Ecclesiastes 5: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Ecclesiastes 5 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Those who go to God’s house are instructed to guard their steps and listen. It is better to listen than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who are unaware of their wrongdoing (vv. 1-3).

Key verse

“For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.”
Ecclesiastes 5:7 (WEB)

Outline

Ecclesiastes 5:1–3 Approaching God with Care
Ecclesiastes 5:4–6 The Weight of Vows
Ecclesiastes 5:7 Fear of God Amidst Vanities
Ecclesiastes 5:8–10 Observing Injustice and Wealth
Ecclesiastes 5:11–14 The Burden of Wealth
Ecclesiastes 5:15–17 Life's Temporary Nature
Ecclesiastes 5:18–20 Enjoying Life's Good Gifts

Discussion questions

In v1, what does the text say is better than the 'sacrifice of fools'?
What does v10 say about those who love silver?
In v6, why does the Teacher suggest that one's mouth should not lead them into sin?
In v16, what tension exists between labor and the idea of 'profit'?
When have you felt the need to enjoy 'good in all his labor' (v18) despite life's challenges?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ecclesiastes 5: 1 Samuel 15, Matthew 6, Proverbs 4.

Before next time: read Ecclesiastes 6.