Better Things (Ecclesiastes 7:1-14)

Better Things

Ecclesiastes 7:1-14

You must be aware of and fight the temptation to self-deception through entertainment and distractions.

I. What is Better? (vv. 1-3, 8, 11-12)

A. Wisdom’s Character

B. Wisdom’s Judgments (vv. 1-3, 8)

C. Wisdom’s Reason (vv. 11-12)

II. The Better God (vv. 1, 8)

A. The Cross in the Road

B. The Reward Earned (vv. 1, 8)

C. The Reward Shared

III. Wisdom for an Age of Foolishness

A. Prefer a Rebuke (Over Praise) (vv. 4-7)

B. Be Patient (Not Proud) (vv. 8-9)

C. Enjoy the Good (and Learn from the Hard) (vv. 13-14)

D. Keep Death Close (with a Feast) (vv. 2, 4, 10)

Discussion Starters

1. Monday—What is the difference between how a child and a mature adult judges something to be better? Does God want us to think like children in this area?

2. Tuesday—How does Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection teach us that there are more important things than pleasure and that God can use hard times for our good?

3. Wednesday—How do we deceive ourselves if we are only around people who praise us? Why is it important to have people in your life who will correct you?

4. Thursday—What does it mean that no-one can make straight what God has made crooked? How does God want you to understand good and bad days?

5. Friday—Why do you think our society insulates itself from death? Is this good for us? What are something you can do to keep death close?