This passage continues to describe life under the sun and more vanities. The Preacher discusses the harshness of life and the vanity of striving for glory in our work and output. He reminds us of the rampant injustice in the world, the certainty of our death, and encourages us to not live an isolated life.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
THINKING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR MINDS TO HELP US UNDERSTAND GOD’S WORD.
What does the Preacher think inspires man to strive and toil?
Compare verses 4:8 and 4:9-11. What is the Preacher saying here?
FEELING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR AFFECTIONS TO HELP US LOVE GOD
How does and will God respond to the injustice and oppression that the Preacher (and we) observe? (Read Psalm 146:5-7, Exodus 22:21-27, Acts 17:30-31 for help)
How can we respond to oppression and injustice in the way that Jesus responded? (1 Peter 2:19-23, 4:13)
DOING: QUESTIONS AIMED AT OUR HANDS TO HELP US LIVE FOR GOD (PERSONALLY, COMMUNALLY, AND MISSIONALLY)
The Preacher is very clear that we will all die. How do you respond to this? How does this affect the way that you live?
Do you compare yourself and your accomplishments to others (v4) or find yourself doing completely nothing (v5)? How can we fight against these tendencies and live for the Lord?
Some questions adapted from The Message of Ecclesiastes: A time to mourn, and a time to dance by Derek Kidner.
