Bible Reading
Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:711:7 Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.
[15:11]11:8 So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.
[15:11]11:9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.
[15:59]11:10 Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.
[19:41]12:1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”;
[24:32]12:2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain,
[27:10]12:3 in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed,
[27:10]12:4 and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low—
[28:52]12:5 they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along, and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—
[29:59]12:6 before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern,
[31:38]12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
[32:25]2 Corinthians 4:16–184:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
[33:44]4:17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
[33:44]4:18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
[33:44]Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
[23:44]John 15:5I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
[43:33]Observation questions
- What two realities does Ecclesiastes 11:8 hold together: rejoicing through many years and remembering the days of darkness?
- What phrases in Ecclesiastes 11:9–10 show both freedom to enjoy life and a warning to guard the soul? [15:59]
- In Ecclesiastes 12:2–6, what pictures describe the losses and limits that often come with old age? [27:10]
- According to 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, what is wasting away, what is being renewed, and where is believers’ attention meant to be focused? [33:44]
Interpretation questions
- Ecclesiastes tells people to rejoice while remembering God’s judgment. How does God’s evaluation give ordinary choices weight and meaning rather than simply making life fearful? [18:13]
- Ephesians 2:10 says God prepared good works beforehand for His people. How does this reshape the difference between chasing a full bucket list and living a meaningful life? [22:51]
- Ecclesiastes describes the loss of strength, independence, and control that can come with age. Why can these losses reveal resentment that was already present in a person’s heart? [37:48]
- Jesus says that fruit comes from abiding in Him. What is the difference between achievement that looks impressive and fruitfulness that leaves a lasting impact on others? [42:37]
Application questions
- What is one good gift in life that you enjoy—such as work, recreation, family, travel, or a hobby? How can you receive it with gratitude without allowing it to become something that drives your soul? [22:34]
- When you think about aging, weakness, or death, do you tend more toward fear, denial, frustration, or remembering God? How is that response shaping your relationships right now? [46:57]
- Loss of control can come long before old age—in health, family situations, finances, work, or unmet hopes. Where is Jesus inviting you to surrender today rather than waiting until surrender is forced on you? [41:52]
- Is there resentment, anger, or bitterness that tends to surface when you are tired, inconvenienced, overlooked, or dependent on someone else? What would moving from resentment to gratitude look like in one specific situation this week? [37:20]
- Are there words that need to be spoken to someone: “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” “Thank you,” or “I love you”? What is one wise and loving next step you could take? [38:43]
- Where have you been measuring your life mainly by productivity, accomplishments, or being needed? What might it look like this week to abide in Christ and trust Him to produce fruit through you? [43:43]
- What kind of peace, grace, faith, or encouragement do you hope others will remember from your life? What habit of staying close to Jesus would help form that legacy now? [49:03]
