EcclesiastesGod’s “Philosophy” Book

Introduction

Title: "Ecclesiastes" means "preacher" or one who addresses an assembly (1:1,2,12; 7:27; 12:8-10) $$ similar to "ekklesia" = church.

Writer: Likely Solomon (see description 1:1,12,16). His wealth, wisdom and the similarity to Prov-erbs all point to him.

Time: About 935 BC

Purpose: To express the emptiness and perplexity of life without God. A contrast is being made to show where emphasis ought to lie and from what vantage point life should be viewed. Though the writer may sound as if he is condemning certain things, it is not necessarily so, but a declaration of the foolishness in pursuing them as an end in and of themselves, apart from God. Similarly to what Jesus does is John 6:27. Power, prestige, popularity and pleasure are all shown to come up lack-ing in producing the meaningful, fulfilling life. Without God at the center of one's daily life, de-spair, skepticism and depression soon settle in.

Appreciate the unique vantage point of Solomon in writing about these things. Maybe the greatest combination of wealth, wisdom and power in a man ever. He went the "whole nine yards" where we may be a lifetime striving to go two. He tells the end of it is vanity and a troubling of your spirit. Accept the teaching of this book as the Truth of God. Man's philosophy books are plentiful and wearisome, but taking the words of this book to heart will be admonished for good. (12:10- 12)

This wisest of men determined he would not simply be a spectator of life. He determined to find meaning and purpose to life. In addition to being very wise, he also was in the unique position of having tremendous power and wealth. There was nothing he could not try, buy, build, or consume. He set about trying everything. And his conclusions are amazing. His journey to reach his conclu-sions is even more amazing. He chronicled his journey and conclusions in a journal titled “Ecclesia-stes.”

Key Words:

"Vanity" - Represents the many things that cannot be understood about life and the futility, frustra-tion, shallowness and emptiness of happiness brought as a result of the pursuit of them.

"Under the Sun" - Depicts the contrast with things that are eternal, heavenly... above the sun.Ecclesiastes - Page 2

Introduction & Proposition Stated: (1:1-3)

1. What does the Preacher say to introduce his theme?

2. What is meant by "vanity"? What might be a modern day synonym?

3. As you look around, what things in life appear to you to be vanity?

$4. What is meant by "under the sun"?

Point Illustrated; Life Seems Wearisome (1:4-11)

1. What are 4 examples of cycles or continuous things mentioned?

2. Give a lesson learned about the vanity of life from each of these illustrations? (1:4, 5, 6, 7)

3. Can life be explained... fully?

$ 4. Are we ever completely satisfied, never to long again for even the good things we can see $$and hear? Explain.

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5. What about "new" things? Is there any hope there? Is there anything altogether new?

6. We know modern day cars and computers are new. To what do you think Solomon was referring when he made this statement?

7. Do future generations profit much from the past? Is there hope that man can improve himself with time? Elaborate.

8. Did you know who you great uncle on your father’s side is? Do you recall anything they said or did, if you ever knew?

9. Summarize these first 11 verses in your OWN words.

10. How is it that the earth abides forever? (1:4) Does not the Bible teach that it will be destroyed? (II Peter 3:7-13)

The Pleasures Of Life Tested; Proof From Experience (1:12 - 2:11)

1. What did the Preacher apply his heart to do? (1:13)

2. Explain the phrase “grasping for wind”.

3. What attitude can man have towards life? (1:15)

4. Did Solomon excel in wisdom? (1:16)

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5. How would you define “wisdom”? How does wisdom differ from knowledge?

6. What did he determine about even trying to philosophically look at life? (1:17)

$7. Rather than solving all problems and answering all questions, what does increased wisdom $and knowledge often produce? (1:18)

8. What next did the writer say in his heart? (2:1)

9. What did the writer conclude about pleasure, laughter, and merrymaking? (2:2)

10. Why can’t we find lasting gratification in partying and simply doing fun things?

11. Define “happiness” in your own words. What really, honestly, makes you happy?

12. What does Solomon seek to do next? (2:3)

13. List some of the things mentioned as great accomplishments of Solomon. (2:4-7)

14. Why do you think so many people try to find happiness in acquiring things?

15. How wealthy was he? (2:8-9a)

16. Did his wisdom remain with him in all of this? (2:9b) What do you think this enabled him $to do?

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$17. Was there anything Solomon wanted? (2:10) What does this tell you about his $$perspective in analyzing these things?$

18. What did the writer say about his labors? (2:11)

The Purposes Of Life Examined (2:12-23)

1. When comparing wisdom and folly, which is the better? (2:13)

2. But why does he reject that as having any lasting importance (2:14)?

3. What is the "same event" that happens to all? (2:14)

4. What is the end of such a philosophy about life? (2:15-17)

5. Was the writer happy about his labor and the outcome of its fruits? (2:18)

6. After your death something else is unfulfilling. What is it? (2:18-21)

7. Why did Solomon find it vanity to leave all he had toiled for “to the man who would come after me” (vs. 18)? Shouldn’t we be glad to leave things to others?

Summation (2:24-26)

1. Sum up in your own words verses 24-25.

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2. What does God give to the man that pleases Him? (2:26)

3. Does Solomon seem to be depressed? Does he seem to hate living? If so, what does all this tell you about those today who are also feeling this way and what would you tell them after reading this?

God Has An Eternal Purpose, Although Human Wisdom Cannot Find It Out (3:1-15)

1. What lessons are learned from 3:1-8?

2. Which of the 14 comparisons found in verses two through eight, jumps out at you as most obvi-ous? Why?

3. Which of the 14 comparisons do you struggle with the most? Why?

4. What has God made in His time? (3:11)

5. How would you interpret the phrase in verse 11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time.”

6. Solomon, as cynical sounding, and skeptical thinking, and fatalist minded as he may appear, still views God’s Providence is everywhere to be seen. Comment.

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7. Why is it important for us to understand that God has created a time and purpose, and season for everything?

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8. What has God put in our hearts? (3:11) How is this done and what does it mean?

9. Can you live life more confidently knowing that God has set everything in order? In what ways?

10. How is eating and drinking and enjoying the good (fruit) of our work a gift from God? (verse 13)

$11. How long will what God does last? (3:14)

$12. With God in mind, what primarily should we be concerned about? (3:15b)

13. Verse 15 says that God requires an account of what is past (or what we pursue). How should this help us live (see also 12:14)?

Hard Facts Of Life That Seem To Belie A Divine Purpose In All Things (3:16 - 4:16)

1. What was found in the place of judgment and in the place of righteousness? (3:16)

2. How should we react to that? (3:17)

3. So, why is there injustice in the world?

4. How are man and beast said to be alike? (3:18-20)Ecclesiastes - Page 8

5. Explain the discussion made about men and beasts (3:18-22).

6. Will man be brought back to the earth to view his labors? (3:22b)

7. What has to be concluded about social injustices and oppression on earth? (4:1-3)

$8. What did the writer praise? (4:2) Why?

9. Is there some vanity found even in hard honest work? (4:4-6)

10. Tell about hands full. (4:6) Explain what he is trying to say.

11. Is the answer to life's vanity in becoming a loner or hermit without touching other people's lives? (4:7-12) Explain.

12. Why are two better than one? (4:9-12)

13. What lesson is learned from (4:13-16)?

14. Why is popularity such a fleeting thing?

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Warnings: Lest Hasty Judgments Lead Man To Question God's Purpose (5:1-17)

1. What can be said for man's opinion in things religious? (5.1-3)$

2. What is the general rule about our speech (5:4-7)?

3. Tell about vowing. (5:4-5)

$4. What is the observation of Solomon about perversions of justice and what is his $$explanation? (5:8-9)

5. What is vain about seeking satisfaction in life through the gathering of wealth? (5:10-17)

6. Why can the man who loves wealth never be satisfied with wealth (5:10)?

7. What about the sleep of a laboring man? (5:12) Why is this so?

8. Why is it difficult for a rich man to sleep (5:12)?

9. Why can’t we find the security we seek in the wealth we accumulate in our own effort to provide that security (5:11-12)?

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10. What are said to be a severe or grievous evil? (5:13,16)

11. In verses 13-17, name 5 ways it can be evil to hoard our wealth.

Summation (5:18-20)

1. What is said to be a gift of God?

2. How is a little bit with contentment, able to give man peace and tranquility(5:18-20)?

3. God not only gives us our wealth but power to enjoy it. Explain this. (5:18- 6:2)

Prosperity is not always or necessarily good (6:1-12)

1. What evil was seen under the sun? (6:1-2)

2. In 6:1-2, what were the three things God gave this man? How is this a bad thing sometimes?

3. In Ecclesiastes 6:3, God blesses another man with two great blessings. What were they?

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4. Is ultimate satisfaction found in living long or having many children? (6:3-6) Who is better off than such a man?$ $

5. Why would an untimely birth be better? (6:4-5)

6. What is meant by the statement: “All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied.” (6:7)? Why does not even our physical labor to feed and clothe ourselves, not satisfy our souls? What is missing?$ $

$ $7. Put verse 9 of chapter 6 in your OWN words.

8. Is there hope for satisfaction in the future? (6:10-12)

9. Can anyone tell a man what will be after him under the sun? (6:12)

10. Can you see how man without God is nothing? In a few words explain how God brings meaning to an otherwise empty life.

$Adversity or affliction is not always or necessarily evil (7:1-15)

1. What is said about a good name? (7:1)

2. In what ways is the day of death better than the day of one’s birth (7:1)?

3. Why is one’s reputation so valuable?

4. Explain how sorrow and mourning are better than laughter and feasting. (7:1-4)

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5. Where is the heart of the wise? (7:4)

6. What is as the crackling of thorns under a pot? (7:5-6)

7. It is easy and popular to get caught up in nostalgia (7:10). Our memories sometimes fool us into thinking that everything was better in the past. This verse says otherwise. What are your thoughts on this?

8. What is the wise person's attitude when rebuked? (7:5- 12)

9. Both wisdom and money can be used as a defense but that wisdom has an advantage. What is this advantage?

$10. Verse 12 says that both wisdom and money can be used as a defense but that wisdom has an ad-vantage. What is this advantage?

$11. How should we regard the ups and downs of life? (7:13- 14)

12. Has God ordained that life on earth be a mix of good and bad? (7:13-14)

13. Does God’s work need correcting? Do we have the power to straighten out what God has done?

14. Name two things the writer said he had seen. (7:15)

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15. Which do you think is more difficult for a Christian to handle: prosperity or adversity?

Proper Evaluation Of A Man's Character Helps To Explain The Apparent Inequalities In Divine Providence (7:16-29)

1. What is meant by the admonition to not be overly righteous or wise? (7:16)

2. How does wisdom provide strength (7:19)?

3. What is said about a just man upon the earth? (7:20)

4. How much concern should we have for what others say about us? (7:21-22)

5. What did the writer apply his heart to know and to do? (7:25) Why can this be a good thing to do?

6. Based on Solomon’s comment about women in verses 26 & 28, when might this book have been written in his life?

7. Do you think Solomon really means this or that he is just exaggerating? Comment.

$8. What did the writer say he had found that God had made? (7:29) What do you think this means?

$9. Can God then be rightly accused of fault in our not doing good? (7:29)

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10. Does it appear all of Solomon's many wives and concubines were satisfying? (7:28)$

Righteous Government Will Eliminate Many Inequalities (8:1-14)

1. In what ways can wisdom change our outward appearance? (8:1). What is the significance of this?

2. In 8:1-9, what are the lessons learned about our relationship to civil government?$

3. What is said about the king? (8:4-6)

4. What is said about power over the spirit? (8:8)

5. Will it have to be accepted that rulers are sometimes oppressive? (8:9)

6. What happens when sentence is not executed speedily? (8:11) How is this true?

7. What is said about the wicked sinner and those that fear God? (8:12-13)

8. What vanity or worthless occurrence is upon the earth? (8:14)

Summation (8:15)

1. What is the sentiment of verse 15?

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Operation Of God's Providential Rule Is Reaffirmed, But Still Not Under-stood (8:16 - 9:9)

1. Can man come to completely know what all life is about under the sun? What should this teach us? (8:16-17)$ $ $ $

2. Ultimately, who is credited for the good lives of some? (9:1)

3. What is said to be common to all men? (9:2-3)

4. How is this both fair and unfair?

5. What is said about a dog and a lion and what is meant? (9:4)

5. Verse four is a good verse to remember when you are counseling a friend who is depressed. It is also a good verse to remember when you are hurting and feeling overwhelmed with life’s burdens. “But for him who is joined to all the living there is ______...” Fill in the blank and consider what it means.

6. How does knowing that we will die provide an incentive to live?

7. What is said about the living and the dead? (9:5-6)

8. Verse five says that the living know they will die but the dead know nothing. What does it mean that the dead “know nothing?” Is there no awareness or consciousness after death?

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9. Name the three things in life we are to do. (9:7-8)

10. The white garments and head anointed with oil in verse eight, represent a festive spirit. Why the commending of festivity?

11. What is said about one's wife? (9:9) Why the admonition to do what would seem to be needless to say?

However, We Must Work With All Our Might (9:10 - 11:6)

1. How is one to work with his hands? (9:10)

2. Verse ten names four things that are not to be found in the grave. What are they?

3. Is the race said to be with the swift? (9:11)

4. Verse eleven lists some things that occur under the sun that are not what one would expect. What do you think is the message for us in this verse?

5. Does a man know his time? (9:12)

6. Is life mapped out in some sort of predetermined, fatalistic way? (9:11-12)

7. Will life on earth always turn out fairly in the end? (9:11- 12)

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8. What conclusion should we therefore reach about controlling life and our future? (9:11-12)

$9. Tell about the little city. (9:14-15)

10. Was the poor man of wisdom remembered? (9:15)

11. What does this say about man's nature?

12. Wisdom is better than strength. True or False (9:16)

$13. Wisdom is remembered, foolishness soon forgotten. T or F (9:15)

14. A little foolishness is harmless. T or F (9:18)

15. Wisdom is seen in the many words expressing it. T or F (9:17; 10:14)

16. What can one sinner do? (9:18)

17. What is the meaning of the dead flies illustration? (10:1)

18. Where is the wise man's heart? (10:2)

19. Why is wisdom so valuable?

20. Tell of the spirit of a ruler. (10:4)

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21. What had Solomon seen as often an error of rulers? (10:5-7)

22. What lesson is taught by the illustrations of 10:8-11?

23. In what ways are the words of the wise and the words of the fool contrasted in this section (10:11-14)?

24. What is said to the land? (10:16-19)

25. What is the meaning of verse 20?

The Imminence Of Death And The Prospect Of Judgment (11:7-12:7)

1. What is meant by "cast your bread upon many waters" (11:1,2)?

2. Are good deeds worth performing if we are not repaid for them (11:1-2)?

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3. What should uncertainty about the future cause us to do? (11:3-4)

3. What is said about bones? (11:5)

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4. Who causes the wind to blow (11:5), the baby to grow (11:5), and the seed to grow (11:6)? So where does our trust need to be...in the weather or in God (11:4-5)?

5. Are we to be looking for "signs" to determine which way to go? (11:3-6)

6. When we are confronted with two ways to go, is God limited to only one? (11:6)

7. Is it wise to consider the dark days of life? Why? (11:7-8)

8. What is said to the young man? (11:9-10) Why are the young to rejoice in their youth?

9. Does the writer seem to advocate "sowing your wild oats" in youth? (11:9-10)

10. Even in their youth, what are they to remove from their heart? (11:10) Why?$

11. When should one remember his Creator? (12:1)

12. Why are we urged to remember the Creator in our youth? (12:1)

13. What is involved in "remembering" our Creator?

14. In 12:2-7, we read a poetic, symbolic description of old age. Give the meaning of as many as you can.$

15. In 12:6 we are told to remember the Creator before something happens. What?

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16. Who created our spirit? Where does it go at death? What about our body? (12:7)

Conclusion (12:8-14): "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is what makes a man whole."

1. What did the Preacher do? (12:9)

2. What is said about his words? (12:10)

3. How will the wisdom of the wise benefit us like goads and nails (12:11)?

4. What is said about books? (12:12) Does this mean books are worthless?

5. Finally, Solomon concludes his search for the meaningful life. Where is it to be found?

$6. Can a man be a whole person with this alone? What does that say about all the other things “un-der the sun”?

7. But, what about all the "evils" of this life? (12:14)

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