Obey the King
(8:2-5) What oath have we made with the king mentioned here when we became Christians? Why would we be in a hurry to
leave the king’s presence (Hint: Psa. 139)? “Do not stand up for a bad cause”
can also be translated “Do not linger in a bad cause (sin).” In this context,
what is the wise person to know and accept?
The king mentioned here is God
(v.4) because his “word is supreme.” When we became Christians, we have taken
an oath before God to obey Him (v.2). However, since we are sinners we often
sin, but sin should not drive us away from the presence of God but cause us to
return to Him (v.3a). Yet we should not linger in sin (v.3b) because God will
eventually punish those who linger in sin. A wise person realizes that this Day
of Judgment will take place (v.5).
(8:6-8) Why are many people miserable (Hint: Three specific reasons
are mentioned)? Can you recall specific memories of ever falling prey to
being miserable because of these reasons,
past or present? As
Christians, how can we have victory over them (1 Cor. 15:51-57)?
Most people are miserable because
they do not understand that “there is a time for everything” (v.6), there is
always uncertainty about the future (v.7), and death ultimately has the victory
(v.8). God promises us a new body (1 Cor. 15:51-53) and victory over death
through Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:54-57).
(8:9-11)
Take a look at an example of a king who misuses his power (1 Kings 12:1-33).
Who is affected by misused power? When is the “time” of “hurt” (v.9)? Why are
people inclined to do wrong when they go unpunished? Why would God allow them
to go unpunished (Rom. 2:4)?
Kings who misuse their power not
only oppress their people but hurt themselves – the “time” of “hurt” here
refers to the Day of Judgment. People are inclined to do wrong when they go
unpunished because they simply do not see the punishment coming. God allows
them to go unpunished so that they would recognize God’s kindness and repent.
(8:12-14) Does this passage contradict 7:15? What does Solomon mean when
he says the wicked “lives a long time?” How can we justify God allowing the
wicked to live longer than the righteous? What do the righteous gain from this
seeming injustice (
The seemingly “prolonged life”
refers to the perception of the wicked person. If we take into account our
eternal existence, our life here on earth is like a vapor (Jas. 4:14). The fact
that God allows the wicked to live longer is actually an act of grace, since He
is giving the wicked more time to repent. The righteous, despite the injustice,
gains perseverance, character, and hope.
(8:15-17)
Solomon states that “nothing is better… than to eat and drink and be glad.” The
result is that “joy will accompany [man] in his work.” This can also be
translated, “joy will be a part of his work.” Does this mean that this is the
solution to the meaningless of life? (Hint: Solomon is writing with the precept
of 1 Cor. 15:32) What is Solomon’s
ultimate conclusion on this matter (v.17, Hint: Look at the title of this Bible Study)? What have you determined about the meaning of life?
If you ever came to the ultimate conclusion about life as Solomon, what
led you to this belief?
Solomon is writing with the precept
that we should simply enjoy sensuous living and in the end die. However, his
true conclusion is that it is meaningless for man to continually question God,
but rather to submit to God’s will and sovereignty, to live in the fear of God,
and enjoy the blessings that He provides.