Ecclesiastes 5-6

Stand in Awe of God (5:1-7)

(5:1) What is the “sacrifice of fools?” Are we often guilty of offering this sort of sacrifice? If yes, what are some examples of our foolish sacrifices?

Sacrifice of fools:
“Guard your steps” – Thoughts and affections as we go to worship God
“Go near to listen” – Listen to and obey God’s word
“Sacrifice of fools” – Those who try to please God without obedience

(5:2) Why does Solomon come to the conclusion “so let your words be few”? How often do we utter words during worship without considering what we are saying? In what other ways can we draw close to God without words or idle talk?

”Jesus draw me close, for I desire to worship and obey”
“As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after thee”
“In my life, Lord, be glorified”
“You set my feet a dancing, You set my heart on fire, In the presence of a thousand kinds You are my one desire”
“Riches I need not, nor man’s empty praise. Thou mine inheritance, now and always. Thou and Thou only, first in my heart. High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.”

How does this relate to “cast all your cares upon Him” (1 Pet. 5:7)?

God does invite us to cast our cares upon Him, but to vainly ask God to draw us close or proclaim that we desire Him is only an insult to Him.

(5:3-7) Solomon allegorizes that when there are many worries, we dream about them, and in the same way when there are many worries, we tend to make vows to get out of them. Are there any vows that you made lately? How about in prayer ( ie. Let your will be done) or worship ( ie. Take my life and let it be consecrated to thee)? Recall the words that we often utter when we worship. How often, then, do we make vows? How seriously do we really mean to keep these vows?

"Let Your will be done" may sound like a request, but it is really a promise (vow) made to God. When you ask God for His will to be done, you are implying that you are promising to accept anything that God sends your way (since it is His will). If you do not accept what comes your way, you are in essense breaking this promise (vow) that you made to God.

(5:7) Having looked at how serious worship is, what does it mean now to “stand in awe of God?”

Worship God with the right attitude, and beware of making vows, as we are expected to perform them!

Riches are Meaningless (5:8-6:12)

(5:8-9) Why is there “injustice” with Solomon in power? – Think of the reason why Israel had a king in the first place (1 Sam. 8). What attitude did Christ take towards injustice (Mat. 23, Luk. 18:1-8)? What should we as Christians do about it?

Israel wanted to be like the other nations around them and have a king to rule over them. The kings who ruled over Israel were sinners too, and there was injustice.

(5:10-17) Notice the different illustrations that Solomon uses to show how meaningless earthly riches are. Make some observations about the truth of earthly riches.

(5:18-20) How often do we worry about our future - about all the possibilities of dangers, failure, or trials? What does this passage encourage us to do? What New Testament truths come to mind (Matt. 6:34, Phil. 4:12)?

The two New Testament truths are to "not worry about tomorrow" and to "be content with what you have." Often times we worry so much about what is to come, or what all the possible outcomes could be, that it easily becomes target for worry which can develop to desiring something better (not being content with what you have).

(6:1-6) Remember that in Solomon’s time, Israel was at its highest point of wealth. They enjoyed peace and prosperity, which is why in verse 1 Solomon is referring to all men. Why would God not allow the Israelites to not enjoy their wealth, if that is what He had been promising them all along (Hint: Matt. 6:21)?

Misuse of the wealth – Israel set their hearts on their wealth and not on using their wealth for God.

Notice how Job relates a miscarried child with his situation (Job 3:16). How does that contrast with Solomon? Some use this as an argument for suicide – that it is better to die young than to suffer in the world. What hope does Scripture offer (2 Cor. 1, Matt. 5:1-11)?

While Job relates his "negative" situation (of being stripped of everything he has), Solomon relates his "positive" situation (of being wealthy). Having so much wealth and not being able to enjoy it can only bring suffering.

In response to the suicidal argument, God is continually teaching us to rely on Him. The reason why we are on this earth is to have a relationship with God – not to live for ourselves. It is only when we live for ourselves that we begin to think that the world is not worth suffering through.

(6:7-9) How often do we satisfy our desires, only to find that we want more? The word “appetite” actually means “soul,” “self,” or “passion” in Hebrew ( nefesh). Think of some things that do satisfy our soul, and notice the challenge to not allow our eyes to wander, seeking after worldly desires.

(6:10-12) Who is “the one who is stronger than [man]” (Job 9:32, Prov. 21:30, Isa. 45:9)? Try to answer the question in verse 12, particularly in terms of wealth: “ What is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow?” What is Solomon’s conclusion about wealth? About life?

Ultimately, God is higher and greater (stronger) than any man. So if we are trying to answer the question in verse 12 of whether it is good to be rich or poor, the answer is neither, since our condition on earth is ultimately overruled by the greatness of God. There are negative connotations for either position - A rich man has difficulty entering the kingdom of heaven because there is so much wealth to distract him. A poor man has limitations on earth because of his status, and this hinders effective service to God. Note that the solution here is not to give up wealth and become poor, but to realize that God is above everything and that the only remedy to the vanity of this world is to stand in awe of God.