Everyone Will Die (9:1-12)

Solomon again considers the reality of life “under the sun” reminding us that we all face death.

• Who is in control of everything (v1)?
• Are we fooled sometimes by what is right before us (v2)?
• What is the one thing that happens to all (v2-3)?
• How is living better than death (v4-5)?
• Will the dead ever have any share or role of any kind in the world “under the sun” (v6)?
• What “religious” errors are ruled out by v6?
• Even knowing we will die, has God given us much good to enjoy (v7-9)?
• Why should we do things with all our might (v10)?
• We plan (James 4:13-16), but who is really in control of outcomes (v11-12)?

Value and Limits of Wisdom (9:13-18)

Solomon again reminds us of the value of wisdom, but also that in the ultimate sense it too has limits.

• Is Solomon considering wisdom from a spiritual or physical approach (v13)?
• Can wisdom outdo strength (v14-16, Prov 21:22)?
• Are we tempted to ignore or dismiss the poor (v15,16, Prov 14:20, Prov 18:23)?
• In arguments are we sometimes tempted to use volume instead of wisdom (v17)?
• How much harm can one person cause (v18)?

Danger of a Little Folly (10:1-3)

Solomon shows that even a little folly is dangerous

• Can small things cause big problems (v1, Galatians 5:9)?
• Are we tempted sometimes to ignore “small” problems?
• Are we tempted to allow a little folly from an otherwise respected person (v1)?
• What does he mean by saying his heart is in his right hand(v2)?
• Can actions without words expose a fool (v3)?

Rulers and Princes (10:5-7)

Here we have a few nuggets of advice concerning rulers

• How much harm came to Israel under evil kings (v5)?
• Even with bad rulers, were some in Israel faithful?
• Does the world sometimes elevate the wrong things (v6-7)?

Unexpected Outcomes (10:8-15)

Even with all of our plans, as humans we don’t know how things we start will end.

• Do sometimes bad results happen, even with hard work (v8-9)?
• Do we improve our chances by using wisdom (v10)?
• Is there danger from foolish babblers (v11-12)?
• Does foolishness have a tendency to increase, if not stopped (v13)?
• Is there a danger in many words (v14, Prov 10:19)?

Kings and Princes (v16-20)

Solomon returns with more about kings.

• Why can a child king bring woe (v16)?
• What would princes feasting in the morning be a symptom of(v16)?
• Can things get worse through simply doing nothing (v18)?
• Do we need to be careful about what we think as well as what we say (v20, Matt 15:18)?

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