---
title: "10 - The Ironies Of Life"
url: "https://books.hardwired.org/18/ecclesiastes/183/10-the-ironies-of-life"
---

Family Devotion 1: Guarding Our Reputation
Theme: The importance of maintaining a good reputation.
Activity/Time: Dinner time discussion.
Scripture: Proverbs 22:1 - "A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold."
Devotion:


Introduction: Begin by asking, "What do you think it means to have a good reputation?" Allow the kids to share their thoughts.


Discussion: Explain that just like a good name is valuable, our actions and words can affect how others see us. Share the example from the sermon about how a little folly can damage a good reputation, just like dead flies can ruin perfume.


Activity: Have each family member share one thing they can do to maintain a good reputation, such as being honest or kind.


Prayer: Pray together, asking God to help each family member live in a way that honors Him and maintains a good reputation.


Parenting Tip: Encourage your kids by affirming the good qualities you see in them and how they contribute to their good reputation.

Family Devotion 2: Wisdom vs. Foolishness
Theme: The value of wisdom over foolishness.
Activity/Time: During a car ride.
Scripture: James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Devotion:


Introduction: Ask, "What do you think is the difference between being wise and being foolish?"


Discussion: Share how the sermon talked about wisdom leading to strength and victory, while foolishness leads to weakness and defeat. Discuss examples of wise and foolish choices.


Activity: Play a quick game where you describe a scenario, and the kids decide if it's a wise or foolish choice. For example, "Is it wise or foolish to do your homework before playing video games?"


Prayer: Pray for wisdom in daily decisions and thank God for His guidance.


Parenting Tip: Use everyday situations to point out wise choices and encourage your kids to seek wisdom from God.

Family Devotion 3: Respecting Boundaries
Theme: Honoring boundaries and respecting others.
Activity/Time: While cleaning up toys or doing chores.
Scripture: Exodus 20:17 - "You shall not covet your neighbor's house."
Devotion:


Introduction: Ask, "What are boundaries, and why are they important?"


Discussion: Explain how boundaries protect us and others. Use the sermon’s example of not crossing into others' property or belongings.


Activity: As you clean, talk about how respecting boundaries is like keeping things in their right place. Discuss how respecting others' things and feelings is important.


Prayer: Pray for respect and understanding of boundaries in relationships.


Parenting Tip: Reinforce the importance of boundaries by setting clear ones at home and explaining their purpose.

Family Devotion 4: The Power of Words
Theme: Using words wisely.
Activity/Time: Bedtime reflection.
Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 - "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
Devotion:


Introduction: Ask, "How can our words help or hurt others?"


Discussion: Share how the sermon highlighted the power of words and how they can build up or tear down.


Activity: Have each child share a kind word or compliment about another family member.


Prayer: Pray for God to help you use words that encourage and build others up.


Parenting Tip: Model positive speech and gently correct negative talk, explaining its impact.

Family Devotion 5: Trusting God’s Timing
Theme: Trusting God for promotion and justice.
Activity/Time: During a family walk.
Scripture: Psalm 75:6-7 - "No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another."
Devotion:


Introduction: Ask, "Have you ever felt like you were treated unfairly?"


Discussion: Explain how the sermon taught that God sees everything and will promote us in His timing, just like He did with Joseph.


Activity: As you walk, talk about times when you had to wait for something good to happen and how it felt when it finally did.


Prayer: Pray for patience and trust in God’s perfect timing.


Parenting Tip: Share personal stories of God’s faithfulness in your life to encourage your children’s faith.