Ecclesiastes
Lesson 2Ecclesiastes 1:1 to 2:26; "Everything is Meaningless"
As mentioned in our last lesson, it is insightful to realize that Ecclesiastes was written by the man who had the most wisdom and riches of anyone in the world, and yet in Chapter 1 and on he declares everything to be meaningless.
The obvious conflict between Solomon declaring that "everything is meaningless" while simultaneously celebrating all that God had given him can only be rationalized by looking at everything in relation to God. It is only when man’s viewpoint is predominant that we quickly come to the same conclusion as King Solomon—that all is meaningless, futile, and without purpose.
Let’s read Chapters 1 and 2 this week and consider the following:
- Compare Eccl. 1:1-3 with Mark 8:36-38. What is the lesson God is teaching us in these verses?
- In verses 4-11 Solomon speaks of the cycles of the earth as it spins around the sun, all appearing to be eternal. He contrasts his thought that the earth remains forever with the realization that all life is fleeting. He concludes in verses 10-11 by stating there is nothing new under the sun. Is that still true today? With all of the advances in technology and medicine for example, is Solomon still right or are his thoughts out dated, outmoded?
- What is Solomon referring to in verse 11? (See also Genesis 40:23, and Eccl 9:15.)
- What is Solomon talking about in verses 12-18 and what does he mean "a chasing after the wind"?
- If we were to restate verse 18 in today’s vernacular we could say (fill in the blank) "Ignorance is _____". Can you point to an example in today’s life that points out what Solomon is saying, "the more knowledge the more grief"?
- Having found no lasting joy or peace in work, knowledge or wisdom Solomon now seeks to find it in pleasure. (see 2:1) What does he try first in verses two and three of the second chapter? How does man attempt to do this today?
- When that didn’t work what did Solomon then try to find pleasure in (see 2:4-11) and again, how do we see this today?
- In verses 12-16 Solomon turns to seeking wisdom for meaning and purpose in his life. What did he observe about wisdom in verse 13?
- In verse 14 Solomon concludes that having wisdom prevents the wise man from walking in the darkness. What else did he conclude about the wise and the foolish in verse 14?
- Why was Solomon so upset about this observation? What did he conclude about his life in verse 16?
- Solomon states in verse 17 that he "hated life". Why? (see Eccl. 2:18-23)
- How then does Solomon conclude can man find true happiness? (see Eccl. 2:24-26)
In summary, Solomon came to the conclusion that seeking satisfaction and fulfillment by working hard, or seeking wisdom, or"living for today" and seeking pleasure—none of these can ever bring true satisfaction. It is only through God that we will find peace, fulfillment, satisfaction during our brief time on earth. Rather than seeking the things that will supposedly make us happy, we need to seek God’s kingdom and His will for lives first; because only then will we find true meaning and happiness. This week let’s pray that God will renew within us a new sense of purpose and a keen awareness of His will for our lives as we continue to reflect on Solomon’s words.
In Christ,
Wes
[2017]