Ecclesiastes 8:2–9:12 – May 24th, 2019

PROVIDENCE AND JOY

1. Read Ecclesiastes 8:2–9:12
2. What are repeated words/phrases in the passage?
3. What does Eccl. 8:2–9 tell us about man?
4. What does Eccl. 8:10–13 tell us about the fear of God?
5. What does Eccl. 8:14–16 tell us about joy?
   1. What does it tell us about man's finiteness?
6. What does Eccl. 9:1–12 tell us about death and joy?
7. What does the Preacher say about God?

1. What does the Preacher mean that "it will be well with those who fear God" in Eccl. 8:12?
2. Why does the Preacher repeat the phrase in Eccl. 8:15
3. Why does the Preacher continue discussing death in Eccl. 9:1–6?
4. What does the Preacher mean when he says that love, hate, and envy have already perished in Eccl. 9:5–6?

1. How should this passage change how you think about death?
   1. Has the book of Ecclesiastes made you think more about the end of life and the purpose of life?
2. What certainties do you rely on in your day-today life?
   1. How does your lack of control in life force you to depend on God?
3. How should our finiteness impact our aspirations and dreams?
4. What are some things you could seek to enjoy and relish today and tomorrow?
5. Remind one another of our firm foundation by singing "How Firm a Foundation"