Ecclesiastes 3:1-4:3: Who Is Really in Control?

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of Ecclesiastes.

"Why do the innocent suffer?" is a question that has plagued the conscience of humankind. And we wonder, "Why do the unrighteous prosper?" Both of these questions can lead to despair, suggesting that life is indeed meaningless. But this famous chapter of Ecclesiastes poses a solution for life's apparent dilemma. The solution hinges on how one answers a third question-"Who is in control?" If humanity is in charge, then life is a game of chance whose rules are controlled by the most powerful among us. But if a just and loving God is in charge, then life becomes a set of ordained appointments which open the windows of eternity to us.

Warming Up to God

What was a situation in which you felt as though your life was out of control? Write down a few words to describe your feelings at that time. Now speak to the Lord about them—and leave your fears and frustrations in his hands.

Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-4:3

Discovering the Word

• Describe the Teacher's view of time in 3:1-8.
• What negative and positive things does the Teacher say about time in 3:9-15?
• What observations does the Teacher make in 3:16 and 4:1-3 about human wickedness?
• In the future God will bring judgment (3:17). For the present, however, God brings us a test (3:18-22). What is the test and its desired results?
• What kind of perspective results from seeing wickedness from a temporal viewpoint (4:1-3)?
• What kind of perspective results from looking at wickedness from an eternal viewpoint (3:17)?

Applying the Word

• How would you live your life differently if you believed God had no control?
• How do you struggle with the tension of knowing God is in control and yet seeing wickedness in control?

Responding in Prayer

Praise God for setting eternity in our hearts, and thank him for being unchangingly faithful in the midst of life in a paradoxical world.