Ecclesiastes 2:12-26

1. Read Ecclesiastes 2:12–23. The Preacher hates his toil. The entire passage describes a person of deep despair, anger, and utter frustration. Why do you think these circumstances are evoking such a strong emotional and mental response in him? Also, notice the second sentence in verse 2:14. What event is he referring to? Why do you think that realization unsettles him so much (Ecclesiastes 2:15–17)?
2. In Ecclesiastes, toil includes the act of working or laboring, and also that which is gained through toil. It is the work you do to try and get the life you desire, whether it is your career, education, or household. Ecclesiastes 2:18 states that the Preacher hated his toil. Have you ever felt that way? Explain.
3. Whether you are employed, unemployed, a student, a stay-at-home parent, or something else, you spend the hours of your life engaged in some sort of toil. Describe your toil. Why do you do it? What about it is satisfying? What about it is unsatisfying?
4. Work is a great gift but a cruel god. The problem is asking toil to give you more than it can. Consider your own life. What would life look like if you made your toil the central pursuit and source of meaning in your life?
5. Read Ecclesiastes 2:24–26. Describe the person mentioned in verse 2:24. What does their life look like? Do you know anyone like this?
6. The invitation of Ecclesiastes 2:24–26 is to set our attention on God, His original design, and our future reality with Him. There is true joy available to you in this life, but you will not find it if you make your toil your god. What changes do you need to make to your toil (or how you approach your toil) to better experience the reality of Ecclesiastes 2:24?