Yes, the world is messed up and sad. But we don't have to be. This is the other half of the message in Ecclesiastes, the part I glossed over a couple weeks ago because it wasn't what I needed then. God doesn't want us to wallow in sadness over what we've done to ourselves. He wants us to rejoice in the goodness He's given us!

Ecc. 12:9 - "And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed and sought out, and set in order many proverbs."

OK, so that wasn't the verse I was thinking about. I just saw it on the way through, because it shows that not all knowledge is sadness, anyway. Here is the real verse:

Ecc. 5:18-20 - "Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart."

So, sadness for the world and joy for us. Pessimism in the course of where people lead countries; optimism for our own eternities. And peace - peace and satisfaction in my own gifts. :)  ¶ 9:05 AM