Ecclesiastes 8:8-17

1. Read Ecclesiastes 8:8–11. According to this passage, what power does man possess? What power does man not possess?
2. The theme of death’s inevitability has already been mentioned many times throughout Ecclesiastes. But in the context of civic power, why do you think Ecclesiastes raises the reality of man’s powerlessness over death?
3. The book of Ecclesiastes concludes with these words: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). How should this reality shape the way you view and respond to politics and the actions of your governing authorities?
4. Read Ecclesiastes 8:12–17. The wicked sometimes live long and prosperous lives without ever receiving recompense for their sins. While God undoubtedly has reasons for this, He has not revealed them to us (Ecclesiastes 8:16–17). They are a mystery. Nevertheless, Ecclesiastes reaches forward to a more permanent reality than our current life under the sun. What is significant about the future-tense language (i.e., “it will be…”) used in Ecclesiastes 8:12–13?
5. Is Ecclesiastes 8:15 descriptive of your life right now? Why or why not?
6. Read Titus 3:1–2. As you consider this current political moment, which of these commands do you specifically need to take to heart today?
7. Spend a few moments in prayer. Ask God for wisdom rooted in a right fear of God (Ecclesiastes 8:12), and that you would be filled with joy by God’s good and simple gifts (Ecclesiastes 8:15) even though “the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain” (Psalm 2:1).