Ecclesiastes
(Answers)
Updated 12/2023
Chapter 1
- The
earth and life is a never-ending cycle. There seems to be futility of the
works. There is nothing new under the sun.
- Solomon
was the wisest of all men and is the author of this book.
- Solomon’s
wisdom and knowledge seemed to bring him grief and sorrow.
Chapter 2
- Solomon
examined the result of pleasure and possessions of which he had greater
than all. Yet, there was no profit to it under the sun.
- There
is no difference between the wise and the foolish. The same things happen
to both and both will end their life the same way.
- All
that you have labored will be left to another who has not labored for it.
- God
gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to the man who is good in His sight and
the makes the sinner to gather and collect for the good man.
Chapter 3
- Everything
happens in its own season. There is a time for every purpose under the
sun.
- The
sons of men are to rejoice, do good, and to labor and enjoy the fruits of
their labor.
- There
is no advantage of man over animals. Each will die and return to the dust
from which he came.
Chapter 4
- Those
who have never existed suffer no oppression unlike those who are alive or
have lived and died.
- Those
who have no one to share their rewards deprive themselves of enjoyment by
their continuous labor.
- A
friend can strengthen you and lift you up.
- The
popularity or acceptance of someone may last for a while but disappears
when the next person takes his place.
Chapter 5
- We should not vow rashly or hastily before God or man and must
keep our vows. It is better to not vow than to vow and not pay.
- There is no satisfaction in abundance. Those who have will want
more and will have to share it with more people.
- Your child comes into the world with nothing and he will leave
this world with nothing.
- We are to enjoy the labors of our hands and any riches that God
has given us.
Chapter 6
- One
may have abundance but he may not be satisfied with it or live to enjoy
it.
- We
should be satisfied with what life affords than to always desire something
else.
- No
man knows his fate. God is in control of all things. We cannot change
anything.
Chapter 7
- A
good reputation is more valuable than any healing or soothing ointment
could give. Death is better than birth because you have no good name at
birth but by the time of your death you could have built up a good name
and will be remembered for it.
- Wisdom
is needed with in inheritance to know how to manage and secure it. Wisdom,
like money, can benefit those who use it. Wisdom will bring knowledge and
life.
- The
righteous may not live any longer or happier lives than the wicked.
- We
should not be overly righteous because it will not guarantee more
happiness nor should we do wrong that it brings a premature death. In
everything we should fear God who will deliver us from all things.
- To
be trapped by an evil woman is worse than death.
Chapter 8
- We
should obey those who rule over us. We won’t have to experience any harm
or punishment then.
- The
judgment on some is not immediate on earth so sinners will set their heart
to do evil.
- Man
can never fully understand all the works of God though he labors to do so.
(He must be content to know everything).
Chapter 9
- God
controls all good works. However, we cannot know by outward circumstances
whether the things that happen to us are of God’s love or hate (for whom
He loves He chastens and to whom He hates He allows to prosper).
- The
living has the possibility for more rewards and to do good before the Lord.
- The
quiet words of a wise person should be listened to over the pompous words
of a fool.
Chapter10
- A little folly or one sin can ruin a lifetime of honor.
- A foolish servant promoted to authority over a wise prince.
- We should be careful what we speak lest it get out to someone.
Chapter 11
- Even though we don’t know what will happen in life we must
continue to work and move forward. Otherwise, nothing would be
accomplished.
- We should follow God early in our life to avoid all the sorrows
and evil we may indulge which will bring judgment from the Lord.
Chapter 12
- We should fear God and reverence Him from our youth. We should
use wisdom to point us in the right direction and to make us secure. Above
all, we should fear God and follow His commandments. (If we haven’t
reverenced God all along while accumulating the physical, material, and
our status then our life will have been in vain.)