1. Ecclesiastes

2. Summary Ecclesiastes: The book is concerned with the purpose and value of human life. While admitting the existence of a divine plan, it considers such a plan to be hidden from man, who seeks happiness without ever finding it below Ecclesiastes applies his “Vanity of vanities” to everything “under the sun,” even to that wisdom which seeks to find at last a semblance of good in the thing of the world. Merit does not yield happiness for it is often tied by suffering. Riches and pleasure so not avail. Existence is monotonous, enjoyment fleeting and vain; darkness quickly follows. Life, then is an enigma beyond human ability to solve.

3. Outline Outline: Prologue (1:1-20) Qoheleth’s Investigation of Life (1:12—6:9) Qoheleth’s conclusions (6:10—12:8) Epilogue (12:9-14)

4. Qoheleth’s Investigation of Life Ecclesiastes 1:12-6:9

5. Introduction Ecclesiastes 1:12-18 Using one’s mind S/he adds search and investigation gains wisdom. Then s/he is filled with grief. Every wanted something so bad only to learn about its burden?

6. Study of Pleasure-seeking Ecclesiastes 2:1-12 As Solomon he gets it all. But finds laughter is mad, mirth is useless, and wine does not drown wisdom.

7. Study of Wisdom and Folly Ecclesiastes 2:13-17 Wisdom of Folly? Is one superior? "I am somehow less interested in the weight and convolutions of Einstein's brain than in the near certainty that people of equal talent have lived and died in cotton fields and sweatshops." (Stephen Jay Gould)

8. Study of Fruits of Toil Ecclesiastes 2:18-26

9. Eat, drink and be merry! Who will be receiving you inheritance? Why is life not fair? “Even this is from the hand of God” (2:24b)

10. Man Cannot Hit on the Right Time to Act Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 God is the principal player God is the one in charge of timing We cannot anticipate God is responsible for time and eternity. What part of time do you find more interesting? Most difficult?

11. The Problem of Retribution Ecclesiastes 3:16-22

12. Vanity of Toil Ecclesiastes 4:1-6 I'd rather be a sparrow than a snail Yes I would, if I could, I surely would I'd rather be a hammer than a nail Yes I would, if I only could, I surely would Away, I'd rather sail away Like a swan that's here and gone A man gets tied up to the ground He gives the world its saddest sound Its saddest sound I'd rather be a forest than a street Yes I would, if I could, I surely would I'd rather feel the earth beneath my feet Yes I would, if I only could, I surely would

13. Companions and Successors Ecclesiastes 4:7-16 Why is two better than one? Who is wise?

14. Vanity of Many Word Ecclesiastes 4:17—5:6 Fear the Lord! How do you fear someone you love?

15. Gain and Loss of Goods Ecclesiastes 5:7—5:19 Enjoyment but not greed

16. Limited Worth of Enjoyment Ecclesiastes 6:1-9 Riches or greed Dull or one who enjoys life One who has or one who shares? These are for reflection and I’ll invite reflection

17. What’s Coming Up Next Week: January 27 The Parish Mission February 3 Eccl 6:10-12-13 Qoheleth’s Conclusions and Epilogue