Bible Study -- Ecclesiastes 9, 10

1. Read Ecclesiastes 9:1-3. The teacher continues his somber treatise to consider again the fate of mankind. Do our external conditions reflect the magnitude of God’s love for us? There is a paradox in the teacher’s statement that seems to be in direct contention with God’s omniscience, goodness, and care for his people. (read Psalm 73:1) What is the paradox, and how do you resolve this? Read verse 3 and consider the “evil” that the teacher describes. Is the teacher right?

No, we cannot determine the amount of love that God has for us how well or poorly our life is going. (see John 9:3) The flaw in this line of thought is the idea that God expresses his love through material abundance. From the examples of the Biblical heroes, it is quickly shown that their portion in this world was not necessarily greater than any other, and many of them were called to sacrifice their lives on account of the gospel message. The trials and tribulation that we face in this world are the result of fallen creation and though they were not God’s original intention for mankind, they can be used by Him to teach us perseverance. (see Romans 5:3). The paradox in the teacher’s statement is that both evil and good seem to receive God’s grace and abundance in a random fashion, namely that in this life one cannot determine the righteousness or evilness of a man by the blessings he may have, since both evil and good are rewarded equally. Atheists and evil-doers alike use this truth to justify their actions, since both the righteous and evil come to the same end, God must either not exist or not care. The answer to this is found in many places, Job answers this (Job 24) by referring again to God’s omniscience, and Jesus himself reminds us that (Luke 12:6,7) God does both know and intercede on our behalf for us in trials. (see also 1^st Corinthians 10:13) Our God is NOT a watchmaker… he directly intercedes on our behalf and delivers us from temptations and trials.

The “evil” that the teacher discusses does indeed seem to be the final fate of man, however we Christians know that Christ has defeated death (1^st Corinthians 15:55). Every man indeed does face death, and it is the finality of life on this earth. So this is true. On the other hand, we know that death is not the end for Christians, as the “sting” of it has been removed.

2. Read Chapter 9:4 – 6. Contrast these verses with Ecclesiastes 4:2. Has the great teacher gone mad? How do you reconcile these seemingly different lines of thought?

The living are still able to prepare for their death, so it is better to be living than dead. The dead are already dead, and have entered into the abyss from which they can never return. Their test on this earth has ended. The teacher says that it is better to be dead than alive earlier, since he sees that pain and blessing seem to be promiscuously dispersed throughout creation.

3. Read Chapter 9:7-12. This is a return to the wisdom that Solomon has been exhorting us to follow; to enjoy our lives as best we are able under the hand of God, not indulging in carnal pleasure, but taking joy in the simple things in the world, since there is nothing better on this earth. Consider verses 11 and 12. Do you agree with the teacher?

It is my opinion that Solomon seems almost angry that his own actions on this earth do not control his eternal destiny. In fact, the entire book seems to be in slight protest, both to his reader and to God that in spite of the great wisdom and wealth that he has accumulated on this earth, he cannot control his destiny anymore than an ant. Rather than take comfort and joy in God’s providence, Solomon instead shows his frustration. How true indeed is Jesus’ statement “"It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God". Since Solomon has so much in this world, he is loathe to accept that God is the lone arbiter of his eternal condition.

4. Read Chapter 9: 13-18. What then is the value of wisdom, since the poor man’s memory was not kept? According to the teacher’s definition of value, how would things be different if the poor mans’ words were valued? How do we value wisdom in this world?

To the teacher, there cannot be value in this world, for even if the poor man were recognized and rewarded, in the scheme of things, his lot would be the same as that of the rich, wise, and evil – death. Also, the teacher here is thinking of value in terms of the prosperity of the individual, rather than of the group as a whole. Clearly there was value to the city in the poor man’s wisdom, since they were saved from the besieging of the larger army.

5. Read Ecclesiastes 10:1-4. Discuss the meanings of each of the proverbs. Consider the proverb in verse 1 – what is the danger in being wise?

To the man that is known to be wise, only a little folly will make him more rank than a known fool. The right hand (or adroit in English) is synonymous with being skillful or adept, whereas the left (gauche) is synonymous with being clumsy or awkward. Therefore, the wise man skillfully places his heart in his heart in a position where he can draw strength and wisdom, whereas the fool places his heart in a place where he will only draw failure. Note: I take personal offense at this description of left-handed people.

6. Read 10:6-11. What is the scope of these verses? Think of it in the context of government. Consider carefully verse 10. What does this mean?

The teacher is protesting that idiots are put into positions of power as often as nobles. In addition, he is warning us that going against the king is only at your own detriment. Verse 10 shows that it is better to have properly applied wisdom than force, since force may require increased strength to succeed, whereas wisdom can be directly applied.

7. Read verses 10:11-15. Consider these verses carefully. What truths can we apply to our daily lives?

To speak little and listen often, and to carefully consider the ends of our labor before we apply it.

8. Read 10:16-20. What is the scope of these verses, and how can we apply this to our daily lives?

When the king is a child (not just in age, but in maturity and wisdom), the people suffer. When the king has strength, maturity, and temperance, the people gain. Therefore, we cannot neglect the role of Christians making informed political decisions, because there are direct consequences to the people.