Speech and Vows (5:1-7)

In chapters 5 and 6 Solomon turns to some more practical advice, including being careful of what we say.

• Why go prudently to the house of God (Ecc 12:13, Prov 9:10)?
• What is the sacrifice of fools (1 Samuel 15:22)?
• Why should we avoid hasty words (James 1:19)?
• Why should our words be few (Prov 10:19)?
• Why shouldn’t we delay keeping vows (James 4:17)?

Vanity of Riches (5:8-17)

Solomon returns to the topic of the futility of riches.

• Why should we not be surprised at oppression and injustice (v8)?
• Why does one official need to watch over another (v8)?
• Who benefits from the profit of the land (v9)?
• Can having things ever satisfy us (v10)?
• When we have more, do we just find more demands on our resources (v11)?
• How does abundance prevent sleep (v12)?
• How can riches hurt us (v13, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, James 5:3)?
• Will riches last (v16, Matthew 6:19-21)?
• What can we actually take out of this life (v15, Mark 8:36-37)?
• How can a focus on riches leave us sick and sorrowful (v17)?

Gift of God (5:18-20)

If riches are vain, how should we think about the good things of this life?

• Where do the good things of this life come from (v18, James 1:17)
• Can we dwell unduly on this life (v20)?

Fleeting Riches (6:1-6)

In chapter 5 we saw that God is the one who gives good things. Now, Solomon addresses having good things, but being too focused on riches to actually enjoy them.

• Can we have everything we desire and still not be happy (v2)?
• In what way can a stillborn child be better than a rich man (v3-6)?
• Can we be rich and still not see goodness (v6)?

Vanity (6:7-12)

Under the sun, we labor without being satisfied.

• How is seeing better than desiring (v9)?
• Can the things we labor for, in any way, make us better (v11)?
• Who does know what is good for man (v12, Jeremiah 10:23)?

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