting and knows that he does not know the simplest facts. Solomon injects some kind of humor because what did we read in verse 15? A fool, the labor of the foolish worth every one of them because he knoweth not how to go to the city. And so, Solomon, as he uses this humor, a fool wears himself out and everybody else, too, with all of his talking. He has all the answers. He knows it all. He's the expert on every subject. He knows everything exactly. And the common expression is he does not even know how to go to the city. Solomon's message, he says, don't be a person that speaks foolish. Control your tongue. Let your words be like those of Jesus. and let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth. And don't be affected or controlled by a person that speaks foolishly. Don't allow someone's lying about you or slandering you to distract you from your daily duties, nor serving the Lord. Don't be influenced by a fool. Finally, be aware of all of the false teachers that are out there today. That is a lesson. Lastly, in our devotion, in verses 16 to 20, we see wise advice for seeking lasting joy. By number six, understanding how the fate of a nation is tied to its leadership. In verses 16 down to verse 20, he's telling us we need to recognize the importance of wise governors for a country's well-being. And he starts out in verse 16, he says, woe to thee, O land, where thy king is a child, and thy princes eat in the morning. Verse 17, blessed art thou, O land, where thy king is the son of nobles, and thy princes eat in due season for strength, and not for drunkenness. And verse 18, by such slothfulness the building decayeth, and through idleness of the hands the house droppeth through. In verse 19, a feast is made for laughter, wine maketh merry, but money answereth all things. And lastly, verse 20, curse not the king, no, not in thy thought, and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber, for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter. When we look at understanding how the fate of a nation is tied to its leadership, We need to be aware of a nation's destiny because Solomon acknowledges that part of people's happiness lies in the state of their nation. The economy, the job market, the morality, the righteousness, the education, the crime, the individual liberties are factors that's in our lives of quality, who are seeking true happiness, that we wisely keep informed of what's happening in his or her country, and we stay up to date on the national affairs. I'm glad that every one of us, as he contrasts leadership, He contrasts whine and unwise leaders of the nation. The destiny of disaster is caused by immature, unprepared rulers and self-indulgent leaders. There's been many of them that have got into an office that nobody even elected them in that office. They had no idea even how to handle all of the political things that are happening. They've been so unqualified and yet there they are making decisions that kill peoples and destroy a nation. You know what Solomon's warning is taken even in verse 17 that he's talking about, but even the leadership that brings disaster upon a nation in verse 16. He issues a warning that any nation whose ruler or king rose to power from childhood or servanthood, though it may be that the king is unjustly prejudiced against the lower class, this is not what Solomon means because here he suggested that they became kings with the help of friends. They are obligated to give all their jobs so they remain in the throne. And so, these are the ones that are servants that lack the specialized training compared to the one of noble birth who would have been trained in the king's house. And so, it's sad, the destiny of blessing and success of verse 17. The land is blessed whose king stands in the responsibilities of a position that they take them seriously and they require the same of their officials. eating for strength rather than for the indulgence of fleshly appetites. Solomon is speaking of government leaders who are disciplined and follow the nutritious diet in order to be physically fit for battle, leaders who value fitness over feasting. And then in verses 18 and 19, the cause of a nation's downfall, that rulers and citizens who are lazy and who are selfish. that they call the downfall. They speak of two types of people who bring disaster to a nation. People who are lazy and idle, they follow deterioration. And the other one in verse 19, people who are self-centered, they live for the moment. and their priorities. They indulge in excess. There's been many of the leaders in the nations that have made themselves rich because they're the first ones to come to the knowledge of whatever that has happened and they use that first knowledge of knowing before the public or anyone else and they take advantage of it and become rich themselves rather than looking out for the government and the people. They indulge in excess. And they believe or act as if money were the answer for everything. But lastly, in verse 20, the answer to it all, don't speak evil against a person, persons of authority or wealth. No matter how lazy and how indulgent a leader may be, Solomon warns against criticizing or speaking out against him or her because a wise word from a king who undoubtedly speaking from experience were not to speak out against a person of authority or wealth, even in privacy. Solomon says that we should not even think about it. And so from Solomon's statement, we derive that he said, a little bird told me words have a way of getting back to those against whom they are spoken. We cannot and must not assume that anybody is completely 100% trustworthy to keep a confidence. And so We never harbor hatred against somebody. And so people who live in a country where they have a voice or a vote in the selection of their leaders should take their responsibility very seriously. As true Christian believers, we should always vote for the candidate who best reflects the righteousness of God's word and who is best qualified for the office. And we should then hold them accountable for their actions if they lead the nation into disaster and ruin. And I believe everyone that has voted for people like that, they're going to be held accountable. And they're going to have to pay for their disobedience. One of the ways that God judges a rebellious nation is by assigning wicked or immature leaders to govern it. And many times, citizens of a country desire a leader who is not God's will for them. And God warns them what they desire. The truth with Israel when they wanted a king. and tragically had been true many times since. As believers, we have a holy obligation to pray for kings and all that are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. In 1 Timothy 2, verse two, it is our obligation to submit to and support those who serve in positions of government authority according to Romans 13, verses one through seven. And so, every one of us as we get ready to close out, wise advice for seeking lasting joy. Each and every one of us, I'm glad that we are sharpening our spiritual tools daily and we're relying not on dull edges for the battles that we face. And I'm glad that our words need to be filled with grace so that we don't expose our heart unguarded by wisdom, amen. And I also, I hope and pray that our actions are rooted in love and integrity and they're not reflect carelessness and self-interest. Because here in chapter 10 of Ecclesiastes 1 through 20, Solomon reminds us of the weight of our words and the importance of preparation and integrity, and our speech can be an instrument of grace or destruction, and our preparation determines our effectiveness in our spiritual battles. Our actions reveal the depth of our relationship with Christ, and as every one of you Go from listening to the sound of my voice. Remember that wisdom calls us to weigh our words, sharpen our tools, act with integrity, and let us be a people who builds others up, not tear them down, who honor God with every word. that we do. Let's close out. Father, thank you for the wisdom found in your word. Forgive us for the carelessness that has caused harm and actions that may have lacked integrity. Help us to be wise in our speech, diligent in our preparation, faithful in our actions. May our lives reflect your grace and truth, drawing others to the hope found in Christ. And for those who do not yet know you, Father, I pray that your spirit may convict them of their sin and find its way into their hearts and lives. And for your children, that are cold and indifferent. Go into and find repentance and a renewed commitment to your ways. In Jesus's marvelous mighty name that we pray, Amen. you