Review: How are you doing at practicing gratitude lately?  What three things do you have to be thankful for this week?  If you're in a group, take a few minutes to share your blessings!

Take a moment in prayer, welcoming the Spirit's presence. Then read: Ecclesiastes 9:11-10:4, looking for words or phrases that stand out to you as either difficult or inspiring.

Phil summarized vv 16-18 as, "Wisdom and the words of the wise heard in quiet are better than…but will they be heard?" In what way(s) does the Preacher describe wisdom as superior? What hinders us hearing it? 

Verse 15 can read one of two ways: Either "he by his wisdom delivered the city.  Yet no one remembered that poor man."  Or: "he might have saved the city, but no one listened to him."  Think about the difference between the two and, if you're in a group talk about the difference.

The first of two stories Phil mentioned was from Numbers 13-14 when Israel sends spies into the land.  They come back with a negative report about how strong and powerful the people are and that there's no use trying to go in and conquer the land.  Phil said that their view of the people was accurate, but their view of God was too small!  Discuss how Fear, Distraction, and a Lack of Trust sometimes undermine your attempts to follow God.

The second story Phil told was from Isaiah 36-37 and how Israel's enemies shouted, "Who do you think you are?  No other nation has been able to stand against us!  Surrender now or you'll be destroyed!"  But, at Hezekiah's direction, the people remained silent.  Hezekiah then went into the sanctuary, into the presence of God and prayed, and the people were delivered.  Phil then mentioned a line from Marie suggesting that we "insert a comma," that is, we should pause first so that we can respond in obedience rather than react in the heat of the moment.  Discuss how hurry sometimes makes you respond foolishly rather than wisely.

Takeaways:  What is going on in your life these days that requires you to "insert a comma" before moving forward?  Practice listening to God in the quiet this week–He is there not only in the crisis, but all the time! (Passage to consider Colossians 3:1-4.)