Do we obey earthly authorities? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 8.
Does wisdom brighten up the faces of those who possess it and those who listen?
Who is wise? And who knows the meaning of anything? A person’s wisdom brightens the expression; it changes the hardness of someone’s face. (Ecc 8:1 CEB)
Though human governments are often abusive and unjust, is it wise to obey them?
If you promised God that you would be loyal to the king, I advise you to keep that promise. Don't quickly oppose the king or argue when he has already made up his mind. The king's word is law. No one can ask him, “Why are you doing this?” If you obey the king, you will stay out of trouble. So be wise and learn what to do and when to do it. (Ecc 8:2-5 CEV)
In a troubled world, where those in charge have power to hurt us, how much do we need wisdom?
For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's trouble lies heavy on him. For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt. (Ecc 8:6-9 ESV)
Who is the ultimate judge of those who prefer evil and those who are trying to live honest and upright lives?
In such circumstances, I saw the wicked buried. They came and went from the holy place, and they were praised in the city where they did so. This too is futile. Because the sentence against a criminal act is not carried out quickly, the heart of people is filled with the desire to commit crime. Although a sinner commits crime a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I also know that it will go well with God-fearing people, for they are reverent before Him. However, it will not go well with the wicked, and they will not lengthen their days like a shadow, for they are not reverent before God. (Ecc 8:10-13 HCSB)
Under unjust governments where the wicked often prosper and the righteous suffer, what are the things in life that we can enjoy?
Here is a pointless thing that happens on earth: A righteous man receives what happens to the wicked, and a wicked man receives what happens to the righteous. I concluded that this, too, is pointless. So then I recommended enjoyment of life, because it is better on earth for a man to eat, drink, and be happy, since this will stay with him throughout his struggle all the days of his life, which God grants him on earth. (Ecc 8:14-15 ISV)
Can all the wisdom of this world help us understand the mysteries and power of God?
When I applied mine heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done upon the earth: (for also there is that neither day nor night seeth sleep with his eyes:) Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea farther; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it. (Ecc 8:16-17 KJV)
Within the limits of Christ’s commands, are we to be submissive to government laws?
Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist have been appointed by God. (Rom 13:1 LSB)
Do we obey earthly authorities? You decide!
Virtue (Ecclesiastes 7)
Can we find anyone who is truly virtuous? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 7.
Why is it better to go to a funeral than a feast? Why is it better to choose sorrow over laughter?
A good reputation at the time of death is better than loving care at the time of birth. It's better to go to a funeral than to attend a feast; funerals remind us that we all must die. Choose sorrow over laughter because a sad face may hide a happy heart. A sensible person mourns, but fools always laugh. (Ecc 7:1-4 CEV)
Why is rebuke from a wise person better than listening to a fool’s song? What does that say about pop songs?
It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity. Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart. (Ecc 7:5-7 ESV)
Why is it foolish to ask why the days of old were better than today?
The end of a matter is better than its beginning; a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit. Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools. Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” since it is not wise of you to ask this. (Ecc 7:8-10 HCSB)
Are money and possessions just tools to be used for good?
Wise use of possessions is good; it brings benefit to the living. Indeed, wisdom gives protection, just like money does, but it’s better to know that wisdom gives life, to those who have mastered it. (Ecc 7:11-12 ISV)
Is it the work of God to make things straight or crooked, so that man should find nothing predictable after him but to trust in God?
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. (Ecc 7:13-14 KJV)
Is life unpredictable, but is trust in God our surest hope?
I have seen everything during my days of vanity; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Do not be excessively righteous, and do not be overly wise. Why should you make yourself desolate? Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a simpleminded fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you seize one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them. (Ecc 7:15-18 LSB)
Does wisdom make us strong? Can any of us claim we have never sinned? Should we be offended when we hear someone complain about us?
Wisdom strengthens a wise person more than ten rulers who are in a city. Indeed, there is not a righteous person on earth who always does good and does not ever sin. Also, do not take seriously all the words which are spoken, so that you do not hear your servant cursing you, for you know that even you have cursed others many times as well. (Ecc 7:19-22 NASB)
Is wisdom important? Is sin stupid? Is folly madness?
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise”—but this was beyond me. Whatever exists is far off and most profound—who can discover it? So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly. (Ecc 7:23-25 NIV)
What kind of woman should a man stay far away from?
And I find more bitter than death The woman whose heart is snares and nets, Whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God shall escape from her, But the sinner shall be trapped by her. (Ecc 7:26 NKJV)
What is the teacher’s conclusion? Did he find many virtuous people? Were any of his thousand wives and concubines as good as one faithful wife?
“This is my conclusion,” says the Teacher. “I discovered this after looking at the matter from every possible angle. Though I have searched repeatedly, I have not found what I was looking for. Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one woman! But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.” (Ecc 7:27-29 NLT)
Did Jesus also say that few are finding the way to life?
Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it. (Mat 7:13-14 WEB)
Can we find anyone who is truly virtuous? You decide!
Why is it better to go to a funeral than a feast? Why is it better to choose sorrow over laughter?
A good reputation at the time of death is better than loving care at the time of birth. It's better to go to a funeral than to attend a feast; funerals remind us that we all must die. Choose sorrow over laughter because a sad face may hide a happy heart. A sensible person mourns, but fools always laugh. (Ecc 7:1-4 CEV)
Why is rebuke from a wise person better than listening to a fool’s song? What does that say about pop songs?
It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity. Surely oppression drives the wise into madness, and a bribe corrupts the heart. (Ecc 7:5-7 ESV)
Why is it foolish to ask why the days of old were better than today?
The end of a matter is better than its beginning; a patient spirit is better than a proud spirit. Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools. Don’t say, “Why were the former days better than these?” since it is not wise of you to ask this. (Ecc 7:8-10 HCSB)
Are money and possessions just tools to be used for good?
Wise use of possessions is good; it brings benefit to the living. Indeed, wisdom gives protection, just like money does, but it’s better to know that wisdom gives life, to those who have mastered it. (Ecc 7:11-12 ISV)
Is it the work of God to make things straight or crooked, so that man should find nothing predictable after him but to trust in God?
Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. (Ecc 7:13-14 KJV)
Is life unpredictable, but is trust in God our surest hope?
I have seen everything during my days of vanity; there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Do not be excessively righteous, and do not be overly wise. Why should you make yourself desolate? Do not be excessively wicked, and do not be a simpleminded fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you seize one thing and also not let go of the other; for the one who fears God comes forth with both of them. (Ecc 7:15-18 LSB)
Does wisdom make us strong? Can any of us claim we have never sinned? Should we be offended when we hear someone complain about us?
Wisdom strengthens a wise person more than ten rulers who are in a city. Indeed, there is not a righteous person on earth who always does good and does not ever sin. Also, do not take seriously all the words which are spoken, so that you do not hear your servant cursing you, for you know that even you have cursed others many times as well. (Ecc 7:19-22 NASB)
Is wisdom important? Is sin stupid? Is folly madness?
All this I tested by wisdom and I said, “I am determined to be wise”—but this was beyond me. Whatever exists is far off and most profound—who can discover it? So I turned my mind to understand, to investigate and to search out wisdom and the scheme of things and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the madness of folly. (Ecc 7:23-25 NIV)
What kind of woman should a man stay far away from?
And I find more bitter than death The woman whose heart is snares and nets, Whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God shall escape from her, But the sinner shall be trapped by her. (Ecc 7:26 NKJV)
What is the teacher’s conclusion? Did he find many virtuous people? Were any of his thousand wives and concubines as good as one faithful wife?
“This is my conclusion,” says the Teacher. “I discovered this after looking at the matter from every possible angle. Though I have searched repeatedly, I have not found what I was looking for. Only one out of a thousand men is virtuous, but not one woman! But I did find this: God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path.” (Ecc 7:27-29 NLT)
Did Jesus also say that few are finding the way to life?
Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it. How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it. (Mat 7:13-14 WEB)
Can we find anyone who is truly virtuous? You decide!
Meaningless (Ecclesiastes 6)
Are some things that we think are important in life actually meaningless? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 6.
Do we enjoy our wealth that we have accumulated forever, or do strangers enjoy it by foreign invasion, taxation, theft or death?
I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. (Ecc 6:1-2 NIV)
Does living a thousand years guarantee happiness, or does life come in vanity and depart in darkness?
If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he— for it comes in vanity and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness. Though it has not seen the sun or known anything, this has more rest than that man, even if he lives a thousand years twice—but has not seen goodness. Do not all go to one place? (Ecc 6:3-6 NKJV)
Is covetousness chasing wind, whether we are rich or poor?
All people spend their lives scratching for food, but they never seem to have enough. So are wise people really better off than fools? Do poor people gain anything by being wise and knowing how to act in front of others? Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. (Ecc 6:7-9 NLT)
Are there many words that people use to puff themselves up? Does it really profit anyone? Does it change what happens after we die?
Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he. For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man? For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun? (Ecc 6:10-12 WEB)
What would Jesus say about those who puff themselves up or think that worldly status is important?
Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is meaningless. My Father, who you say is your God, is the one who glorifies me. (John 8:54 CEB)
Are some things that we think are important in life actually meaningless? You decide!
Do we enjoy our wealth that we have accumulated forever, or do strangers enjoy it by foreign invasion, taxation, theft or death?
I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them, and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. (Ecc 6:1-2 NIV)
Does living a thousand years guarantee happiness, or does life come in vanity and depart in darkness?
If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with goodness, or indeed he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he— for it comes in vanity and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness. Though it has not seen the sun or known anything, this has more rest than that man, even if he lives a thousand years twice—but has not seen goodness. Do not all go to one place? (Ecc 6:3-6 NKJV)
Is covetousness chasing wind, whether we are rich or poor?
All people spend their lives scratching for food, but they never seem to have enough. So are wise people really better off than fools? Do poor people gain anything by being wise and knowing how to act in front of others? Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. (Ecc 6:7-9 NLT)
Are there many words that people use to puff themselves up? Does it really profit anyone? Does it change what happens after we die?
Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he. For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man? For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun? (Ecc 6:10-12 WEB)
What would Jesus say about those who puff themselves up or think that worldly status is important?
Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is meaningless. My Father, who you say is your God, is the one who glorifies me. (John 8:54 CEB)
Are some things that we think are important in life actually meaningless? You decide!
Materialism (Ecclesiastes 5)
How should we avoid the deceptions of the world around us? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 5.
Should we talk too much or think first when we go into the house of the Lord?
Be careful what you do when you enter the house of God. Fools go there to offer sacrifices, because all they do is sin. But it's best just to listen when you go to worship. Don't talk before you think or make promises to God without thinking them through. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so don't talk too much. If you keep thinking about something, you will dream about it. If you talk too much, you will say the wrong thing. (Ecc 5:1-3 CEV)
When we pray to God should we do what we promised Him?
When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear. (Ecc 5:4-7 ESV)
Should we be shocked that oppression of the poor and the miscarriage of justice still exist in our world?
If you see oppression of the poor and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, don’t be astonished at the situation, because one official protects another official, and higher officials protect them. The profit from the land is taken by all; the king is served by the field. (Ecc 5:8-9 HCSB)
Do money and possessions satisfy or do people always want more, more, more?
Whoever loves money will never have enough money. Whoever loves luxury will not be content with abundance. This also is pointless. When possessions increase, so does the number of consumers; therefore what good are they to their owners, except to look at them? Sweet is the sleep of a working man, whether he eats a little or a lot, but the excess wealth of the rich will not allow him to rest. (Ecc 5:10-12 ISV)
Is the selfish accumulation and hoarding of wealth an evil that only hurts those involved?
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind? All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness. (Ecc 5:13-17 KJV)
In a world with so much evil is there anything that is good and beautiful?
Here is what I have seen to be good, which is beautiful: to eat, to drink, and to see good in all one’s labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to take up his portion and be glad in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not remember much the days of his life because God allows him to occupy himself with the gladness of his heart. (Ecc 5:18-20 LSB)
In a world with so much evil what can we do to maintain a positive mental attitude?
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil 4:8 NASB)
How should we avoid the deceptions of the world around us? You decide!
Should we talk too much or think first when we go into the house of the Lord?
Be careful what you do when you enter the house of God. Fools go there to offer sacrifices, because all they do is sin. But it's best just to listen when you go to worship. Don't talk before you think or make promises to God without thinking them through. God is in heaven, and you are on earth, so don't talk too much. If you keep thinking about something, you will dream about it. If you talk too much, you will say the wrong thing. (Ecc 5:1-3 CEV)
When we pray to God should we do what we promised Him?
When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Let not your mouth lead you into sin, and do not say before the messenger that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear. (Ecc 5:4-7 ESV)
Should we be shocked that oppression of the poor and the miscarriage of justice still exist in our world?
If you see oppression of the poor and perversion of justice and righteousness in the province, don’t be astonished at the situation, because one official protects another official, and higher officials protect them. The profit from the land is taken by all; the king is served by the field. (Ecc 5:8-9 HCSB)
Do money and possessions satisfy or do people always want more, more, more?
Whoever loves money will never have enough money. Whoever loves luxury will not be content with abundance. This also is pointless. When possessions increase, so does the number of consumers; therefore what good are they to their owners, except to look at them? Sweet is the sleep of a working man, whether he eats a little or a lot, but the excess wealth of the rich will not allow him to rest. (Ecc 5:10-12 ISV)
Is the selfish accumulation and hoarding of wealth an evil that only hurts those involved?
There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt. But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand. As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand. And this also is a sore evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go: and what profit hath he that hath laboured for the wind? All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness. (Ecc 5:13-17 KJV)
In a world with so much evil is there anything that is good and beautiful?
Here is what I have seen to be good, which is beautiful: to eat, to drink, and to see good in all one’s labor in which he labors under the sun during the few days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion. Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to take up his portion and be glad in his labor; this is the gift of God. For he will not remember much the days of his life because God allows him to occupy himself with the gladness of his heart. (Ecc 5:18-20 LSB)
In a world with so much evil what can we do to maintain a positive mental attitude?
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil 4:8 NASB)
How should we avoid the deceptions of the world around us? You decide!
Selfishness (Ecclesiastes 4)
What human trait is characteristic of all forms of human government? Let’s look at Ecclesiastes 4.
Is selfish oppression everywhere, even in so-called free countries?
Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. (Ecc 4:1-3 NIV)
What is better than working hard just to be envied by others?
Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. The fool folds his hands And consumes his own flesh. Better a handful with quietness Than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind. (Ecc 4:4-6 NKJV)
What is better than accumulating great wealth only to be all alone?
I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecc 4:7-12 NLT)
What is better than having great political power, especially for anyone who is wise in his own eyes?
Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more. For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor. I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him. There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind. (Ecc 4:13-16 WEB)
What will become of the governments of this world when Jesus returns?
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will rule forever and always.” (Rev 11:15 CEB)
What human trait is characteristic of all forms of human government? You decide!
Is selfish oppression everywhere, even in so-called free countries?
Again I looked and saw all the oppression that was taking place under the sun: I saw the tears of the oppressed—and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors—and they have no comforter. And I declared that the dead, who had already died, are happier than the living, who are still alive. But better than both is the one who has never been born, who has not seen the evil that is done under the sun. (Ecc 4:1-3 NIV)
What is better than working hard just to be envied by others?
Again, I saw that for all toil and every skillful work a man is envied by his neighbor. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind. The fool folds his hands And consumes his own flesh. Better a handful with quietness Than both hands full, together with toil and grasping for the wind. (Ecc 4:4-6 NKJV)
What is better than accumulating great wealth only to be all alone?
I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, “Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?” It is all so meaningless and depressing. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. (Ecc 4:7-12 NLT)
What is better than having great political power, especially for anyone who is wise in his own eyes?
Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more. For out of prison he came out to be king; yes, even in his kingdom he was born poor. I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded him. There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom he was—yet those who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind. (Ecc 4:13-16 WEB)
What will become of the governments of this world when Jesus returns?
Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he will rule forever and always.” (Rev 11:15 CEB)
What human trait is characteristic of all forms of human government? You decide!
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