No one plans to have regrets and we all make mistakes, but can scripture help us minimize them? Absolutely! As followers of Christ, scripture gives guidance and here are 7 principles Solomon taught: 

1. Be a Learner
”It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.” -Ecclesiastes 7:5 NKJV

To really hear as the Bible teaches is not just listening, but to receive, evaluate and act on what’s heard.

2. Value Patience Over Pride

“The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” -Ecclesiastes 7:8 NKJV

Choices offered by our fleshly nature present the best up front with declining value afterwards (shortcuts), versus what God offers (the best at the end). Pride can cloud good judgment.

3. Watch your Words

“The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up.” -Ecclesiastes 10:12 NKJV

Words spoken cannot be retrieved. It’s probably one of the hardest areas to control for many of us, but we need be mindful of the words, tone and timing of our speech.

4. Give Thanks

“Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.” -Ecclesiastes 2:24 NKJV

Enjoying the simple things in life begins with a grateful heart. If I can see God’s blessing in small daily things, then everyday moments have recognizable purpose and value.

5. Show Love While you Can

“Also their [the dead] love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV

We should speak words of love, encouragement, and gratitude while we can because we don’t know what tomorrow brings.

6. Guard your Integrity

“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor;
so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.” Ecclesiastes 10:1 NKJV

Don’t let the bad smell of compromise destroy the fragrance of Christ in your life.

7. Be Diligent

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 NKJV

We ultimately serve Christ in all we do, so approach life, work and play as a way to demonstrate devotion to Him (Col. 3:23).

Series: “What’s the Point of Life Anyway?” – Lesson 3