Ecclesiastes
Lesson 6Ecclesiastes 7:1-29
This week Solomon again turns his attention to wisdom and we can see through this study some of the practical side of applying the wisdom Solomon examines. The value of a good name, the difference between a truly wise person and someone who believes they are, but in fact they are not.
As we look at the challenges facing us in the world today whether it is the environment, healthcare, education, or conflicts around the world, we need wise leaders. We need a source of strength, conviction, and determination that only a wise and righteous leader can bring, we need Christ and His wisdom in our lives and in those we depend on as leaders.
Let’s read chapter seven this week and consider the following:
- As Solomon begins his discussion of wisdom what is the first thing he cites as “good” in verse one of chapter seven?
- What are the characteristics, values, or behaviors we associate with having a “good name”?
- What affect does the quality of the family name have on our children or the children of others?
- Could we argue based on our responses above that perhaps one of the things missing from our global leadership is a good name, and if so why is that? Why is the lack of having a “good name” one of the keys to being a good leader?
- In verses two through four Solomon refers to death in what many may find astrange way. Why does Solomon say the day of death is better than the day of birth? (2 Cor 5:1-10, Philippians 1:21-23)
- Why does Solomon say “sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart”?
- What does our sorrow indicate to others?
- What does Solomon mean when he writes “The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure”? (Seealso Romans 12:9-16)
- Solomon continues with his analysis of the fool versus the wise man. What does he tells us in verse seven that rings true today – and is a warning to us ofa trap we should not fall into? Have we seen this happen to people around us that we hold in high regard? Does it destroy or damage our confidence in people and institutions when we see it happen?
- James tells us we are to be quick to listen and slow to speak. What does Solomon tell us in verses eight and nine?
- In verse ten Solomon makes an interesting statement. Are you the person he’s referring to, have you ever done this? Do you know of people who do this? What’s wrong with it?
- In verses eleven through fourteen Solomon tells us more about the virtues of wisdom and about the futility of worrying over things we have no control over. Do you think many of us spend too much time trying to do exactly what Solomon tells us not to do in verse fourteen? Where Christ’s disciples doing this as well?
- In verses fifteen through eighteen Solomon looks at the extremes, wisdom versus folly, righteous versus the unrighteous. How would we paraphrase verse fifteen today? Perhaps you’ve even heard sermons on this subject? How does Matthew 5:44-45 apply here?
- During the time of Christ’s earthly ministry who would have qualified as a group of people trying to do what Solomon says not to do in verse sixteen?
- Solomon really provides us with a key precept for living in verse eighteen, compare what Solomon writes here with what he wrote in Proverbs 2:1-6,what is he teaching us?
- To fear God, to put your trust in Him and to let Him lead you and comfort you, don’t put your trust in mankind or in your own strength.
- Compare Romans 3:23 with Ecclesiastes 7:19 – what do they tell us?
- Concluding his study of the wise man versus the foolish Solomon arrives at a final conclusion in verse 29, what is it?
Let’s commit this week to focus on living a life that is driven by our quest for God’s wisdom. That more and more, we’ll come to depend on Christ for all that we are and do; and let’s begin to hold ourselves, our families, and our leaders accountable for their actions as well, striving always to live a life pleasing to God, a life that is a living testimony that Christ is alive in us.
Yours in Christ
Wes