Free group study handout
Ecclesiastes 1: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Ecclesiastes 1 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The Preacher, a son of David and king in Jerusalem, introduces his reflections on life (vv. 1-2). He states that everything is ‘vanity of vanities’.
Key verse
“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 1:2 (WEB)
Outline
- Ecclesiastes 1:1–2 Introduction to the Preacher
- Ecclesiastes 1:3–8 The Futility of Labor and Satisfaction
- Ecclesiastes 1:9–11 Cycles and Lack of Novelty
- Ecclesiastes 1:12–18 The Search for Wisdom
Discussion questions
- In v2, what does the Preacher mean by saying 'Vanity of vanities'?
- What does the Preacher observe about the cycles of nature in vv. 5-7?
- The phrase 'a chasing after wind' in v14: what does it suggest about human pursuits?
- In v18, why does the Preacher say 'in much wisdom is much grief'?
- When have you felt that 'all is vanity' in your own work or life?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Ecclesiastes 1: Ecclesiastes 2, Ecclesiastes 3, Ecclesiastes 12.
Before next time: read Ecclesiastes 2.