Chapter Summary

Warnings against a vain religion. The vanity and vexation attending the possession of wealth.

Discussion Questions for Ecclesiastes, Chapter 5

1. Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 discusses the importance of approaching God with reverence. How does this advice resonate with modern approaches to worship and prayer?
2. Ecclesiastes 5:2 warns against making hasty vows. How might this cautionary advice apply to contemporary issues of commitment, promises, and the weight of one's words?
3. Ecclesiastes 5:10 addresses the pursuit of wealth and its potential insatiability. Can you think of examples in today's society where people fall into the trap of thinking that more wealth will bring lasting satisfaction?
4. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 encourages the enjoyment of one's work and the simple pleasures of life. How does this perspective challenge notions of success that are solely tied to financial achievements? In what ways can individuals find contentment and joy in their daily lives, regardless of their material circumstances?
5. Ecclesiastes 5:8-9 touches on the oppression of the poor by the rich. How does this observation align with contemporary discussions about income inequality and social justice? What responsibility, if any, do those who are financially well-off have toward addressing societal inequalities?
6. Ecclesiastes 5:15-16 discusses the fleeting nature of wealth and how it cannot be taken into the afterlife. How might this perspective influence one's approach to financial planning and priorities? In what ways do people grapple with the tension between the pursuit of financial security and the recognition of life's impermanence?
7. Ecclesiastes 5:12 mentions the sleeplessness of the rich. How does this observation resonate with the anxieties associated with wealth and success in contemporary society?
8. Ecclesiastes 5:19 suggests that God gives the ability to enjoy wealth. How can individuals balance their material aspirations with spiritual values and a sense of gratitude? In what ways might the pursuit of wealth enhance or detract from one's spiritual life?
9. Ecclesiastes 5:10 suggests that the lover of money will never be satisfied with money. How might this tension between the pursuit of wealth and the pursuit of wisdom be relevant in today's society? In what ways can individuals prioritize the pursuit of wisdom over the relentless pursuit of wealth, and what benefits might this bring?
10. Ecclesiastes 5:7 encourages trust in God rather than reliance on wealth. How might this perspective on trust inform one's approach to life's uncertainties?

Key Words/Phrase

Vanity, v. 10.

Characters

God, Solomon.

Strong Verse(s)

1, 2, 12.