WOULD YOU RATHER...

Go 200 years back in time and meet your ancestors
or
Go 200 years into the future and meet your descendants

Have the power to fly
or
Have the power to read minds

Be able to talk to animals
or
Speak all the languages of the world
____________________

Live in a world full of poverty and oppression
or
Never have been born

Have extreme wealth with never ending jealousy
or
Live a simple, happy life without much wealth

Go through life alone
or
Surround yourself with friends and community

Follow a poor but wise young person
or
Follow an old and foolish king

BETTER THAN
4:3 – But better than either [the living or the dead] is the one who has not yet existed, who has not seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.
4:6 – Better one handful with rest than two handfuls with effort and a pursuit of the wind.
4:9 – Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
4:13 – Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer pays attention to warnings.
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FOUR OBSERVATIONS
1. Oppression of the powerless
2. Jealousy for wealth & power
3. Isolation & division
4: Government instability

These form a self-destructive cycle.

WHERE ARE THE OFF-RAMPS?

From Oppression & Injustice >> Uphold justice, love your neighbor, be a peacemaker

From Envy, Jealousy, & Workaholism >> Contentment & rhythms of Sabbath

From Isolation & Rugged Individualism >> Community & Encouragement

From Incompetent Leadership, Government Instability, & Fickle Populace >> Elect & follow wise leadership, Honor Christ as King