The document provides an introduction and overview of the book of Ecclesiastes. It explains that Ecclesiastes, like the book of Job, reminds readers that God is greater than we think and life is more unpredictable. The book invites readers to take a realistic look at life. While much of Ecclesiastes discusses "life under the sun" or life outside of God's control, when God is introduced everything changes - life's meaninglessness outside of God becomes an invitation to know him. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes highlights our need for the One who has the words of eternal life, Jesus Christ.
The document provides an introduction and overview of the book of Ecclesiastes. It explains that Ecclesiastes, like the book of Job, reminds readers that God is greater than we think and life is more unpredictable. The book invites readers to take a realistic look at life. While much of Ecclesiastes discusses "life under the sun" or life outside of God's control, when God is introduced everything changes - life's meaninglessness outside of God becomes an invitation to know him. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes highlights our need for the One who has the words of eternal life, Jesus Christ.
The document provides an introduction and overview of the book of Ecclesiastes. It explains that Ecclesiastes, like the book of Job, reminds readers that God is greater than we think and life is more unpredictable. The book invites readers to take a realistic look at life. While much of Ecclesiastes discusses "life under the sun" or life outside of God's control, when God is introduced everything changes - life's meaninglessness outside of God becomes an invitation to know him. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes highlights our need for the One who has the words of eternal life, Jesus Christ.
The document provides an introduction and overview of the book of Ecclesiastes. It explains that Ecclesiastes, like the book of Job, reminds readers that God is greater than we think and life is more unpredictable. The book invites readers to take a realistic look at life. While much of Ecclesiastes discusses "life under the sun" or life outside of God's control, when God is introduced everything changes - life's meaninglessness outside of God becomes an invitation to know him. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes highlights our need for the One who has the words of eternal life, Jesus Christ.
Introduction
(from
IVP
Press)
Like an apple tree in the middle of an orange grove stands the book of Ecclesiastes among the other books of the Bible. At first glance, it just does not seem to fit. What place does a book which flaunts the daring assertion "Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless" have in Scripture that intends to reveal the saving work of God? Along with the book of Job, Ecclesiastes reminds us that God is bigger, and our life in this world more unpredictable, than we might think. The book invites us to take a realistic tour of life. The sightseeing stops will likely leave those who enjoy nice tidy answers a bit perplexed, if not downright frustrated. Our guide for this adventure is introduced by the Hebrew title qoheleth. The title, which translated into Greek is ekklesiastes, comes from a Hebrew word for assembling. It suggests a type of office-bearer. Thus we have such translations as "the Preacher" (KJV, RSV, NASB), "the Speaker" (NEB), "the Philosopher" (TEV) and the one used in the NIV, "the Teacher". The Teacher identifies himself as "son of David, king in Jerusalem" (1:1). Such an identification naturally links him with the wisest of all Israel's sages, King Solomon. Many commentators, however, believe that the Teacher was not actually Solomon but someone who wrote in the tradition and from the perspective of Solomon. (For a full discussion of Ecclesiastes' authorship, as well as other related issues, including background and date, see Michael Eaton, Ecclesiastes, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries [Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1983], or Derek Kidner, The Wisdom of Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes: An Introduction to Wisdom Literature [Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1985]. Two other helpful commentaries on Ecclesiastes are Charles Swindoll, Living on the Ragged Edge Bible Study Guide [Fullerton, Calif.: Insight for Living, 1986], and Derek Kidner, The Message of Ecclesiastes [Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1976].) The depth of insight found in the book would certainly argue for an author endowed with the kind of wisdom God granted to Solomon (see 1Ki 3:5-12). If the Teacher was not actually King Solomon, he surely qualified as a star disciple of this master sage. As a wise man, the Teacher represented a group whose influence and prestige grew to virtual equality with Israel's prophets and priests. Israel's wise men closely observed the interworkings of nature and human experience. From this storehouse of wisdom they made general pronouncements concerning life's most perplexing issues and counseled people who faced difficult decisions. The three most notable works of Israel's wise men include Ecclesiastes, Job and Proverbs. Their mark on Old Testament literature may also be seen in the Song of Solomon, Lamentations and a number of the psalms (such as 1, 37, 49, 73, 127, 133). This body of writing, called wisdom literature, has a strong influence on portions of the New Testament. Jesus frequently quotes proverbs and uses wise sayings. Paul often talks about the wisdom of God (see 1 Co 1:18—2:16 as an example). And the book of James provides counsel in a style similar to Old Testament wisdom literature. The Teacher's message seems particularly aimed at the secularists—those who seek to find life's meaning outside of a practical faith in God. With despairing perception, the author explores a grim reality he calls "life under the sun"—life outside of God's control and goodness. He addresses some of life's most sensitive questions: Where can we find satisfaction? Who is really in control? What does it take to be content? How do we live wisely? Much of the time God is left out of the discussion. But when he is introduced, everything changes. "Life under the sun" becomes "life from the hand of God." Chasing after meaning is transformed into the pursuit of God. This exploration of life's meaninglessness outside of knowing God thus becomes an invitation to know him. In its own unique way, Ecclesiastes is ultimately an introduction to the One who "came that we might have life abundantly"—Jesus Christ himself. It highlights the dilemma voiced by Peter but faced by all of us: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (Jn 6:68).
Week
1
Opening
Thought:
Are
you
a
pessimist
or
optimist?
Ecclesiastes
can
be
a
difficult
book
to
read
for
some
people
because
it
feels
like
it
is
such
a
“downer”.
The
teacher
begins
by
talking
about
the
meaningless
nature
of
the
things
in
life.
The
reality
is
that
after
sin
came
into
this
world
everyone
becomes
frustrated
by
the
lack
of
fulfillment
they
find
in
materialistic
things.
The
“gap”
or
empty
feeling
is
a
direct
result
of
trying
to
find
joy/happiness
in
something
else
besides
God.
In
the
end
it
is
God
who
fulfills
and
the
things
of
this
earth
are
just
tomorrow’s
garage
sale
items.
It
doesn’t
mean
we
can’t
enjoy
the
“stuff”
God
provides
for
us.
By
all
means
enjoy,
but
it
has
to
be
threw
a
Godly
lens
knowing
that
the
happiness
we
feel
is
just
temporary
and
will
not
complete
us.
God
completes
us.
Read
Ecclesiastes
1:1-11
Questions:
1-‐ In
all
probability
who
is
the
Author
of
this
book?
a. Read
1
Kings
2:1-‐4
–
What
final
charge
did
David
give
Solomon?
b. What
did
God
promise
Solomon
and
why
should
we
pay
attention
to
what
he
wrote?
(Read
1
Kings
3:1-‐14,
4:29-‐34)
c. Read
1
Kings
11:1-‐6
–
How
did
Solomon
do?
Why
he
fail
so
badly
and
why
is
this
a
warning
to
us?
2-‐ In
verse
2
the
phrase
meaningless
is
used
38
times
in
this
book
(could
also
be
translated
vapor
or
utterly
absurd).
What
does
he
say
is
meaningless
or
absurd?
a. How
does
this
phrase
make
you
feel?
Is
it
true?
3-‐ How
would
you
answer
the
question
in
verse
3?
a. Does
this
mean
you
can
be
lazy?
Why
or
why
not?
i. What
good
comes
from
our
“toil?”
ii. What
does
Jesus
say
about
it
in
Mark
8:35,36?
b. If
you
were
on
your
deathbed
what
do
you
think
you
would
say?
What
would
you
want
to
tell
other
people
and
why?
4-‐ What
is
he
saying
in
verse
4-‐6?
a. Does
history
really
repeat
itself?
5-‐ In
verse
8
the
teacher
references
the
fact
that
we
are
never
satisfied
with
what
we
see
or
hear.
Is
this
true
of
you?
a. Why
do
you
think
this
is
at
work
in
all
of
us?
b. How
does
culture
say
you
take
care
of
it?
What
do
you
think
the
Bible
says?
6-‐ In
verses
9,10
what
is
he
trying
to
say
about
new
“stuff?”
7-‐ In
verse
11,
what
is
he
trying
to
get
across
here?
a. So
in
the
scheme
of
things
we
really
aren’t
that
important?
(how
many
of
us
think
about
our
great
great
grandparents?)
Why
is
this
important
to
acknowledge?
i. Is
this
depressing
or
is
there
a
larger
more
comforting,
purposeful
thought
here?
Prayer
Focus:
Clarity
about
the
purpose
of
life,
getting
rid
of
foolish
things
Week
2
Opening
Thought:
Where
do
you
gain
your
perspective
on
life
from?
Why
is
it
important
to
understand
the
limitations
of
that?
We
all
think
we
know
a
lot.
And
some
times
that
can
be
true
but
most
of
the
time
we
speak
out
of
a
very
limited
world
view.
Our
perspective
is
built
up
on
a
lot
of
things
in
life
and
we
express
our
thoughts
and
live
in
a
certain
way
because
of
it.
But
the
Teacher
here
wants
to
push
us
on
expanding
our
horizons
a
little
bit
and
not
have
tunnel
vision.
Read
Ecclesiastes
1:11-2:11
Questions:
1-‐ What
is
the
Teacher
setting
out
to
do
&
what
has
he
personally
achieved?
a. What
does
he
find
out
in
the
end?
2-‐ Why
do
you
think
he
describes
this
task
as
a
“heavy
burden?”
3-‐ Picture
yourself
chasing
after
the
wind
as
the
Teacher
says
in
verse
14.
Why
is
this
ridiculous?
a. How
can
you
apply
this
practically
to
your
life?
4-‐ In
verse
15
he
says
what
is
crooked
cannot
be
straightened.
Is
this
true?
Look
around
at
what
is
happening
in
this
world.
How
are
we
doing
with
our
own
human
effort?
a. Why
is
it
always
important
to
bring
things
back
to
a
conversation
about
God?
5-‐ He
says
in
verses
16-‐18
that
he
gained
much
more
wisdom.
Why
can
gaining
wisdom
be
a
good
thing?
Is
it
possible
it’s
a
bad
thing
too?
a. Christians
can
some
times
be
painted
as
lacking
a
strong
world
view
or
“happy
idiots”
because
we
rely
on
God.
Read
1
Corinthians
1:20-‐31.
Why
does
Paul
say
this
happens?
6-‐ In
verses
1-‐11
in
chapter
2
the
Teacher
lays
out
all
of
the
ways
he
was
chasing
after
meaning
in
life.
What
are
they
and
give
a
current
example
of
each.
a. Are
all
of
these
things
bad?
b. Are
we
not
supposed
to
have
fun?
7-‐ What
would
God
say
success
is?
a. Why
do
we
constantly
have
to
remind
ourselves
of
what
it
means
to
achieve
Godly
success?
Prayer
Focus:
New
perspective
on
success
and
life
Week
3
Opening
Thought:
Have
you
ever
hated
life?
What
caused
that
emotion
in
you
&
how
did
you
respond?
Life
becomes
seemingly
impossible
when
we
focus
on
the
wrong
things.
Relationships
aren’t
what
we
want,
jobs
don’t
seem
as
fun,
and
even
our
joyful
times
of
life
can
seem
fleeting.
Read-
Ecclesiastes
2:12-26
Questions:
1-‐ What
is
having
an
“under
the
sun”
attitude
like?
2-‐ What
is
the
emotional
state
of
the
Teacher
at
this
stage?
How
has
he
gotten
to
this
point?
3-‐ What
is
his
view
of
work
at
this
point?
Have
you
ever
felt
this
way?
Why?
4-‐ In
verse
20
he
says
something
which
is
totally
opposite
to
Paul
in
1
Corinthians
15:58.
What
is
the
difference?
5-‐ In
verse
24
who
does
he
finally
mention?
a. Why
does
he
mention
him
now?
6-‐ In
verse
25
he
lays
out
the
way
to
find
enjoyment.
Is
this
true?
Why?
a. If
it
is
true,
then
in
what
ways
do
you
chase
after
the
opposite?
b. Is
there
a
difference
between
happiness
and
joy?
c. Have
you
ever
felt
satisfied
with
God?
How
did
you
get
to
that
point
or
how
could
you
get
to
that
point?
i. Read
Romans
1.
What
does
Paul
say
we
exchange?
7-‐ What
are
some
characteristics
of
a
life
that
is
lived
in
Godly
fulfillment?
8-‐ How
does
the
Teacher
differentiate
between
a
person
who
is
following
after
God
and
one
who
isn’t?
(verse
25,26)
Prayer
Focus:
Attitudes
towards
the
things
of
this
world
Week
4
Opening
Thought:
What
season
of
life
are
you
in
right
now?
How
did
you
get
to
this
point?
Most
if
not
all
of
us
have
control
issues.
For
some
it
is
way
more
evident
than
others
but
in
the
end
we
all
like
to
have
control.
We
like
to
know
what
is
going
to
happen
and
take
the
necessary
steps
to
either
get
there
or
avoid
it.
Here
in
chapter
3
the
question
that
needs
to
be
answered
is
“Who
is
really
in
control?”
Read
Ecclesiastes
3
Questions:
1-‐ Is
living
a
life
following
after
God
some
times
difficult?
Why?
a. How
do
you
explain
this
to
someone
who
is
a
non
believer?
2-‐ Have
you
ever
felt
controlled
by
your
season
of
life?
How
do
you
stop
this
from
happening?
3-‐ In
verse
11
the
word
for
beautiful
is
the
same
word
used
to
describe
Abraham’s
wife
Sarah
in
Genesis
12.
Why
do
you
think
it’s
important
to
see
things
through
that
lens?
a. How
doe
we
encourage
others
to
view
life
that
way
without
coming
off
as
holier
than
thou
or
a
snob?
4-‐ What
does
the
teacher
say
is
set
within
in
us
in
verse
11?
Why
is
this
important?
a. Does
the
thought
of
eternity
freak
you
out
at
all?
b. Having
eternity
set
in
our
hearts
is
what
makes
us
feel
that
death
just
isn’t
right.
That
this
world
does
not
fulfill
and
that
there
is
no
way
that
we
could
ever
fully
understand
God.
Why
should
this
increase
our
faith?
5-‐ Something
being
a
gift
from
God
is
the
same
as
experiencing
God’s
grace.
In
what
ways
have
you
experienced
God’s
grace?
6-‐ In
verse
14
we
see
3
things
that
are
in
God’s
will.
What
are
they?
(Fear
is
not
terror,
so
what
is
it?)
7-‐ What
does
v16
say
about
society?
How
is
this
true
today
and
what
should
you
be
doing
about
it?
a. Does
evil
end
up
preparing
the
way
for
something
else
some
times?
Read
Peter’s
sermon
in
Acts
2:17-‐35
b. What
do
you
do
with
the
tension
between
knowing
God
is
in
control
but
yet
evil
seems
to
be
in
so
many
ways
right
now?
8-‐ In
the
future
God
will
bring
judgment
(v17)
but
in
the
present
we
are
being
tested.
What
is
the
result
He
is
looking
for?
Prayer
Focus:
Control
issues,
Trust
in
God
Week
5
Opening
Thought:
Ever
been
accused
of
either
being
lazy
or
a
“workaholic?”
As
the
Teacher
looks
around
he
sees
oppression
everywhere
and
it
forces
him
to
view
life
a
certain
way,
which
is
negatively.
He
also
sees
how
people
fight
and
compete
with
work
and
what
lack
of
community
does
for
people.
Read
Ecclesiastes
4
Questions:
1-‐ What
does
the
Teacher
say
is
the
best
option
to
deal
with
the
oppression
in
this
society?
a. Why
is
he
taking
this
view?
b. Do
you
have
people
in
your
life
that
talk
about
the
world
in
this
way?
c. How
do
you
deal
with
people
who
say
they
can’t
believe
in
God
because
of
all
the
oppression
that
is
in
the
world?
2-‐ In
verses
4-‐6
he
talks
about
the
main
motivation
between
people
working
in
rivalry
and
envy.
Is
this
true?
What
happens
when
this
is
the
case?
a. Why
is
envy
such
a
bad
thing?
Are
there
things
in
your
life
that
you
usually
get
envious
about?
b. What
does
the
teacher
say
is
the
best
way
to
work?
3-‐ In
verses
7-‐12
what
is
the
Teacher
talking
about?
a. Why
is
community
so
important?
Can
you
live
without
it?
Why
or
Why
not?
b. How
have
you
experienced
great
community?
What
makes
the
biggest
difference
between
a
good
or
bad
community
and
how
do
you
live
that
our
in
our
own
community
here?
c. How
do
these
verses
speak
to
marriage
as
well?
How
should
this
part
of
the
passage
shape
who
you
are
looking
for
as
a
husband
or
wife?
4-‐ What
is
the
irony
in
the
rags
to
riches
story
in
verses
13-‐16?
5-‐ Verse
16
ends
with
a
warning
against
being
overconfident
and
forgetting
to
be
a
life
long
learner.
What
are
some
ways
that
you
can
be
a
life
long
learner?
Prayer
focus:
humility,
right
motivation,
building
of
community
Week
6
Opening
Thought-
What
does
it
mean
to
have
a
relationship
with
God?
At
the
beginning
of
chapter
5
the
Teacher
begins
to
talk
about
how
we
can
approach
God
and
why
that
is
important.
He
finishes
by
giving
a
warning
about
accumulating
stuff
and
being
careful
as
to
where
we
think
we
will
find
our
joy.
Read
Ecclesiastes
5
Questions:
1-‐ How
does
the
Teacher
say
we
should
approach
God?
a. Do
you
see
this
in
your
own
life?
b. Do
you
approach
the
“House
of
God”
with
reverence?
c. Why
is
it
important
to
approach
God
correctly?
2-‐ Why
is
it
important
to
be
a
good
listener
and
how
do
we
become
better
at
it?
3-‐ What
happens
if
we
don’t
approach
God
with
gratitude
and
honor?
4-‐ In
verses
2-‐3
what
does
the
teacher
say
is
critical
in
approaching
God?
a. What
are
careless
words
a
sign
of?
5-‐ What
does
the
Teacher
say
about
vows?
a. Also
read
Matthew
5:33-‐36…how
do
these
two
passages
go
together?
b. Why
is
it
important
to
be
a
person
of
your
word
(having
integrity)?
6-‐ What
does
he
say
about
wealth
in
v10-‐12?
Is
this
true?
(Also
read
1
Timothy
6:9.
17-‐19).
7-‐ Establishing
a
life
of
generosity
is
key
to
how
we
handle
money.
Do
you
have
good
generous
habits
established?
What
are
they?
If
not,
why
is
it
important
to
start
now?
8-‐ What
role
does
God
play
in
our
finances/possessions?
9-‐ When
we
get
this
concept
of
gladness
in
our
hearts
(v20)
being
able
to
do
all
things
through
Christ
becomes
possible.
Read
Philippians
4:10-‐13
&
discuss
what
it
means
to
you.
Prayer
Focus:
Integrity,
how
we
approach
God
Week
7
Opening
Thought
–
What
do
you
enjoy
most
in
life
and
why?
This
short
chapter
6
continues
the
focus
on
making
sure
we
are
able
to
enjoy
what
we
have
and
find
our
satisfaction
in
God.
Having
the
right
focus
enables
us
to
have
a
better
outlook
on
life
altogether.
Read
Ecclesiastes
6
Questions:
1-‐ How
does
God
grant
us
wealth
and
enjoyment?
a. Why
is
it
important
to
remember
that
100%
of
our
money
comes
from
God?
2-‐ Who
does
the
teacher
say
enjoys
the
wealth
of
some
people?
How
does
this
happen?
3-‐ A
big
family
was
considered
a
huge
blessing
by
God
in
the
Old
Testament.
What
is
considered
the
“good
life”
now?
a. How
is
it
possible
that
someone
with
such
a
big
family
would
not
receive
a
proper
burial?
(v3)
b. What
does
this
say
about
the
family
and
priorities?
c. Do
you
see
this
anywhere
in
your
own
life?
4-‐ In
verses
4-‐6
he
compares
the
man
to
what?
What
is
the
significance
of
this
and
how
did
he
get
to
that
point?
5-‐ The
teacher
lays
out
several
questions
in
verses
7-‐12.
What
are
they
and
how
would
you
answer
them?
a. If
someone
is
a
non
believer
would
they
answer
them
differently?
Why?
6-‐ In
verse
10
he
says
that
something
is
given
a
name.
Why
is
it
significant
to
get
a
name?
a. Read
Luke
12:7.
How
does
this
make
you
feel?
b. If
God
knows
us
that
well,
what
does
that
mean
for
our
lives?
Prayer
Focus
–
Understanding
our
purpose,
taking
comfort
in
how
God
knows
us
Week
8
Opening
Thought-
We
all
have
regrets.
What
are
some
of
yours?
Some
times
the
death
of
someone
we
know
can
lead
us
to
really
face
some
of
the
issues
in
our
own
lives.
Wisdom
comes
from
a
lot
of
different
ways.
Experiences,
failures,
successes,
mentors,
and
personal
study
are
just
some
of
the
different
avenues
to
gaining
wisdom.
But
the
most
important
way
is
through
obedience
to
God
and
following
what
it
says
in
scripture.
Read
Ecclesiastes
7
Questions:
1-‐ What
does
the
teacher
say
is
better
than
perfume?
a. Why
is
it
important
and
how
do
you
get
a
good
one?
2-‐ What
are
some
of
the
ways
that
the
Teacher
describes
wisdom?
a. Are
any
of
them
surprising?
3-‐ Read
Psalm
90:12.
How
does
this
fit
in
with
verse
2?
Is
it
true?
4-‐ The
teacher
isn’t
saying
to
be
down
on
life
or
be
mopey
so
what
is
he
trying
to
get
across?
5-‐ What
is
he
talking
about
in
verse
4?
6-‐ In
verse
6
the
crackle
of
thorns
refers
to
something
that
just
goes
away
quickly.
Do
you
agree
with
him
here?
a. What
are
you
some
ways
that
you
see
this
in
your
own
life
or
in
others?
7-‐ What
are
the
warnings
he
gives
in
verses
7-‐10?
a. Read
James
1:2-‐4
and
Proverbs
16:21,
19:11.
What
do
we
learn
about
patience?
8-‐ Is
there
such
a
thing
as
righteous
anger?
a. What
does
non
righteous
anger
lead
to?
b. What
makes
you
angry
and
why?
9-‐ In
verse
10
he
says
to
not
glorify
the
“good
ole
days?”
Why?
10-‐ Why
is
verse
14
so
important?
How
do
you
see
this
at
work
in
your
own
life?
11-‐ What
warnings
does
he
give
in
16-‐18?
12-‐ Why
is
verse
20
critical
to
our
understanding
of
God’s
grace?
Prayer
Focus:
Patience,
controlling
anger
Week
9
Opening
Thought:
Detail
a
time
when
you
have
been
in
trouble
with
authority
in
some
way.
(Police,
At
school,
parents)
Some
times
obeying
authority
can
be
incredibly
difficult.
We
don’t
like
what
they
stand
for
or
some
of
the
decisions
that
are
made
so
we
want
to
take
things
into
our
own
hands.
Of
course
this
is
where
problems
can
arise
very
quickly.
But
disobeying
authority
isn’t
just
on
a
larger
scale.
It
can
be
in
smaller
ways
such
as
speeding,
parking
where
you
shouldn’t,
sharing
information
for
a
test
etc…
Read
Ecclesiastes
8
Questions:
1-‐ Why
is
the
Teacher
encouraging
the
listeners
to
obey
authority?
a. Do
we
just
obey
no
matter
what?
Is
there
a
time
that
a
believer
should
not
obey
authority?
b. Why
is
nationalism
(pride
in
ones
country)
both
good
and
bad?
Do
you
see
ways
that
it
is
bad
in
America?
c. Also
read
Romans
12:9-‐21,
13:1-‐5.
After
reading
this
does
it
change
your
opinion
on
anything
when
it
comes
to
how
we
view
authority?
2-‐ What
steps
does
the
Teacher
give
to
show
the
proper
way
to
handle
a
“bad
boss?”
3-‐ Why
do
we
always
have
to
remind
ourselves
of
the
big
picture
when
it
comes
to
organizations?
(job
or
church
for
example).
4-‐ One
of
the
worst
things
we
can
do
when
being
part
of
a
team
of
people
is
to
constantly
make
decisions
based
on
our
own
personal
preferences.
Why
can
that
be
bad
for
the
team?
5-‐ Why
is
loyalty
important?
a. Has
anyone
ever
been
disloyal
to
you?
How
did
that
make
you
feel?
6-‐ Why
are
verses
7,8
important?
7-‐ What
is
the
Teacher
mad
about
in
verses
9-‐14?
8-‐ Life
stinks
some
times.
That’s
just
reality.
How
does
the
teacher
want
us
to
respond
in
verse
15?
Does
this
make
sense
to
you?
Prayer
Focus:
Obedience,
loyalty,
perseverance
Week
10
Opening
Thought:
Do
you
have
any
fears
or
anxiety
about
death?
Typically
one
of
the
greatest
fears
we
can
have
revolves
around
dying.
But
the
reality
is
that
if
we
have
a
good
perspective
on
both
life
and
death,
wisdom
will
come
flowing
through
us
because
the
right
things
will
really
matter.
It
seems
as
if
the
Teacher
in
this
chapter
is
all
about
despair
but
he’s
trying
to
send
a
bigger
message.
Read
Ecclesiastes
9:1-12
Questions:
1-‐ How
are
the
righteous
and
wicked
described?
2-‐ In
verse
2,
why
does
he
say
it’s
the
“same
for
all?”
3-‐ What
do
the
“living”
have
and
who
are
the
“living?”
a. How
would
your
life
change
if
you
knew
you
only
had
a
few
more
months
to
live?
4-‐ What
are
the
differences
between
the
living
and
the
dead?
a. How
do
you
describe
the
hope
that
you
have?
b. Why
does
hope
&
handling
life’s
circumstances
well
really
attractive
to
those
who
don’t
believe
in
Jesus?
c. How
does
the
death
and
resurrection
of
Jesus
bring
hope
in
the
future
and
the
present?
5-‐ What
command
does
he
give
us
in
vs
7-‐9?
a. How
do
we
do
that
and
why
is
it
important?
b. Vs
9
can
be
applied
to
marriage
as
well.
Why
should
this
deeply
affect
how
we
date
and
our
view
of
marriage?
What
core
things
have
got
to
be
there
in
whomever
you
are
with?
Prayer
Focus:
Enjoyment
of
life,
reminder
of
the
hope
we
have
Week
11
Opening
Thought:
Who
do
you
look
to
when
you
need
to
make
an
important
decision?
Why
do
you
go
to
them?
Time
and
chance
are
things
that
we
cannot
control
in
life
but
we
can
control
our
common
sense.
The
decisions
we
make
and
situations
we
get
into
are
shaped
by
the
way
that
we
think.
If
our
faith
and
trust
in
God
continues
to
grow
then
our
decisions
will
be
better
as
well.
Read
Ecclesiastes
9:13-10:20
Questions:
1-‐ What
irony
do
you
see
in
verses
13-‐16?
2-‐ Is
our
faith
and
trust
in
God
static?
Why
is
it
important
that
they
continue
to
mature?
a. What
would
change
in
your
life
if
you
fully
trusted
God?
3-‐ What
are
some
ways
that
the
wise
man
and
foolish
man
are
described?
a. Also
read
Philippians
4:8.
List
out
what
wisdom
looks
like
and
give
an
example
of
each.
4-‐ Can
you
name
someone
who
had
poise?
How
do
you
think
they
got
it?
What
is
different
about
them
then
other
people?
5-‐ What
areas
of
your
life
need
some
help
with
wise
judgment?
6-‐ In
verses
12-‐14
he
talks
about
our
words
again.
Also
read
James
3:1-‐12.
Why
are
our
words
so
important?
Prayer
Focus:
What
comes
out
of
our
mouths,
wisdom
Week
12
Opening
Thought:
When
was
the
last
time
you
did
something
risky?
In
the
final
two
chapters
of
Ecclesiastes
the
Teachers
tone
begins
to
change
and
he
begins
to
challenge
the
listener
to
live
a
life
that
is
risky.
We
need
to
live
lives
that
our
wise
but
aggressive.
God
has
given
us
incredible
strength
and
opportunity
and
when
we
focus
on
Him
the
possibilities
are
endless.
Read
Ecclesiastes
11
&
12
Questions:
1-‐ What
is
the
Teacher
telling
us
to
do
in
verses
11:1-‐6?
a. Why
is
it
important
to
be
so
aggressive
and
not
wait?
b. How
should
a
believer’s
life
be
“risky?”
2-‐ In
11:7-‐10
what
kind
of
life
does
the
Teacher
want
us
to
lead?
(Also
read
2
Corinthians
9:6-‐11)
3-‐ What
warning
does
he
give
in
vs
9?
a. How
does
this
warning
affect
our
thinking?
4-‐ What
are
some
differences
between
someone
who
is
young
vs
someone
who
is
old?
(see
it
in
12:1-‐6)
a. How
do
you
embrace
getting
older
without
losing
some
of
the
good
things
about
being
young?
5-‐ Who
are
we
supposed
to
remember?
Why?
6-‐ What
does
it
mean
to
“Fear
God
and
keep
his
commandments?”
7-‐ Why
do
you
think
the
Teacher
ends
this
book
the
way
that
he
does?
8-‐ Summarize
the
book
of
Ecclesiastes.
a. What
needs
to
change
in
your
life
to
make
sure
you
are
moving
towards
a
truly
fulfilled
life?
Prayer
Focus:
what
it
means
to
focus
on
our
Creator,
Risky
life