Questions on Ecclesiastes 7

Here are five questions on Ecclesiastes 7 for your consideration.

We have addressed the first three this week. But I am interested in your thoughts regarding questions 4 and 5 below. Let me know your thoughts...

Blessed study of Ecclesiastes 7.

1. The King’s son says that:
“the day of death is better than the day of birth” (v1)
and
“ the end of a matter is better than its beginning” (v8)

The world thinks of life, then death.
In what ways do Christians think of death, then life?


2. The King’s son says that:
“It is better to go to a house of mourning
than to go to the house of feasting” (v2)

Was Jesus known for attending funerals or parties?

Why would Jesus say “Blessed are those that mourn”?


3. The King’s son says:
“Do not say “Why were the old ways better than these?
“For it is not wise to ask such questions.”

Are things getting better or worse? Physically? Socially? Morally?

Are “the old ways better than these?”


4. The King’s son says:
“Consider what God has done:
“Who can straighten what he has made crooked?” (v13)

What was crooked in Solomon’s life?

Who made Solomon’s way crooked? God? Or, Solomon?


5. The King’s son says to avoid the extremes of being overrighteous or overwicked (v16, 17). He also suggests that “grasp the one and not let go of the other.” (v18)

First Kings 11 indicates that Solomon
(a) followed the Lord, and
(b) facilitated the idolatrous worship of his many foreign wives.
For example, 1 Kings 11:6 says that Solomon “did not follow the Lord completely”, suggesting a partial allegiance to God.

In Ecclesiastes 5:16-18, is Solomon presenting wisdom?

Or, is he justifying his folly?

© Alister L. Hunt Ph.D