Ecclesiastes 7

1. Read Ecclesiastes 7:1–6. Ecclesiastes 7:1–4 suggests that the day of death has more to teach us than the day of birth. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” How should the inevitability of your death produce a “heart of wisdom” in you?
2. The “song of fools” in verse 7:5 refers to receiving flattery and compliments from foolish people. It is contrasted with the goodness of receiving wise rebuke. Have you ever experienced Ecclesiastes 7:5? What moments come to mind of when you were foolishly flattered and of when you were wisely rebuked?
3. Read Ecclesiastes 7:7–22. Read through the different proverbs in Ecclesiastes 7:7–13 and select one that resonates most with you. What do you think it means? Why do you think that one resonates with you in this season of life?
4. To live in this fallen world means living with the reality of complicated relationships. Read Ecclesiastes 7:21–22 again. Are there any relationships where you need to take to heart the instruction of 7:21? Are there any relationships where you fit the description of 7:22?
5. This passage (7:7–22) once again raises the reality of God’s rule over everything. Acknowledging God is never a secondary matter. God is the Creator and Sovereign of all creation. How does meditating on the supremacy of God reframe your quest to make sense of life and its mysteries?
6. Read Ecclesiastes 7:23–29. Ecclesiastes 7:13 says, “Consider the work of God: who can make straight what he has made crooked?” The answer is Jesus. He Himself is the answer to all of life’s questions. Spend some time meditating on the work of God in Christ. Where in life do you need to be reminded of the work of Jesus?