Ecclesiastes 1:1-11: Is It All Meaningless?
THE WATER IN the glass measures exactly at the halfway point. Now comes the classic test to determine whether you are a pessimist or an optimist: Do you consider the glass of water to be half-empty or half-full? If you answered half-empty, you will find Ecclesiastes' author, the Teacher, a fast friend. If you answered half-full, you may find it harder to relate to him. But either way, realize he is delivering pessimism with a purpose. In his introduction he answers a question before he even raises it. The question is, "Can meaning in life come outside of a God-centered universe?" The answer? Well, hang on for some of Scripture's most brutal language.
Warming Up to God
Draw or imagine a line with pure pessimist on the left and outrageous optimist on the right. Where would you place yourself on the continuum? Regardless of your response, what gives you hope today?
Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. »
Discovering the Word
- How do you react to the theme (or thesis) of the book which the Teacher states in verses 2-3?
- How do examples of nature support his thesis that "everything is meaningless" (vv. 5-7)?
- From verses 9-10 describe the Teacher's view of history.
- What might he say to a person who believes that educating people will eventually solve humanity's problems?
- How does human mortality (vv. 4 and 11) bring the Teacher's argument to a climax?
Applying the Word
- According to verse 8, seeking new experiences will not bring lasting satisfaction. Give a personal example to illustrate this.
- As a Christian, on what basis would you seek to refute the Teacher's thesis?
- What is one area in your life that has recently seemed futile or meaningless?
Responding in Prayer
Reflect on ways you sense that your life lacks meaning or purpose. Ask God to help you draw on his resources to resist meaningless living and pursue his purposes.
For Further Study
Ecclesiastes by T. M. Moore