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ECCLESIASTES – LESSON FIVE

I. PROVERBS REGARDING RELIGION AND RICHES (Chapter 5)

A. Exhortation to approach God to hear than to offer the sacrifice of fools (5:1)

B. Warnings against thoughtless words or hasty professions (5:2,7)

C. Much activity and words do not guarantee substance and wisdom (5:3)

D. Warnings concerning making vows (5:4-5).

1. You must fulfill your vows.

2. Better to not vow than to vow and not pay.

3. No excuses will suffice – beware, God will bring judgment upon you.

E. Don’t despair over injustice in high places for one higher is watching (5:8).

F. The profit of the earth is for all – even the high king is fed from the lowly earth (5:9).

G. The evils involved in the pursuit and possessions of wealth (5:10-17).

1. Obtaining riches will bring contentment to those who love riches (v. 10).

2. Goods are to be partaken of – otherwise all you can do is look at them (v. 11).

3. With wealth comes worry and loss of sheep (v. 12)

4. Wealth hoarded can be suddenly lost by adventure, and nothing left for one’s heirs (v. 13-14).

5. Man comes into the world naked – he will in like manner leave – empty handed (v. 15-17).

a. What profit is there in obtaining wealth?

1. Striving after wind

2. Eating in darkness – uncertainty of the future

3. Sore vexed – sorrow

4. Sickness

5. Wrath

H. The good to do regarding riches (5:18-20)

1. Partake of and enjoy the fruits of your labor

2. God’s gift: partaking of the fruits of one’s labor – not just obtaining it.

a. Produces joy that overcome the sorrows in life.

QUESTIONS:

1. Is our offering or what we sacrifice unto God the most important thing in our religious activity before God?

2. What thought and attitude should cause our words to be few?

3. When we make a vow before God, what must we do?  Any exceptions?

 

    4. What should cause us not to ring our hands in despair when we see injustice occurring in high places?

    5.    Who should NOT  be concerning over what occurs on farms?

   

    6. I may  believe that being rich is the greatest  goal of life.  What points can you offer to help me see that such a goal is foolish?

 

    7.   What constant fear is in the heart of the man who has spent all his life in pursuing and

            obtaining wealth?

8.  What is a good thing to do regarding  the things we may possess?  Why is this good?