Chapter Summary

Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations and vexations arising from the vanity of the world.

Discussion Questions for Ecclesiastes, Chapter 8

1. Ecclesiastes 8:2 states, "I say: Keep the king's command, because of God's oath to him." (ESV) How do you interpret the relationship between obedience to authority and moral responsibility? What are situations where disobedience may be justified and why?
2. Ecclesiastes 8:17 poses a rhetorical statement, "then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out." (ESV) How do you grapple with the mystery of God's ways and the limitations of human understanding in your own spiritual journey?
3. Ecclesiastes 8:11 observes, "Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil." How does this statement resonate with contemporary discussions on criminal justice and societal order?
4. Reflect on the tension between fearing authority and standing up against injustice. How can individuals navigate situations where those in power may abuse their authority?
5. Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 highlights the frustration of trying to comprehend the ways of God. How does this acknowledgement of human limitations influence your approach to seeking knowledge and understanding?
6. Ecclesiastes 8:8 reminds us, "No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death." How does the recognition of mortality impact the way we live our lives and prioritize our values?
7. Ephesians 8 emphasizes the importance of wisdom in navigating life's complexities. How do you define wisdom, and what practical steps can individuals take to cultivate it in their lives?
8. Ecclesiastes 8:12-13 discusses the implications of wickedness and its ultimate consequences. How do you interpret these verses in the context of justice and divine judgment?
9. Consider the tension between righteousness and wickedness explored throughout Ecclesiastes 8. How do you reconcile the existence of both good and evil within human nature?
10. Despite the uncertainties of life, Ecclesiastes encourages trust in God. How does this message resonate with your own faith journey, particularly during times of adversity and doubt?

Key Words/Phrase

Wisdom, v. 1.

Characters

God, Solomon.

Strong Verse(s)

11, 12.