Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 12

Departing thought: How does a life “under the sun” compare to a life centered on God? Pray that the Lord would give you the wisdom to fear God and keep his commandments, that you would love your neighbor as yourself, and that you would do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 12

Memory Verse: “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 12:

Read Ecclesiastes 12 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 12:9-14

1. Who is the author reminding us that the Teacher was? Look back to 1 Kings 4:29-34. 

2. Verse 11 indicates that there is some pain involved as one who is learning is guided in the right direction in life. How have you experienced “growing pains” as you traverse this journey of faith? How have the words of the wise been painful but helpful? Look up Hebrews 4:12.

3. Keeping Ecclesiastes 7:27 in mind, how can we interpret the advice in verse 12?

4. What is the final conclusion? How does that practically look? Look up Deuteronomy 10:12 and Micah 6:8.

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 12:

Read Ecclesiastes 12 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 

1. How does the “remember your Creator” view differ from the “under the sun” view?

2.  How does the call to remember imply action? Look up Genesis 8:1 and 1 Samuel 1:19-20.

3. How does it look to remember your Creator in one’s youth? Look up 1 Timothy 4:6-16

4. How does verse 7 differ from Ecclesiastes 3:20-21? Why do they differ?


5.  Verse 8 is identical to Ecclesiastes 1:2. How does this bookend everything that has been said in Ecclesiastes so far? What or who makes life so that it is not meaningless?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 11

Departing thought: The further along we get into Ecclesiastes, the more encouragement there is to be found. It can be tempting to complain about and become weary with various situations in our lives. But young or old, we are encouraged to find joy in life and in situations. “Life is too short to focus on problems alone.” There is always someone who wishes they could be in your shoes. Having a difficult time at work? Be thankful that you are employed. Overwhelmed by homework? Be thankful for the opportunity to be educated. Find ways to be thankful and joyful in every situation this week. See what a difference it will make!

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 11

Memory Verse: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 11:

Read Ecclesiastes 11 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

1.  How does verse 7 point to hope?

2.  What are the similarities and differences between the advice to the old and the advice to the young?

3. What advice would you give a youth who wanted to balance enjoyment and accountability?
Look up 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 2 Timothy 2:22.

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 11:

Read Ecclesiastes 11 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6

1. How does this section outline the uncertainties of life?

2.  How might verse 2 speak about investing in the lives of others? Look up Proverbs 19:17, Matthew 10:42, Luke 14:12-14, 2 Corinthians 9, Galatians 6:9-10

3. How can we be encouraged by the verses in this section?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 10

Departing thought: In chapter 10, we see the contrast between the wise and the foolish person. We are reminded of the importance of words and what impact they can have, for better or for worse. How can you use your words to encourage someone in the next week? Ask God to give you wisdom as you speak this week, to be able to say words that people need to hear, and to refrain from saying what will only bring destruction.

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 10

Memory Verse: “Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.” Proverbs 4:5-9

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 10:

Read Ecclesiastes 10 and then answer the following questions:

Section 3: Ecclesiastes 10:13-20


1. What gets fools into trouble? What are characteristics of fools? Look up Proverbs 12:23 and Proverbs 18:2, 6-7, 13.


2.  How do verses 16-18 reinforce verses 5-7?



3.  In light of the verses 5-19, where foolish leadership has created chaos in society, what is the context of verse 20?
  

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 10:

Read Ecclesiastes 10 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 10:5-12

1.  How does a lack of wisdom in leadership create chaos? Look up Isaiah 3:1-12 

2.  How do verses 8-9 show the importance of wisdom in everyday tasks?

3. What do verses 10-12 tell us about the benefits of wisdom?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 10:

Read Ecclesiastes 10 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 10:1-4

1. What are the consequences for undervaluing wisdom?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 9

Departing thought: What are some of the main themes that you have seen in Ecclesiastes up through this point? Are the themes more positive or negative in nature? Does your answer surprise you? Why or why not? How do you see the themes of Ecclesiastes played out for those who do not know Jesus? How do you see the themes played out for those who do know Jesus?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 9

Memory Verse: “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 9:

Read Ecclesiastes 9 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 9:13-18 

1. Make a list of what is contrasted in this section (i.e., what is small and what is great, what is important and unimportant, what is valued and what is not, etc).

2. How do verses 17-18 reinforce what was already said in verses 13-16?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 9:

Read Ecclesiastes 9 and then answer the following questions:

Section 1: Ecclesiastes 9:1-12

1.  What does verse 3 tell us about the people described in verses 1-2?

2. Where can people under the sun find hope? Where can people who know God find hope? Look up Romans 15:13 and Ephesians 2:12-13.

3. “Even under the sun, there is life that should and can be grasped. God created has created life to be enjoyed, not just endured.” In verses 7-10, what are the commands given?

4. How can people under the sun have a truly rich and satisfying life? Look up John 10:10b.

5. What do verses 11-12 say about human ability?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 9

Departing thought: “This world is imperfect, to be sure, but that sobering reality must not blind humans to the joys that God has provided in life. God has given substantive blessings in life that are intended to function as a delightful oasis in the desert of human temporal existence.”

What or who are some of the blessings in your life? Take some time to thank God for the ways he has blessed you and enabled you to enjoy life. How can you help others to be aware and thankful of God’s blessings in their own life?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 8

Memory Verse: “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 8:

Read Ecclesiastes 8 and then answer the following questions:

Section 3: Ecclesiastes 8:9-17

1. What do verses 9-14 tell us about the world?

2. What can we learn about God’s providence in verse 15? Look up Matthew 6:25-34.

3. Look back to Ecclesiastes 3:11. How does this help you to understand verses 16-17? What do you learn about God in these verses? What do you learn about humanity in these verses?

Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes

Lesson 8:

Read Ecclesiastes 8 and then answer the following questions:

Section 2: Ecclesiastes 8:2-8

1. What do you think verses 2-6 refer to? Look up Psalm 89:19-21, Proverbs 24:21-22, Isaiah 45:9, Proverbs 16:14-15, and Romans 13:1-7.

2. Where in Ecclesiastes have we already seen something similar to verses 5-6?

3. How might verses 7-8 be both encouraging and discouraging?