Bible ReadingEcclesiastes 9:1–10 “For all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him. It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun. Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.”
[14:28] [14:41]Isaiah 61:1–3 “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion— to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.”
[33:47] [34:37]Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,”
[52:38]Ephesians 5:22–25 “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,”
[46:13]Observation questions- In Ecclesiastes 9:1–6, what does Solomon notice happens to both righteous and wicked people, and what does he say remains true about the righteous, wise, and their work?
- What four life-giving instructions does Ecclesiastes 9:7–10 give after speaking honestly about death and life’s uncertainty: enjoy, dress, love, and work? [16:31]
- In Isaiah 61:1–3, what does God promise to give people who mourn instead of ashes, mourning, and a faint spirit?
- What contrast is made between “partying like a rock star” and “partying like the righteous”? [28:30]
Interpretation questions- Ecclesiastes says people cannot tell God’s love or hatred simply by what they see happening in life. How does that truth challenge the idea that an easy life always means God is pleased, or a hard life always means God is angry?
- Solomon moves from life’s unfairness to eating with joy, loving faithfully, and working with strength. Why is that not pretending pain is absent, but a call to live with hope while pain is real? [25:15]
- Isaiah describes the oil of joy and a garment of praise for people who mourn. What might it mean for someone to refuse to let a heavy season become their whole identity? [34:37]
- Ephesians calls husbands to love as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. What would Christlike, sacrificial love look like in the ordinary pressures, disagreements, finances, and responsibilities of a marriage? [46:13]
Application questions- Where has life recently felt unfair—maybe in your health, work, finances, family, or plans? How can you remind yourself this week that your life and work are still in God’s hand? [20:53]
- God calls His people to enjoy His gifts with a merry heart. What is one healthy, God-honoring way you can enjoy life this week—food, rest, friendship, a hobby, time with family, or a trip—without crossing lines that pull you back toward old bondage? [27:20]
- Being in the world does not mean being shaped by the world. In what environment do you most need clear limits right now, and what could those limits look like in a practical way? [31:05]
- Your light should affect the environment more than the environment affects you. Think about your coworkers, family members, or friends: what attitude, words, or habits would help them see Christ in you without you treating them as less than you? [29:28]
- A bad day does not give us permission to act any kind of way. When you are stressed, disappointed, grieving, or tired, what usually comes out of you? What is one way you can put on a “garment of praise” before reacting this week? [35:34]
- Good relationships grow stronger when people stop comparing them to polished images and start honoring what God has placed in front of them. Where has comparison affected your view of a spouse, friend, family member, or potential relationship? What would gratitude and faithfulness look like instead? [48:30]
- Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might as unto the Lord. What is presently in your hand—a job, a class, parenting, caregiving, ministry, recovery, or another responsibility—that you have been tempted to complain about or neglect? What would wholehearted faithfulness look like in that specific area this week? [53:23]
