Ecclesiastes. Finding Purpose in Life Under the Sun

Transcription

1 Ecclesiastes Finding Purpose in Life Under the Sun Taught by Jeff Stewart, September - November, 2015

2 Ecclesiastes Introduction Introduction to Ecclesiastes Of the books of the Bible, it is one of the most often quoted in the secular world, yet one of the least understood. Songs have been written about it. Presidential candidates borrow from it. Pithy sayings find their roots here. As you read the book, you will find it both enlightening and confusing. I have read through it many times now, and a lot of passages cause me to think to myself, I ve certainly observed that. How true it is. But there are equally as many passages where I think, What does that mean? Such is the nature of Ecclesiastes. It is at once a book of great wisdom as well as an enigma. This quarter we will search all this out and strive to find meaning and wisdom for our lives today. Not all of it will be easy, and we will likely disagree on some sections. But I trust our study together will be profitable. Title and Author Ecclesiastes is derived from a Greek word meaning, assembly, congregation, church. It simply means Preacher. The original Hebrew title was the word Koheleth which meant the one who addresses an assembly. This word is found several places in the book (1:1,2,12; 7:27; 12:8,9,10). This title is consistent with the fact that the Preacher has a message, certain words, to give to his audience (1:1). He sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright words of truth. (12:10) It is generally accepted that the book was written to the godly in Israel, but less agreement is found as to who wrote it and when. Ancient writers ascribed it almost universally to Solomon and many today do so as well, but there have been some over recent centuries who question this. They propose that someone during the period B.C. wrote it; perhaps one impersonating Solomon and referring to themselves only as the Preacher. However, I think the evidence favors Solomon as being the author. He certainly had the real perspective of many of the things written and fits the claim of 1:12. If this be the case, the book was probably written about 985 B.C. Overview As we think about the writer, Solomon, we cannot help but think about his life. He was the son of the King of Israel and heir to the throne. When asked by God what he desired, he had the humility to ask only for wisdom to judge the people. God granted him this, but also gave him much more: riches and honor. God said to him, See, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. (1Ki. 3:12) The puzzling thing about Solomon is how he ended up where he did. How could someone so wise and blessed with so much let his heart turn from God to idols? I believe the book of Ecclesiastes gives us some insight into this. Whether he wrote it earlier or later in life, we do not know. I rather like to think of it as a book written in the final years of a repentant Solomon reconciled to God, but many other viewpoints have been proffered. Page 1

3 Ecclesiastes Introduction If anyone could have found true happiness in the things or pleasures of this world, it was Solomon. If any could find real meaning and joy through the pursuit of worldly knowledge, he could. Yet, the message of the book is clear: a life focused merely on these pursuits is vain. Happiness will be elusive. There has to be more to life; Solomon hints at this throughout. He does not elaborate at length on what this is, but the vacuum is painted quite vividly. Only if God fills the void will one fine meaning and true joy. R.J. Kidwell has an excellent foreword in his commentary. Here are some excerpts: Ecclesiastes is a negative, when once developed, produces an unbelievably sharp picture of modern man. Once the message of the book is sufficiently grasped and perceived, one is astounded at how crisp, up to date, and relevant the pictures are. Little would we suspect that such graphic word photographs were taken nearly three thousand years ago! It is possible, as Robert L. Short has demonstrated, to capture today s various moods of work and play through the lens of his camera, and set the picture along side the corresponding truths of this marvelous book. There is nothing new under the sun! The untiring and resourceful experiments of the Preacher are proposed and carried out with a single objective: to discover if man is capable of finding joy, fulfillment, and lasting satisfaction in things which are purely of a sublunary nature. His conclusion is that not only is such a pursuit futile, it is like feasting on the wind. His photographs reveal the true picture of life. He does not attempt to hide selfishness, hypocrisy, greed, oppression, tyranny, ambition, or social inequities. He tells it like it is. He has at least this much in common with the present generation. He recognizes that God has control of His world. He senses a providential influence in all of life. It is just that his photography never brings God into sharp focus. He is always in the distance. He is there, but one can never quite make out His form. His influence and power are felt but no word is forthcoming to give one direction to life or an interpretation of the pictures of life. It isn t that the Preacher is disinterested in the answers, he simply cannot find them on his own. He writes, Even though man should seek laboriously, he will not discover (8:17) The basic question of the book is this: Is there any profit in all of man s work which he does upon this earth? The paradox of life is that the richest men are often the loneliest men and those with the greatest wealth are the ones who possess the greatest need When the book is completed, the reader has discovered that no new road can be traveled. Man has traveled the road before. Each new generation appears to discover something new, but they are merely inventing new names to define and describe ancient pursuits. The Preacher has succeeded in putting his finger on the emptiness of man. He has actually photographed the vacuum. His greatest contribution, however, is to lead the reader to see that the want of man is in the form of Jesus. The vacuum is Christ-shaped. 1 1 Kidwell, R.J. (1989), Ecclesiastes, Bible Study Textbook Series, [College Press, Joplin, Missouri], pp. xv-xvi. Page 2

4 Ecclesiastes Introduction Theme and Purpose The key word in Ecclesiastes is vanity appearing 38 times. It emphasizes the overall theme: the futile emptiness of trying to be happy apart from God. The purpose is stated in 12:13: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. To this end, the whole book drives. There are secondary purposes or themes. One, for example, is that man cannot find true enjoyment in either the collection of the earth s goods or the pleasure derived from them. To remove a love of earthly things is a worthy endeavor. Another minor one points out the inequities of life; the godly should not be discouraged when caught up in them. In the end, however, all the minor themes support the overriding purpose of fearing God. The book falls basically into two equal parts. The first six chapters establish the premise that all earthly things are futile and that the only way man can have personal satisfaction is to live within God s providential blessings. The last six chapters, or second half of the book, assume this premise and therefore proceeds to demonstrate that man can still reap earthly benefits regardless of environmental circumstances. Once man is led to see that earthly values cannot satisfy, he is ready for the conclusion of the book. The conclusion is really a three-fold admonition: (1) to work in harmony with God through the words of one Shepherd; (2) to fear God and keep His commandments; and (3) to realize that God will bring every work into judgment. 2 Study Plans. We will study Ecclesiastes in the order it was written. One could take a topical or thematic approach to it, but it was written in way that drives to an end. Therefore, we will simply follow the Preacher s progression as he laid it out. A copy of the text is included in your notebook, so that you can make notes beside it as you read; I am using the New King James Version. If you do nothing else before class, take the time to read the text several times. More than a cursory reading will be necessary to fully grasp what is being said. If you have questions as you read, make a note of them. Be sure to bring up those questions if I do not cover them in our study. In this workbook, you will find lesson sheets to complete before each class. You will get a lot more out of our study if you read the text and answer the questions. There are also some highlighting assignments; doing these will really help you to see the common themes and overriding messages in the book. In addition, these encourage a reading of the whole book several times, which helps in seeing the broader context. An outline taken from R.J. Kidwell s book is provided in this workbook. There is also a schedule of lessons showing the text we will cover each week. We will hold to this as much as possible, so if you miss a class you will know what we should be studying when you return. I look forward to our study together! Jeff Stewart 2 Kidwell, p. 4. Page 3

5 Ecclesiastes Lesson 1 The Futility of Life Under the Sun Text for Reading & Discussion: Read through the book Eccl. 1:1-11 Key Verse: Eccl. 1:9 That which has been is what will be, That which is done is what will be done, And there is nothing new under the sun. Highlighting: 1. Read through the whole book and highlight the phrases: under the sun, under heaven, and upon earth. a. Summarize what is viewed by the Preacher under the sun. b. What observations or conclusions does the writer make about these things? Questions to consider in your study: 1. Name three distinctions claimed by the author (v. 1). Would Solomon qualify as the Preacher? Is there other evidence for this in the book? 2. What are some goals the Preacher sets for himself in 12:9-10? 3. The words of the book are given by whom? (12:11) Page 4

6 Ecclesiastes Lesson 1 4. How many times is there a reference to vanity in v. 2? List some popular meanings and some dictionary meanings given to the term. 5. Man labors, but his work is restricted to what place (v. 3)? What does the word profit or advantage mean? 6. What three things in God s creation are used to illustrate something? (vv. 4-8) What is the point or what is being illustrated? 7. What is the Preacher s answer if man were to say, See this, it is new? 8. In what sense is the Preacher teaching that history repeats itself? (vv. 9-11) 9. What conclusion will man reach in reference to the question of the purpose of life, if he lives all of it purely under the sun? Page 5

7 Ecclesiastes Lesson 2 The Search for Satisfaction - Experiments Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 1:12 2:11 1 Kings 7:1-51; 9:17-28; 10:1-29; 11:1-3 Key Verse: Eccl. 1:14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. Highlighting: 1. Go through the book and highlight the words: wisdom and wise. a. One author suggests that the Bible speaks of three kinds of wisdom: wisdom from above (Jam. 3:17), wisdom from under the sun (Lk. 16:8), wisdom from below (Jms. 3:15). Look at those three passages and elaborate on each type of wisdom. Which of these is under consideration in Ecclesiastes? Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 1:12-18: 1. How is the Preacher identified in this verse? Who would fit this description? 2. What is the Preacher determined to do? 3. What tool will he use with which to explore? What is it that he wishes to explore? 4. What does he call the task? Who gives such a task to men? 5. Once he had explored all the works, what conclusion did he reach? Page 6

8 Ecclesiastes Lesson 2 6. What is meant by crooked and lacking in the world? Why is it that way? 7. Upon examining these things, what conclusion did he reach? 8. In what way was the Preacher s first experiment a success? In what way was it a failure? Eccl. 2:1-11: 9. How many times do the words I, my, and myself appear in this passage? How many times does the Preacher indicate that his plans and great works were for the enjoyment of others? What obvious conclusion is drawn from this observation? 10. The Preacher now turns to what specific area of activity (v. 1)? After experiencing laughter and pleasure, what is the Preacher s conclusion? 11. He is still searching for the answer to what question (v. 3)? 12. Give proof from two different verses in this section that all of his activities were guided by wisdom. 13. List five of the works which he built and/or enlarged. Read the passages assigned from 1 Kings; what additional observations do you make from that? 14. Name the items of personal pleasure mentioned in verse eight. 15. What did the Preacher claim as his reward for all his labor? 16. Upon reviewing all of his activities (v. 11), list the three attitudes he has toward them. Page 7

9 Ecclesiastes Lesson 3 The Search for Satisfaction - Conclusions Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 2:12-26 Key Verse: Eccl. 2:14 The wise man's eyes are in his head, But the fool walks in darkness. Yet I myself perceived that the same event happens to them all. Highlighting: 1. Go through the book and highlight the words: vanity, vanities, vain. a. Where in the book do you find the phrase vanity of vanities? b. Several times a phrase is attached to the word vanity (i.e. vanity and ). What phrase occurs several times? Explain what this phrase means. Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 2:12-17: 1. What could be expected of the man who succeeds the king? 2. The wise man s eyes are in his head means that he has what? (see also Prov. 17:24) 3. What fate comes to both the wise and the foolish? What will happen to the memory of both the wise and the foolish? 4. Why did the Preacher hate life and consider his work grievous? Page 8

10 Ecclesiastes Lesson 3 Eccl. 2:18-23: 5. Why did the Preacher hate the fruit of his labor? 6. What three tools did the Preacher use to accumulate his legacy? 7. Find the verse in this passage that corresponds with the basic question of 1:3. 8. What keeps men from restful sleep? Eccl. 2:24-26: 9. List the three simple things in life that one is instructed to recognize as coming from the hand of God. 10. What is the condition that one must meet to receive God s blessings of wisdom, knowledge and joy? Does joy result from pursuing joy? 11. What happens to the sinner s legacy? Page 9

11 Ecclesiastes Lesson 4 Living in Harmony with God s Providence Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 3:1-22 Key Verse: Eccl. 3:1 To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven. Highlighting: 1. Go through the book and highlight the name: God or any other reference to God such as Him. a. What has God given man? b. In 12:13, we see the conclusion to the whole matter. Do we see this same or similar phrase anywhere else in the book? Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 3:1-8: 1. What does the first verse (and this whole section) tell us about God s creation? 2. Each verse is a couplet; the second line of each partially explains the first line. What is the general thought of v. 2? 3. Note that nothing evil or immoral is intended in this section. With that in mind, who might have to be killed in order for there to be healing? 4. What experience usually accompanies mourning? What type of dancing is intended (look at other typical references to dancing in the Bible)? 5. List some things the Christian hates and therefore should wage war against. Page 10

12 Ecclesiastes Lesson 4 Eccl. 3:9-22: 6. How might you explain v. 11? 7. What is the gift of God (vv )? 8. What stands in the place of justice and righteousness? 9. What similarities exist between men and beasts? What difference is suggested? (vv , see also 12:7) 10. What is man s lot (v. 22) Page 11

13 Ecclesiastes Lesson 5 Reflections and Maxims Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 4:1 5:9 Key Verse: Eccl. 4:9-10 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 4:1-3: 1. What new inequity does the Preacher now observe? 2. Give evidence that the oppression was severe. 3. Who received congratulations? Why? 4. Who is better off than either the dead or the living? Why? Eccl. 4:4-6: 5. What motivates the labor and the development of skill? 6. The fool is a fool because he is what? 7. If verse 6 is the conclusion of the Preacher, what is he saying? Eccl. 4:7-12: 8. What motivated the man to labor so tirelessly? What did he fail to ask? 9. List the four advantages given in this section of companionship. Page 12

14 Ecclesiastes Lesson What is the lesson taught by the cord of three strands? Eccl. 4:13-16: 11. What adjectives describe the lad? In contrast, how is the king described? 12. What has the king lost the ability to do? 13. Under what circumstances was the lad born? Where did he come from to become king? 14. What will happen to the popularity of the lad who became king? Eccl. 5:1-7: 15. What would the house of God be in the Preacher s day? Why should one guard his steps there? 16. What reason is given why one should not be hasty or impulsive? 17. List some vows taken by Christians today. Are some of these the sacrifice of fools? When is it better not to vow? 18. In what way can your speech cause you to sin? Eccl. 5:8-9: 19. What two areas of inequity should one not be surprised by? 20. Is there a line of authority in the land? Explain. Page 13

15 Ecclesiastes Lesson 6 The Futility of Riches Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 5:10 6:12 Key Verse: Eccl. 5:10 He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 5:10-12: 1. What attitude toward money will keep one from being satisfied with it? 2. What else must be increased when one increases his possessions? 3. What advantage does the poor man have over the rich man? Eccl. 5:13-17: 4. What two activities are identified as a severe evil? 5. Why was it important that the man not lose his wealth? 6. What fruit of his labor will the rich man take with him when he dies? 7. List the four things that are descriptive of the rich man s life. Eccl. 5:18-20: 8. List the four things which God does for, or gives to, men. Page 14

16 Ecclesiastes Lesson 6 9. What is it that the Preacher here calls good? 10. Can every man rejoice in his labor and his riches? Explain. Eccl. 6:1-6: 11. What is better than the rich man of this passage? Give five reasons listed. 12. What is the evil affliction among men? 13. The rich man s labor is considered vain because he is not satisfied with what? 14. What advantages does the stillborn child have? 15. What is the one place where all men go? Eccl. 6:7-9: 16. Man labors for what primary cause? 17. Does the poor man have an advantage over the rich man? 18. Explain v. 9 in the light of 5: Eccl. 6:10-12: 19. In what way is man described in Isaiah 45:9? What is the basic point of 6:10? 20. How is man s life like a shadow? 21. What is the answer to the questions of v. 12? Page 15

17 Ecclesiastes Lesson 7 Overcoming Adverse Circumstances Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 7:1-22 Key Verse: Eccl. 7:2 Better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men; and the living will take it to heart. Questions to consider in your study: 1. What method is employed in this section (vv. 1-14) to teach numerous lessons? 2. What must one possess to assure that his death is better than his birth? (v. 1) 3. What does the house of mourning refer to? What do you think are some reasons for this being better than the house of feasting? (v. 2) 4. Explain this verse in light of Mt. 5:4 and 2 Cor. 7:10. (v. 3) 5. What decision does the wise man make? (v. 4) 6. Define the term rebuke and explain why it is better than the song of fools. (v. 5) 7. Explain the analogy of the crackling of thorns under a pot. (v. 6) 8. How might you explain v. 8? Consider Lk. 14:28-30 as you think about it. Page 16

18 Ecclesiastes Lesson What does v. 9 tell us about anger? 11. Why is it unwise for us to long for the good old days? (v. 10) 12. Comment on some of the benefits of wisdom (vv ). 13. Explain v. 13. Look also at 8: What two crooked ways are apparent in v. 15? 15. What kind of righteousness is undesirable? (see Matt. 5:20; Lk. 18:10-14) 16. What two things in v. 18 should you hold on to? (keep in context of vv ) 17. What two things does wisdom do? (vv ) 18. Wisdom will also keep one from falling into what danger? (vv ) Page 17

19 Ecclesiastes Lesson 8 Observations and Learnings Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 7:23 8:13 Key Verse: Eccl. 7:29 Truly, this only I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes. Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 7:23-24: 1. What is the all this in 7:23? What was the means by which the Preacher tested everything? 2. Identify the conclusion the Preacher reaches in vv ? Eccl. 7:25-29: 3. Who will escape from the evil woman? 4. Identify the three figurative tools used by the evil woman. Elaborate on what these symbolize. 5. Does the Preacher say that there are no wise women? What is the point of his statements about finding wise men and women? 6. What does the term upright mean in v. 29? 7. Explain what is meant by devices or schemes. Page 18

20 Ecclesiastes Lesson 8 8. What is the Preacher concluding in v. 29? Eccl. 8:1-8: 9. Who knows the interpretation of a matter? (v. 1) 10. Why should one keep the king s command? Is there a N.T. passage that conveys a similar principle for us today? 11. Does the him in v. 3 refer to God or to the king who rules the land? (see also 10:4) 12. What word in v. 4 indicates why the king can do whatever pleases him? 13. What principle is taught in v. 6? (the same as taught in ch. 3) 14. Identify the four things in v. 8 that man cannot do. Eccl. 8:9-13: 15. What evil action of the wicked man is recorded in v. 9? 16. What puts an end to temporary oppression exercised by the wicked? (v. 10) What else do we learn about these wicked men in this verse? 17. Why do men indulge freely in sin? (v. 11) 18. Why will it not be well for the wicked man? (v. 13) Page 19

21 Ecclesiastes Lesson 9 Seek Wisdom to Understand It All Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 8:14 9:18 Key Verse: Eccl. 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 8:14-17: 1. What are the two events that happen on the earth that the Preacher identifies as vain? (v. 14) 2. What is the best that man can do under the sun? (v. 15) 3. Describe the intensity of the Preacher s search for the business that is done on earth. (vv ) 4. When a wise man has observed all that he can, he should conclude what? (v. 17) Eccl. 9:1-10: 5. What is it that the Preacher takes to heart and then explains? (v. 1) 6. Identify the one event that happens to all? Who all are included? (vv. 2-3) 7. What advantage does the living have over the dead? (v. 4) How does v. 5 explain the hope that the living have? 8. List the seven characteristics noted about the dead (vv. 5-6). Page 20

22 Ecclesiastes Lesson 9 9. Why should the living be happy? (v. 7) Does v. 8 qualify this in anyway? Explain. 10. How might you summarize verses 9-10? Eccl. 9:11-18: 11. What is the overall point being made in vv ? Knowing this, what should we do? (Consider also Rom. 9:16 and Jms. 4:15) 12. Give three reasons why the little city should not have been delivered. (v. 14) 13. What was the poor, wise man s reward for delivering the city? (v. 15) 14. Comment on the contrasting volume in v. 17. Have you observed this? Why is it often this way? 15. What are the lessons of v. 18? Page 21

23 Ecclesiastes Lesson 10 When Wisdom is Lacking Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 10:1-20 Key Verse: Eccl. 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool shall swallow him up. Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 10:1-4: 1. Explain the illustration and lesson of the dead flies. (v. 1) 2. Why is the wise man s heart at his right hand? (v. 2) What is the right hand often associated with? 3. How does a fool demonstrate that he is a fool? (v. 3) 4. What does v.4 teach about wisdom? Eccl. 10:5-7: 5. What illustrations of folly are given? 6. What has caused things to be seemingly upside down? Eccl. 10:8-11: 7. Are the four proverbs given in vv. 8-9 always true? If not, when are they true? (consider the broader context and also note v. 10) 8. The dull axe is symbolic of what? Page 22

24 Ecclesiastes Lesson Explain the illustration of v. 11. Eccl. 10:12-15: 10. What is the difference between the words of the wise man and the fool? What will be the results? 11. Read the following references that provide additional commentary on these verses: Prov. 15:2; 18:7; 22:11; Psa. 5:10; 45:2; Lk. 4:22. What other observations are made on the words of the wise and the fool? 12. Verse 14 implies what about the fool? 13. Verse 15 speaks to the lack of even common sense in the fool. What are some sayings we have about one who lacks common sense? Eccl. 10:16-17: 14. These two verses paint a picture of two different types of rulers. Explain the figures used and the characteristics of each type. Eccl. 10:18-20: 15. What happens to the house of the lazy man? 16. What instead does the lazy man plan for? What does he rely on as an answer to everything? 17. Explain the lesson from v. 20. Page 23

25 Ecclesiastes Lesson 11 Wise and Joyful Living Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 11:1 12:1 Key Verse: Eccl. 12:1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, I have no pleasure in them. Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 11:1-8: 1. List at least five principles on stewardship which are taught here. 2. What is meant by the figure of speech which states, Cast your bread upon the surface of the waters? 3. Is benevolence taught in verse two? Explain. 4. What arguments are made to show that one should plant his crops regardless of the weather signs? 5. What should a man do if he lives a long time? Eccl. 11:9-10: 6. Although young men are told to enjoy their youth, what warning should they remember? 7. Should the young follow all the impulses and desires of their hearts? Discuss. Page 24

26 Ecclesiastes Lesson Why should youth remove sorrow from their hearts and evil from their flesh? Eccl. 12:1: 9. At what time in life should one remember God? 10. What are the difficult days (some versions read evil days )? 11. Young people are to enjoy and find delight in life. Is this same delight available all through life? Discuss. Page 25

27 The Book of Ecclesiastes Lesson 12 The Conclusion of the Whole Matter Text for Reading & Discussion: Eccl. 12:2 12:14 Key Verse: Eccl. 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. Questions to consider in your study: Eccl. 12:2-8: 10. Identify all that will be withheld from the eyes when one finally loses his sight in old age (verse 2). 11. If the darkness in v. 2 is the same as that of 11:8, to what does it refer? 12. After reading through verses 3-5, find the corresponding word or phrase which best matches the following parts of the body: 1) white hair, 2) the eyes, 3) the molar teeth, 4) the feet and knees, 5) the hands and arms, 6) the voice and ears, 7) the lips. 13. What is man s eternal home (v. 5)? 14. When man has gone to his eternal home, who goes about in the streets? 15. The two figurative descriptions presented in vv. 2-5 and vv. 6-7 picture what stage or event in life? 16. It is good for a man when he comes to the end of life if he remembered whom in the days of his youth? 17. What happens to the physical body at death? Page 26

28 The Book of Ecclesiastes Lesson What happens to the spirit of man when the body dies? Eccl. 12:9-12: 19. What reason is given why the Preacher taught the people? 20. How many proverbs did the Preacher seek out? (see also 1 Ki. 4:32) 21. Give evidence that the Preacher was concerned about writing a truthful account. 22. Explain why words from wise teachers would be like goads and well-driven nails. 23. What evidence in v. 11 speaks to Divine inspiration of Ecclesiastes? 24. When does devotion to books become wearying to the body? Eccl. 12:13-14: 25. What is the matter v. 13 speaks of? 26. Is the Preacher s teaching (v. 13) in harmony with the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles? Give evidence. 27. Who will judge the secrets of the heart? (see also Rom. 2:16) 28. How thorough will be the final judgment? (see also 1 Cor. 4:5) Page 27