Midweek Bible Study

Ecclesiastes 12:12-14 In his closing words of his journal, Solomon the Preacher gives a final warning against pagan counsel and an exhortation of true worship.

Ecclesiastes 12:8-14 A preacher is always seeking to challenge his listeners with truth that will hopefully impact the way they live. This final part of Ecclesiastes provides us with some insight into what makes for effective teaching.

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 This very famous section of Ecclesiastes deals with the reality of progressive deterioration — both mental and physical — and how it ought to prompt us to prepare for eternity.

Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 We find that enjoying life and obeying God go hand-in-hand. We are to seek to enjoy life but to be wise. We are not to do something sinful or foolish. We will give an account.

Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 Solomon is encouraging a “bullish” attitude about life in his journal. We find a refreshing hope, counsel to be actively involved in life as that is what God expects from us… even when success is not guaranteed in every situation.

By looking at Psalms and Proverbs, we can gain a deeper insight into the heart of a fool, why only God’s intervention can break him, and how we can deal with him.

Ecclesiastes 10:12-20 Solomon has spent some time sharing what the wise person looks like. But now he doesn’t shy away from discussing the negative side, of what not to do. He gives us a snapshot of a fool and how his folly is manifest in four ways.

Ecclesiastes 10:3-11 Solomon makes the somewhat surprising statement that wisdom has the advantage of giving success, but it is not a guarantee of earthly success. Ultimately, we will be successful the way God measures success. He draws several conclusions to help us live wise and sensibly.

Ecclesiastes 10:1-11 We can’t just live by our senses or by what the majority says. We must “fly by the instruments.” Solomon gives us wisdom to live by so that our lives have substance and significance.

Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 If we are to find meaning in life we must say “no” to empty philosophies and affirm the realities of God’s sovereignty, that death is certain, our indwelling sin, and that there is a real hope. Solomon offers some concluding counseling to live and respond to these realities.