A Time (3:1 - 3:8)

The next thing Solomon considers is Time. Not time as in a duration, but time as in an event or occurrence. He does this through a series of contrasts showing the God retains ultimate control of events and the lack of events being an ultimate, permanent answer. We generally consider one of the contrasted items to be negative from our standpoint.

• Is there a time to die? Why? (Heb 9:27)
• Is there a time to kill? (Gen 9:6)
• Is there a time to weep? (Matt 5:4, 2 Cor 7:9)
• How much control do we have over the times?
• Under the sun, does any time prove an ultimate answer?

God-Given Task (3:9-3:10)

Again Solomon considers what profit is there in toil and labor. He says that this is a God given task.

• Why was man given labor? (Gen 3:17-19)

God is eternal (3:11-15)

Solomon contrasts the temporary results of man’s efforts with the eternal nature of God’s efforts.

• Can we know all of God’s works? (Isaiah 55:9)
• How has eternity been put into our hearts(Gen 1:26)
• What gift has God given man (3:12-13)?
• Can we add anything to what God does (3:14)?
• What does God require of what we do (3:15)?

Injustice (3:16-17)

Next Solomon considers the injustice he sees.

• Is there injustice in the world (3:16)? Why?
• Why does injustice bother even non-Christians?
• What is the ultimate result of evil (3:17)?

Man vs Animals (3:18-22)

Solomon next compares man to animals, in an under the sun way.

• How are men like animals?
• How are men different from animals?

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