Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8

1. Read Ecclesiastes 11:1-4. The interpretation of Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 has been debated by scholars going all the way back to the time of the early church, and perhaps even earlier. Drawing from your time studying Ecclesiastes, and looking at the context of this passage, what is your interpretation of Ecclesiastes 11:1-2?
2. Read Ecclesiastes 11:5-10. The affirmation of God’s sovereignty should never permit the idea that humanity ultimately has no responsibility. How does this passage (and especially Ecclesiastes 11:6) subvert a nihilistic (i.e. “nothing I do matters”) attitude in view of God’s sovereignty?
3. Ecclesiastes 11:8-9 directs us to rejoice. This is the sort of instruction we like to hear! Observing everything else Qoheleth says in 11:8-9, describe what you think it looks like to properly rejoice and enjoy life. Are these verses descriptive of your life right now? Why or why not?
4. No one but God knows how many days we have remaining. How are you investing your life right now? Do you believe it is a worthwhile investment? Explain.
5. Read Ecclesiastes 12:1-8. Life is a breath. Days slip between our fingers like the visible vapor of breath on a cold day. Whether you are young, old, or somewhere in between, let these final words from Qoheleth stir your imagination to consider the shortness of your life here. Since you are still breathing today, there is still time to put Ecclesiastes 12:1 into practice. What could it look like for you to spend your remaining days, however long, remembering, honoring, and enjoying your Creator? Spend some time reflecting, and then go to your Creator in prayer.