Chapter Summary

Prudence recommended as a means of avoiding much of the vanity and vexation of the world.

Discussion Questions for Ecclesiastes, Chapter 7

1. Ecclesiastes 7:3 states, "Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad." (ESV) How do you interpret this statement in the context of your own experiences and beliefs?
2. Ecclesiastes 7 emphasizes the importance of wisdom over folly. How do you define wisdom, and what steps can individuals take to cultivate it in their lives?
3. Ecclesiastes 7:20 says, "Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins." (ESV) How does this acknowledgment of human sinful nature resonate with your understanding of morality and ethics?
4. Ecclesiastes 7:8 suggests that patience is better than pride. How do you personally navigate the tension between the desire for immediate gratification and the virtue of patience in your own life?
5. Ecclesiastes 7:1 states, "A good name is better than precious ointment," How do societal perceptions influence our behavior and decisions, and what role should reputation play in our lives?
6. Ecclesiastes 7:18 concludes with the advice to "Fear God and keep his commandments". How does this principle serve as a guiding force in navigating life's uncertainties and complexities?
7. Ecclesiastes 7:14 states, "In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other." (ESV) How do you reconcile the presence of adversity in life with the belief in God?
8. Ecclesiastes frequently emphasizes the fleeting nature of human achievements and possessions. How does this perspective shape your priorities and aspirations?
9. Reflect on the various examples given in Ecclesiastes 7 that contrast wisdom with folly. How do these examples resonate with contemporary society, and what lessons can we draw from them?
10. Ultimately, Ecclesiastes grapples with existential questions about the meaning of life. How do you find purpose and fulfillment in a world characterized by impermanence and uncertainty?

Key Words/Phrase

Wisdom, vv. 11, 19.

Characters

God, Solomon.

Strong Verse(s)

9, 29.