Ecclesiastes 9: Group Study Handout

Overview

The righteous, the wise, and their works are in the hand of God (vv. 1-2). All people face the same fate, whether they are good or evil (v. 3). The speaker notes that the living have hope, as 'a living dog is better than a dead lion' (v. 4), while the dead no longer remember love or envy (vv. 5-6). People are encouraged to enjoy life’s simple pleasures, as God has accepted their works (vv. 7-10). The speaker observes that success is not guaranteed by speed or strength, and time and chance affect everyone (vv. 11-12). A wise, poor man saves a besieged city, yet he goes unremembered (vv. 13-15). Wisdom is valued more than strength, and wise words are more effective than foolishness (vv. 16-18).

Key verse

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor plan, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 (WEB)

Outline

1. Ecclesiastes 9:1–2 Fate of the Righteous and Wicked
2. Ecclesiastes 9:3–6 Evil of Common Fate
3. Ecclesiastes 9:7–10 Enjoyment of Life's Simple Pleasures
4. Ecclesiastes 9:11–12 The Role of Time and Chance
5. Ecclesiastes 9:13–18 Value of Wisdom Amidst Disregard

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what is the 'one event' that happens to both the righteous and the wicked?
2. What does the Teacher say in v10 about work and knowledge in Sheol?
3. The poor wise man in v15: why is he not remembered despite saving the city?
4. In v11, what is the implication of 'time and chance' happening to everyone?
5. When have you enjoyed a simple meal with 'a merry heart' as mentioned in v7?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Ecclesiastes 9: Colossians 3, Ecclesiastes 11, Ecclesiastes 2.

Before next time: read Ecclesiastes 10.