Devotion
According to Ecclesiastes 5:1, what is better than offering the sacrifice of fools?
To draw near to listen to God.
According to Ecclesiastes 5:10, what will the lover of money never be satisfied with?
Money.
According to Ecclesiastes 5:18, name two activities the Teacher says are good to enjoy.
Eating, drinking, or enjoying the fruit of one's labor.
True or false: Ecclesiastes 5 teaches that having money is inherently sinful.
False. The passage warns against loving wealth and expecting it to provide ultimate satisfaction.
In Ecclesiastes 5:2, why should we be careful with our words before God?
God is in heaven and we are on earth; therefore, we should not speak rashly.
According to Ecclesiastes 5:11, what can happen when possessions increase? (Paraphrase)
The people and demands associated with consuming them may increase too.
According to Ecclesiastes 5:19, who enables a person to enjoy their wealth and possessions?
God.
A person prays for direction but ignores wise counsel. Which part of devotion are they neglecting?
Listening actively. Obeying wisdom.
What does it mean to guard your steps when approaching God's house?
Approach sacred space with reverence and attentiveness.
In Ecclesiastes 5:12, whose sleep is described as sweet?
The laborer's sleep, whether they eat little or much.
Does biblical contentment mean you must stop growing, planning, or pursuing a vision?
No. You can pursue growth and remain grateful for your present.
Finish this Phrase:
'Prayer is not just an opportunity to communicate your agenda to God; it is an opportunity to…'
Surrender your agenda to God.
What is the difference between religious performance and genuine devotion?
Religious performance can involve outward activity without surrender; genuine devotion joins worship with listening, obedience, and surrender.
What does it reveal about our hearts when we ask God to give us something but are unwilling to let Him govern how we use it?
It reveals that we may desire God's provision without submitting to His lordship; we want His gifts and blessings more than we want Him.
Why is postponing all your joy until the next milestone dangerous?
The goal post can keep moving, causing you to miss the gifts and joys available today.
Finish this Phrase:
'God is not impressed by the volume of your worship when you have no intention of…'
Obeying His voice.
Why does the Teacher conclude his warning about religious speech and empty promises with the command "to fear God," rather than simply telling people to "speak less?"
The issue is not the number of words we speak but whether our worship, speech, and commitments reflect a proper reverence for God and surrendence to Him.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 says the problem is the lover of money, not simply the person who possesses money. What distinction is the Teacher making?
The difference between having wealth as a resource and loving wealth as a source of identity, security, or satisfaction?
Why does Ecclesiastes 5:18–19 present enjoyment of ordinary life as a gift from God rather than simply as the reward for hard work?
The recognition that God gives the ability to acquire possessions and also the capacity to enjoy them.
You have prayed persistently for an opportunity. One presents itself, but receiving it would require you to neglect your family, compromise your convictions, and abandon your spiritual disciplines; such as, early morning devotion, prayer, and missing worship services. What wisdom should govern your decision?
Not every desirable opportunity is worth pursuing, especially when obtaining it requires you to compromise your convictions, neglect your responsibilities, or sacrifice what matters most.