The Preacher has set his heart to discover wisdom and meaning under the sun, but his endeavor leaves him with a deep sense of emptiness and despair. What so many look to for ultimate meaning and purpose; pleasure, wise living, achievements - they are ultimately an attempt to grasp smoke. Thankfully, not all hope is lost. As one author notes, the Preacher is "depressing us into dependence" upon God. Chapter 2 ends with a glimpse of hope as Solomon shows us how an understanding of the vanity of earthly pursuits can lead us to grateful enjoyment of God, the giver of all good things.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
What does Solomon discuss throughout this passage as vanity? What is the point of Solomon going through all of the ways that worldly pursuits disappoint us?
How does death make earthly joys ultimately unsatisfying?
FEELING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
How are the teachings of Jesus the opposite of almost everything that Solomon pursues? (See John 1:1, 2:1-11, Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 2:24)
Read Romans 8:18-25. Compare Paul and the Preacher’s analysis of the world. Does Paul help us interpret the Preacher's words more fully?
DOING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Throughout this passage, Solomon discusses how knowledge, pleasure, achievement and work do not grant us meaning. Which one of these pursuits do you find yourself chasing instead of the Lord?
Read Mark 8:34-37. How do the words of Christ reflect the teachings of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26? How does this point us to hope in Christ?
Some Questions adapted from Knowing The Bible: Ecclesiastes
