Ecclesiastes 4:4—5:7: What Attitudes Should We Embrace?
"THE CHURCH IS full of hypocrites!" Christians often hear this from those outside the church. We like to respond by saying, "Yes, but if you think they're bad now, you should have seen them before God got hold of them!" One way or another, when it comes to how faith should change a person's life, expectations are high. And rightly so. We become like those we live around, and if that includes the Lord, then we will see our lives begin to reflect his. In this passage the Teacher explores some everyday values and attitudes that a relationship with God should influence.
Warming Up to God
Consider your usual approach to life. If you could remove one negative attitude that you struggle with, which one would it be? What difference would it make in your life if you turned this negative into a positive?
Read Ecclesiastes 4:4—5:7. »
Discovering the Word
- What are negative consequences of the two extreme attitudes described in 4:4-5?
- What irony concerning the workaholic's efforts is spoken about in 4:7-8?
- What are the benefits of partnership (4:9-12)?
- Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 outlines a "rags to riches" story. What, however, is the ironic twist to its ending?
- Contrast the two approaches to God described in 5:1-7.
Applying the Word
- On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lazy and 10 being a workaholic), how would you rate yourself? Explain.
- In terms of your need for other people, are you primarily a dependent or an independent person? Explain.
- How does the Teacher's wisdom challenge you toward growth in interdependence with others?
Responding in Prayer
This passage ends with the words "Therefore stand in awe of God." Pray quietly to the Lord for a few moments, allowing yourself to stand in awe of him. Humbly be silent before him who made you and is making you into his child.
For Further Study
Ecclesiastes (LifeGuide Bible Study) by Bill Syrios and Teresa Syrios