From the words of the Teacher, also known as Solomon, or King David’s son, these writings explore deep subjects of life from one who has lived long and well.
Ecclesiastes, Chapters 1 and 2
It is recommended that you read both chapters to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Ecclesiastes 1:1-18
1. Who is the author of Ecclesiastes according to verse 1?
2. Read 1 Kings 4:29-34. What were some of Solomon’s God given gifts?
3. Accord to Ecclesiastes 1:13, what did Solomon attempt to do and what did he discover or conclude about it?
4. In verse 1:18, what do wisdom and knowledge result in?
5. In what ways do you agree or disagree with Solomon’s assessment?
6. What comfort or encouragement do you see in Psalm 138:8?
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
1. What does the Teacher resort to in verse 1?
2. List some of the other things he tried in verses 3-10?
3. What is his conclusion in verse 11?
Ecclesiastes, Chapter 2
4. Read Psalm 16 and describe how this Psalm contrasts with the view of the Teacher.
5. Are the ways you seek pleasure aligned with the Psalmist or the Teacher? Should there be a mixture or balance? Please explain your answer.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-16
1. What does the Teacher compare according to verse 12?
2. Which did he think was better?
3. How does the Teacher relate these to light and darkness in verse 14?
4. What is the fate both share?
5. What is the disadvantage of foolishness according to Psalm 14:1 and Romans 1:21-23?
6. How can wisdom be a disadvantage?
Ecclesiastes 2:17-23
1. According to verse 17, what did all the Teacher’s reflections result in for him?
2. Solomon uses the phrase “under the sun” throughout Ecclesiastes and there are a variety of thoughts on his meaning. In its most straight forward application, what do you think it refers to?
3. How do you see that “the meaning of life” is like “chasing after the wind” at times? Can you give an example?
4. What is the Teacher’s next concern in verses 18-19, and 21?
5. Read Colossians 3:23. What is to be the believer’s attitude in work?
6. In what ways does this make a difference in how we do our work; whether at a job, at home, or in the community?
Ecclesiastes 2:24-26
1. What is the Teacher’s conclusion about what is best in life?
2. To whom does he attribute these pleasures in life?
3. What does God give to those who please Him according to verse 26?
4. Today, we see those who don’t honor God focusing on living lives of pleasure. Read Romans 2:5-11. What is in store for them and what should our attitude be?
Ecclesiastes, Chapter 3
It is recommended that you read the entire chapter to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
1. Restate 3:1 in your own words, expanding on its implications.
2. Complete A – D of the table below by listing the opposites and your observations on these.
A time to:
| Event | Opposite | Ways you see this in life’s experience | |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Be born | Die | Children are born and everyone dies |
| B | |||
| C | |||
| D |
Ecclesiastes 3:4-8
1. Finish the table by completing lines E through N as stated above.
| Event | Opposite | Ways you see this in life’s experience | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | |||
| F | |||
| G | |||
| H | |||
| I | |||
| J | |||
| K | |||
| L | |||
| M | |||
| N |
Ecclesiastes 3:9-13
1. How would you answer the Teacher’s question in verse 9?
2. What does it mean that in every human heart God has set eternity? In what ways have you seen evidence of this?
3. We read that God has placed a burden on mankind and yet makes everything beautiful in its time. How does Romans 11:33 help us live with this seeming contradiction?
4. What is the Teacher’s conclusion in verse 12?
5. Do you think the Teacher’s conclusion differs from hedonism*? Please explain.
*Hedonism is defined as the belief that pleasure is the principal good in life.
Ecclesiastes 3:14-15
1. What does the Teacher conclude about God’s plans in verse 14a?
2. What is God’s purpose for this in 14b?
3. What do you think is a benefit of fearing God? See Romans 3:18 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.
4. Why do you think God would cause the same things to happen repeatedly?
5. Share any examples of this you are aware of.
Ecclesiastes 3:16-22
1. What does the Teacher take note of in verse 16?
2. How is verse 17 a comfort in light of verse 16?
3. What is the fate that humans and animals share?
4. In verse 22, what does the Teacher say is the best thing for people?
5. How should this make a difference in the way we view our work and other activities we are engaged in?
Ecclesiastes, Chapters 4 and 5
It is recommended that you read both chapters to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Ecclesiastes 4:1-6
1. What does the Teacher say about oppression in verse 1?
2. What is God’s standard on this topic? See Zechariah 7:10.
3. How does God respond when there is injustice? See Psalm 9:8-10.
4. How should we respond to this? See Proverbs 31:8-9.
5. In verse 4, the Teacher turns to the topic of success. What truths do you see in verses 4-6?
Ecclesiastes 4:7-16
1. What does the solitary person regret in verses 7-8?
2. The Teacher gives practical reasons for joining with others in verses 9-12. What are they?
3. What are some ways we are to relate to others in the body of Christ and what spiritual advantages might we gain? See Mathew 18:20, Galatians 6:2, and Hebrews 10:24-25.
4. What does the Teacher say is better than a foolish king in verse 13?
5. The Bible has much to say about wisdom versus foolishness.
How does Proverbs 8:12 describe wisdom?
6. Would you rather be a foolish king or a poor wise youth? Please explain your answer.
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
1. What are we advised to do as we enter the house of God?
2. What do you think this would allow us to focus on?
3. Describe what this would look like today as we attend church? To what extent do you see this exhibited in the churches you know of?
4. In verse 3, what coincides with a fool?
5. What is the Teacher’s advice on making promises or vows to God? Do you think it is a good idea to do so? What would your advice be on this subject?
6. Read Psalm 100 to be reminded of a proper way to come before God. Describe how this might inspire you as you come to His house on Sundays.
Ecclesiastes 5:8-15
1. What do verses 10-11 say about those who love money?
2. In what ways have you seen or experienced 1 Timothy 6:9-10?
3. Have you ever known of someone who actually received happiness from wealth? If so, what did you observe? What example can you give of the opposite, where wealth does not bring happiness?
4. What is your favorite scripture of the source of true happiness or joy? Some examples: Psalm 1:1, 34:8; Isaiah 26:3-4, Luke 11:28.
Ecclesiastes 5:16-20
1. What is the problem the Teacher describes in verses 16-17?
2. What is the good he points out in verse 18?
3. What does the Teacher consider is a gift from God in verses 19-20?
4. How have you seen the truths of these verses in your own life? Please describe.
5. Regardless of our current circumstances, what advice and comfort does Philippians 4:4-7 give us?
Ecclesiastes, Chapters 6 and 7
It is recommended that you read both chapters to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Ecclesiastes 6:1-6
In this chapter, the Teacher sees more tragedies here on earth.
1. Describe the life of the person in verse 2.
2. Describe the life of the person in verses 3-6.
3. What advice would you give to these people in these different circumstances?
4. Both of these lives end in death. Whether we live a short time or long, how can we live to the fullest despite what we possess, whether wealth or other things? See Romans 15:13, Philippians 4:4, and James 1:2-4.
Ecclesiastes 6:7-12
The Teacher describes issues that are meaningless or like chasing after the wind.
1. Describe what you think chasing after the wind could mean in relation to pursuing things one does not possess.
2. How do you think it affects people to be constantly striving for what they do not have?
3. What is the Biblical perspective on how we should live? See Hebrews 13:15 and 1 Timothy 6:11.
4. Do you think this Biblical perspective prohibits efforts to improve our life circumstances? Please explain your answer.
5. Does Psalm 139:14-16 encourage you in the uncertainty of life the Teacher describes in verses 10-12? Explain your answer.
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
1. According to the Teacher, what is the value of a good reputation?
2. How does Matthew 5:16 demonstrate the result of a good and godly reputation?
3. What does the Teacher say about funerals and death?
4. What makes death better than life?
5. What do those who die knowing and having a relationship with Christ have to look forward to?
See 1 Corinthians 15:42-44.
Ecclesiastes 7:15-26
1. What are the extremes the Teacher says to avoid in verses 15-18?
2. In verse 23, what does the Teacher seek to guide his thoughts and actions?
3. How does wisdom help us balance the extremes mentioned in verses 15-18?
4. Wisdom is said to come from the wise application of knowledge. From what sources do you seek knowledge and wisdom for your life? What have you found that helps you apply it in your life?
Ecclesiastes 7:27-29
1. From verse 27, how thoroughly did the Teacher investigate the matter he addresses?
2. How many virtuous men and women did he find?
3. How could 1 Kings 11:1-3 have had an impact on his findings?
4. What was God’s intent for people when He created them? See Genesis 1:27-28.
5. What has mankind chosen to do instead of following God’s intent? See Psalm 53:2-3.
Ecclesiastes, Chapters 8-11
It is recommended that you read all chapters to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Ecclesiastes 8:1-8
1. What advice does the Teacher give in verses 2-5?
2. How can we apply this advice today since we don’t live under a king’s authority?
3. In verses 7-8 he speaks of something that even the king does not have power over. What is it?
Ecclesiastes 8:9-17
1. In verse 9, what does the Teacher say people have the power to do?
2. What does he find meaningless in verse 10?
3. In verse 11, why does he say crime should be punished quickly?
4. How have you seen this consequence in life, either public life or maybe within the family?
5. In the end, who is better off and why will the wicked not prosper in the end?
6. What is meaningless in verse 14?
7. In verse 15, the Teacher suggests a balance in our lives. What is it and how do you apply this in your own life?
Ecclesiastes 9:1-18
1. In whose hands are the actions of the godly and wise? Also see Psalm 37:23.
2. What is the destiny that both the righteous and wicked have in common? Review Ecclesiastes 2:14-15.
3. What is the hope of the believer? See Romans 8:19-24.
4. From verses 11-12, how would you summarize the Teacher’s observation of what occurs “under the sun”?
5. What is the believer’s motivation for doing well in this life? See Colossians 3:23.
Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
1. List some of the statements about fools that stand out to you.
2. Describe a real life example of any of these that you are aware of.
3. What advice would you give to the well digger, wall demolisher, quarry worker, or the wood chopper to avoid the possible results mentioned in verses 8-9?
4. What does verse 18 suggest about laziness?
5. Verses 16-20 speak of national leadership. What does feasting in the morning (verse 16) refer to according to Isaiah 5:11?
6. What kind of leader is a blessing according to verse 17?
7. Jesus brought a new dimension to leadership. See Mark 10:42-45. What is different about Jesus’ leadership?
Ecclesiastes 11:1-10
1. How would you summarize the wise advice given about business affairs in verses 1-6?
2. Verse 5 mentions two things that are unknowable, in addition to God’s ways. For these two we have a much greater understanding today. What is still totally unknown to us? See Isaiah 55:8-9 and Job 36:26.
3. What advice is given about life in verses 8-10?
4. While the Teacher admonishes us to enjoy life, what is the caveat at the end of verse 9?
5. From your life experience, what advice would you give young people today?
Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12
It is recommended that you read all chapters to begin, then review the scripture listed for each day.
Ecclesiastes 12:1-4
1. What does the Teacher tell youth to remember in verse 1?
2. What advantages do you think there are in following God from your youth, rather than waiting until you are older? Which one applies to you?
3. What are older people called to do in Titus 2:6-7?
4. What is the best focus to keep youth on the right path? See Psalm 119:9.
5. How have you found this to be true in your own life? How do you think we can encourage young people today in this regard?
Ecclesiastes 12:5-7
1. Read 1 Chronicles 16:12. What does this verse advise us to remember?
2. How does age or experience help confirm our faith as we reflect on all that we have seen God do?
3. The last statements in verses 5 and 7 refer to the same event. What is it?
4. We often see people turning to God just before death. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
Ecclesiastes 12:8
1. What does the Teacher emphasize in verse 8?
2. The Hebrew word “hebel” is translated differently by Bible scholars as “meaningless”, “vanity” and “futile”. The literal Hebrew is “vapor” or “breath”. As you consider this verse, which word to you think fits best, or would you use another word or phrase?
3. In Isaiah 49:4, Isaiah expresses a similar thought. What does he rely on to make his efforts worthwhile and pleasing to God?
4. What did Paul, in Philippians 3:7-11, find to be more valuable than all that he previously thought was valuable in his life?
5. Describe how you can relate to Paul or if there are still some things you need to surrender to Christ.
Ecclesiastes 12:9-11
1. What do we learn about the Teacher (Solomon) from these verses and 1 Kings 10:1-9?
2. Sheba was said to be located in southwestern Arabia (modern Yemen). Although there is much mystery about the Queen, it would have been unlikely that she worshiped the God of Israel. How might she have arrived at her conclusions in verse 9?
3. King Solomon apparently desired to share his wisdom not only with other world leaders but with the common people he ruled. What does that say about him?
4. How do you think wise words can be like goads or nails as stated in verse 11 (some translations use variations of these words)?
Ecclesiastes 12:12-14
1. What is the warning the Teacher gives in verse 12?
2. The Teacher has shared many of his thoughts about life and what it consists of “under the sun”. In verse 13, how does he conclude and summarize all that matters?
3. Besides loving and revering God, what motivation does verse 14 give for obedience?
4. Solomon had position, wisdom, wealth, fame, everything many people would long for, yet he concluded that revering God and being obedient were the most important things in life. How have you found this to be true in your life and what comfort or encouragement does that give you?