The Preacher continues to list vanities and things on Earth that will ultimately leave us empty and unsatisfied. As the saying goes, “money can’t buy happiness” and the Preacher agrees. Once again we are reminded that true joy and right living come from relationship and communion with the Lord.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
What does the preacher say about money and greed in this passage?
Compare verses 5:8-17 to 5:18-20. Do these passages contradict each other?
FEELING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
How can we avoid being never-satisfied lovers of money (5:10) yet still enjoy the gifts of God discussed in verses 18–20?
What does it mean to “not much remember” the days of one’s life as God keeps us occupied with joy in our hearts (v. 20)? How can we do this?
DOING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
Think of something that you invested a lot of time or money into but ultimately lost and/or it didn’t bring satisfaction. How does this experience and this passage convict you?
How does this passage encourage/ challenge the way that you spend/save/gain money and possessions? Is there something that you should stop doing or start doing with your money?
Some questions adapted from Knowing The Bible - Ecclesiastes
