Studying Happiness Under the Sun (Ecclesiastes 6-8). **1. There is Happiness in all . 6 - 7:14 isn’t always good. 6:1-12 Wealth doesn’t equal enjoyment. v.2 Health doesn’t equal contentment. v.6 Dreams don’t equal reality. v 9 isn’t always bad. 7:1-14 The beatitudes of adversity. “Don’t long for the good old days.” v.10 “Wisdom can save your life.” v.12 Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 (NLT), “Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked? 14 Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life.” **2. There is Happiness in Inward . – 7:15-29 • Avoid extremes: “So don’t be too good or too wise! Why destroy yourself? ... 18 Pay attention to these instructions, for anyone who fears God will avoid both extremes.” - Ecclesiastes 7:16, 18 • Be virtuous: “But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.” - Ecclesiastes 7:29 Billy Graham, “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost.” Study the lives of people who are chronically unhappy, often times there is a weakness in character as an underlying cause. 3. There is Happiness in a Society – 8:1-14 Obey the King as a vow to God v.2 Don’t avoid your duty v.3 Avoid those who plot evil v.3 Find a time and a way to do what is right v.5 Punish crime quickly before crime escalates v.11 It pays to fear God and not prosper with the wicked v.12 Reward good people and punish wicked people v. 14 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT), “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” Conclusion: Ecclesiastes 8:15 (NLT), “So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.”