Ecclesiastes 10:1-20
ECCLESIASTES STUDY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What stood out to you from our study of Ecclesiastes 10 and why?
What characteristics of a fool does Solomon highlight in chapter 10? How does the fool react to authority, to adversity, and to calamity?
In contrast to the fool, how do the wise respond to authority, to adversity, and to calamity? How does wisdom affect our tongues, attitudes, and actions?
In Ecclesiastes 10:18-19, The Professor says that without wise work, there can be no money to enjoy the pleasures of life (i.e., laziness leads to leaks while wisdom leads to life). Why is it so important for us to see the distinction between living foolishly and living wisely?
Though the world rejects wisdom and exalts folly, what is Solomon advocating in Ecclesiastes 10? Consider the sources and volume of wisdom and folly you take in every day. Which do you consume more of? What can we do to prioritize the intake of God’s wisdom over our regular diet of folly, and how can we help one another in that endeavor?
The Professor makes the point throughout Ecclesiastes that human wisdom is certainly better than folly. But human wisdom has its limits. Where does wisdom and right perspective truly begin according to the Bible (cf. Prov 1:7 and 9:10)? Why is reverence, trust, and faith in the Lord the beginning of true wisdom?
In Ecclesiastes 10, Solomon urges us to pursue wisdom. When we look to the New Testament, we see that Jesus is the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:21-26, Col 2:3). Jesus is our savior who speaks a better word and lays great offenses to rest (Ecc 10:4 and Heb 12:24). Jesus is the prince who walked like a slave so slaves could ride like princes (Ecc 10:5-7 and 2 Cor 5:21, 2 Cor 8:9, Phil 2:1-11). Jesus is the loving king who feasts at the proper time and sacrifices so others may live (Ecc 10:16-17 and John 7:8, 37, Rev 19:9). How does seeing Jesus as the embodiment of God’s wisdom inform our daily interactions with one another and the world?
What is one key takeaway from our study in Ecclesiastes 10 that you will try to remember and apply this week?
