In Ecclesiastes 8, wisdom is personified in the life of “the wise man.” These principles can be applied to today's leaders.

In this paragraph out of Solomon's journal (Ecclesiastes 8:10-17) we find the wise man, hoping to balance idealism with realism.

A wise leader has a cheerful disposition. And no one says it like Solomon, “Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man’s wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam,” Ecclesiastes 8:1.

The person at the top of an organization doesn’t have to know all the details of everything within, but he needs to know where it’s going and why. He needs to be ready to defend it.

Few things are more contagious than cheerfulness. A wise leader has a cheerful disposition—what’s your leadership style?

How do we handle the mysteries? What do we do with those unsolved questions? How do we live in the realm of untimely pleasure? Chuck has three suggestions for us.

We want mysteries to be solved. But God is sovereign—and He has His own answers and purposes. The proper perspective on mysteries allows us to place our trust and hope in God, regardless of whether or not He reveals the answer to us.

Life is exciting! Life is fun! Life is happy! Like Jim Elliot once said, “Wherever you are, be all there.” You’re on the mission field—get at it! Have a ball! Go for it!

We’re all born with a depraved heart, which can deteriorate towards evil...if not for the restraining grace of God.

Death and sudden disaster are realities we must face. We can’t escape them, no matter how strong or clever we are. What’s needed in these situations is to apply quiet wisdom and acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives.