This is exactly the kind of wisdom Solomon is now trying to communicate to a younger generation. As you examine the final chapter in the Book of Ecclesiastes, try to picture Solomon, the aging king, acting like the very old grandparent or uncle, giving sage counsel to a younger generation of family members.

Solomon appeals to his young audience in Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 to not delay pursuing God.

Solomon uses metaphors in verses 1-5 to describe the deterioration of the body and the receptiveness of the heart to the gospel as one grows old. We tend to make habits in our youth. As we grow older, not only does one become less receptive, but it becomes increasingly difficult to remember your Creator because of life experiences and because of the natural aging process. 

A recent Barna study reveals the importance of remembering our Creator while one is young. It discovered that nearly half of all Americans who accept Jesus Christ do so before reaching the age of 13 (43%), and that two out of three born again Christians (64%) made that commitment to Christ before their 18th birthday. One out of eight born again people (13%) made their profession of faith while 18 to 21 years old. Less than one out of every four born again Christians (23%) embraced Christ after their twenty-first birthday.

Because of Solomon’s wisdom, the findings of Barna, and wisdom you have gained based upon your own experiences, respond to the following:

• What actions demonstrate that a young person is pursuing his/her Creator while they are still young? If you are a younger adult, are you pursuing those actions personally? If not, what needs to change?
• What should you and your church be doing to invest in the younger generation?
• If you are a parent, how would you evaluate your desire to help your children know, understand, and embrace Christ at an early age? Is it your goal to only see them saved and baptizedW or is it your goal to help them to remember their Creator as they grow old?
• What does this statement communicate to you regarding remembering your Creator from this day forward? – “Nothing is more painful as you grow older than the remembrance that you forgot Him for so long.”

While conversion is possible at any age, it is less likely as life goes on. Learning to follow the Lord at a young age reaps a lifetime of godly wisdom. We finish well by continuing to focus on God as we age. Solomon once again reminds us in Ecclesiastes 12:5-8 that life is short and death is abrupt and that, once we die, there is an eternity that we face either with Christ or separated from Christ. We should not waste our time on this earth. We should and can finish well if we continually strive to live a life that reflects a growing, vibrant relationship with Christ.

Solomon illustrates from his own life the priority and responsibility a wise man has regarding teaching others - Ecclesiastes 12:9-11.

What was Solomon’s attitude toward learning and conveying truth to others? Solomon was older in age, but knew he still had to remain accurate when imparting wisdom and knowledge. He had to weigh, explore, and arrange the truth God was giving Him in a way that could communicate clearly and accurately to a new generation. He couldn’t get sloppy or careless with the truth.

God led Solomon to write Ecclesiastes to teach us about the valuable wisdom he accumulated over a lifetime of following God. We too should remember that God gives us wisdom so that we can instruct others. We shouldn’t hoard wisdom for our own benefit or wait until some magic moment in history when we feel as if we are wise enough to teach godly wisdom. If we are growing in our faith and our walk with the Lord, then we should, in turn, be helping others as we grow in godly wisdom.

Notice a very important phrase in the last half of verse 11. Solomon recognized that he received the knowledge and wisdom from the One Shepherd, indicating he is referring to God; He recognized there was only once source of absolute truth: The One Shepherd—God Himself.

The one Shepherd’s truth is available to all of us in His Word, and Christians have been given the task of sharing that truth and showing that truth to all generations. The truth is not just words of wisdom, but it is also a Person – Jesus Christ.  The greatest wisdom one can share and the greatest truth one can teach is that of the Good News of Jesus Christ!

Solomon concludes by giving a warning against learning for the sake of learning in Ecclesiastes 12:12-14.

Seeking wisdom never ends; there’s always more to learn. Even if we were able to learn all there is to learn, life isn’t about accumulating wisdom but knowing God. To fear and obey God means we will always be aware that He will judge mankind. Solomon reminds his listeners that all the knowledge in the world will not cease the judgment that will come because God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

In the end, life’s meaning isn’t about what you know but Who you know and how we revere and live for Him! Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we be set free from the futility of sin and come to know, trust, and revere God as He truly is.

How are you remembering your Creator?

Billy Graham once said, “When granted many years of life, growing old in age is natural, but growing old with grace is a choice. Growing older with grace is possible for all who will set their hearts and minds on the Giver of grace, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Additionally, as we grow old we should be growing in wisdom and teaching what we have learned to others so that they too can discover and remember their Creator through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

In 2007, the film, The Bucket List, premiered. It was the story of two elderly men who had both been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. While in the hospital for treatments, one of the men began to create a bucket list of things to do before he “kicked the bucket.” But, when he is told he has less than one-year to live, he discards his list until his friend encourages him to reconsider. Thus begins their adventure of completing the bucket list before the man dies. The Explore the Bible Study: Facing Death, focuses on Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 as Solomon addresses this reality and how people should live in light of their mortality.

All humans long for some sense of control. Solomon reminds us that no human can know with certainty what each day will bring or when death will occur. This is part of being human. Only God holds these truths in His hands. These truths are hidden in the mystery of His will. As you examine Ecclesiastes 9:1-10, consider the context in which you are living and what you know about the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is only through a relationship with Christ that you can keep a proper perspective and live a content life. 

Remember that a bucket list can’t delay death or control things that might take place around you -  Ecclesiastes 9:1-3.

Essentially, God knows the big picture of what we do not know. While Solomon reminds us that we do not know whether love or hate lies ahead, we all know that death is ahead for all. Regardless of whether one is righteous or wicked, whether they will face love or hate, whether they are clean or unclean, whether they make sacrifices to God or not, whether they make vows or not, they cannot escape the certainty of death. Death is the fate of all regardless of one’s morals or beliefs.

In the end, the point of this section is clear: all people will die regardless of their level of human righteousness or wickedness and regardless of what is on their bucket list. Therefore, all people must prepare for death. However, understanding this reality can help one live life with wisdom. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 reminds us that death does have a sting . . . but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! As believers we know that one day Jesus will wipe away every tear . . . and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore (see Revelation 21:4, CSB).

Jesus challenged His followers in John 11:26 with this statement and question, "everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." Do you believe this? If so, does your bucket list include a desire to develop a growing vibrant relationship with Christ?

What should we have on a Bucket List because of the reality of death? - Ecclesiastes 9:4-6

Solomon begins with an illustration regarding a dog and a lion. He points out that a despised, contemptible dog that is alive is better off than a dead lion, even if the lion was the mightiest and most majestic of the entire animal kingdom.

This is a stark way for Solomon to remind you that to be alive is to have opportunity that is not available to the dead. Once you are dead, it is too late to direct the path of your life. Solomon stated that when it comes to the dead, "their love, their hate, and their envy have already disappeared."

God’s people should realize the preciousness of life. While alive, there is hope of finding purpose and reward. Our days are fleeting; therefore, we must assess how to live well in order to die well. 

Enjoying life should be on our bucket list. - Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 

In many ways, verse 7 is the heart of the message of Ecclesiastes. Go, eat your bread with pleasure, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already accepted your works.  In today's context, it points to a time of fellowship with others with an attitude of peace because of your relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It could mean grabbing coffee with a friend, going out to eat with friends, or inviting someone over to your home for a meal. 

Applying Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 to Our Bucket List

James 4:13-15 reminds us of the bucket list struggle we all have: Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’ 

We should apply this to our bucket list. Since we do not know when we will die, we must live now while we can. If we have a chance to do something for the glory of God, then let us do it now because we do not know what the future will bring. 

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

It seems there are a lot of curveballs begin thrown at us right now regarding every cultural, medical, environmental, and political issue one could ever imagine. In addition, there are the personal curveballs many are facing, perhaps even you. The Explore the Bible Study: Where is the Balance? from Ecclesiastes 7:11-22 will examine how and why godly wisdom gives believers the strength to press on regardless of life’s curveballs.

Godly Wisdom's Value for Responding to Life's Curveballs - Ecclesiastes 7:11-14

Solomon described the value of godly wisdom in the following ways:

• "As good as an inheritance." -- An inheritance is usually given freely based upon a relationship. It is usually given freely without conditions. Equally, godly wisdom is given by God as an act of grace.
• "An advantage to those who see the sun." One should use godly wisdom while still alive (see the sun). It should not be squandered or ignored.
• "Is protection as silver is protection." -- The phrase "wisdom is protection" literally is “the shade of wisdom” in Hebrew. The idea of protection derives from the picture of one’s being protected from the intensity of the sun’s rays in the heat of the day. Godly wisdom protects us when life throws us a curveball.
• "Preserves the life of its owner." -- Godly wisdom keeps us from going places we should never go - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Basically, the two truths of this passage are simple—We should praise God in our prosperity and trust God in our adversity. Consider how you are handling adversity (curveballs) today? What needs to change so that you can experience contentment in whatever circumstances you find yourself -- see Philippians 4:11.

Godly Wisdom Helps One Avoid Foolish Extremes - Ecclesiastes 7:15-18

Solomon had lived long enough and seen enough to conclude that sometimes the good die young, and the wicked live long. This is a difficult reality because one assumes, based upon several teachings in the Old Testament that righteous living prolongs a person’ life while wicked living shortens an individual’s life – see Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:33. So what do we do with the text God gave Solomon in this passage?

These verses are about finding the balance between two extremes. The key is found in the words excessively righteous and overly wise, or excessively wicked and foolish in verses 16-17. The one who fears God avoids both extremes and lives a grace-balanced life.

• How do you respond to criticism? Does it destroy you? Does it prompt you to respond back with criticism?
• Solomon reminds us not to pay attention to what people say. What was his rationale for saying this in verses 20 and 22? 
• How does our awareness of our own sinfulness make us increasingly willing to offer forgiveness and extend grace to others? How does it help us respond to criticism?

Solomon gives one the balance one needs regarding power and influence. The self-righteous (foolish) person takes counsel or criticism to heart because it is an attack on his/her worth and security. The humble (wise) person can accept counsel or criticism for what it is and implement what is useful and true in a constructive way because of his or her own admission of the need for growth. Equally, realizing that there are none righteous and that all have sinned will prompt a wise person to respond to others who might criticize him with compassion, patience, and grace.

How is Your Balance?

Believers have the wisdom to see all of life from God’s perspective. Because of this they are free to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). In a culture that values extremes, believers can be a voice of balance and reconciliation. Seeing the sin in the world should lead us to be gracious toward others, but it should also lead us to share the hope of the gospel with those suffering under the consequences of sin.

How can you keep a balanced perspective and respond with balance both emotionally, spiritually and relationally as you observe all the curveballs being thrown at us today?

Throughout the week, take notice of issues where people have a difficult time finding balance. Look for ways to demonstrate godly wisdom and to share the good news of Jesus with those who are hurting and looking for balance that only Jesus can provide.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

I'm sure all of you could complete the statement, "I should have listened when . . .," with some insight that would help all of us make better choices! I know how I would complete the statement. How about you? The Explore the Bible Study: Why Listen? will examine the wisdom Solomon gives on this subject.

In Ecclesiastes 4:13-16 and Ecclesiastes 5:1-7, Solomon, the Teacher, provides a series of warnings regarding the importance of listening. As these are examined, one should continue to remember Solomon’s emphasis on focusing on the eternal and not the temporal that fades away. He has made clear that all things achieved or built by humans will fade as vain and futile. Variations on the word "vanity" or "futility" are used nearly forty times in the Book of Ecclesiastes. This repetition reminds us that life is a vapor or breath. Life under the sun is fleeting and elusive. Therefore, the search for meaning and purpose in this life apart from God is also fleeting and elusive, like chasing after the wind. We are not transcendent over time but live and die within the time that God has allotted us. A wise person will accept this reality, place his faith in God (Christ), and desire to pursue things that matter the most in life.

The passage of study will focus on his warnings in three different areas regarding the importance of listening – Leading, Worshipping, and Promising.

Listening When Leading - Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

One must assume that this king started off strong but didn’t finish well. His entire influence became tainted by his choices as he grew older and quit listening to those who desired to warn him of impending dangers or bad decisions.

Solomon points to a cycle often seen in all areas of leadership, particularly the home, business, or the church. As one who leads grows old, he/she quits learning and listening. Suddenly, he is out of touch, and distances himself from the very ones who used to be able to speak godly wisdom into his life. Sadly, he doesn't finish strong. Notice also the irony Solomon points out when he states that a poor but wise youth is better than an experienced king who is no longer willing to listen to wise counsel.

In Ecclesiastes 4:16 Solomon makes an interesting statement regarding the futility of success for the one who refuses to listen. He says, “There is no limit to all the people who were before them, yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.”

So many people wear themselves out trying to gain the recognition they feel they deserve. They become consumed by things like awards, the number of social media followers, the number of “likes” on social media, or the quantity other means of recognition. The ETB commentary compares this to the “building of empires of dirt” that will one day be blown away by the winds of time. Jesus reminds us of the perspective one should have as he strives to be an effective leader. His prescription for growing old as a leader is, "to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you." (Matthew 6:33) 

We can’t seek first His kingdom if we aren’t willing to listen when leading.

Listening When Worshipping - Ecclesiastes 5:1-3

Solomon’s reference in verse 1 relates to the temple as being the house of God. In the Old Testament, people were required to bring sacrifices to God in the temple as a way of atoning for sin and as a way of entering into God’s presence. This is why the Teacher reminded us that God is in heaven, and we are on earth.  Additionally, the temple or tabernacle was the symbol of God’s dwelling with his people, and the people are the family/house of God.

The House of God is both God’s dwelling in the hearts of believers, a place of worship, and the community of believers with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. Believers are “living stones” (1 Peter 2:5), which together with Christ “are being built to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). Individually, believers are a “spiritual house” and, together, they are the family of God constituted by and indwelt by God’s Spirit (1 Peter 2:9–10).

Coming to the House of God or being the House of God is not something on a checklist to be completed but a lifestyle to be embraced. The lifestyle is reflective of a changed heart and the reality that we are always the House of God.

Consider how these passages provide additional insight into the warnings Solomon gives regarding worship:

• Isaiah 29:13 and Luke 18:9-14. How does this help us understand Solomon’s warning? How can we guard our steps?
• Matthew 23:1-6. How does this help us understand Solomon’s warning? How can we make sure we are approaching God in obedience?
• Matthew 12:33-37. How does this help us understand Solomon’s warning? How can we make sure we think before we speak?

One doesn't enter into the presence of God aimlessly running his or her mouth.  In order to hear God with reverence, you must first be attentive and listen. Solomon challenged worshippers to approach God with a heart for obedience rather than with meaningless rituals. He further encouraged worshippers to listen more than they speak when in the presence of God or in the presence of other worshippers.

Listening Before Promising - Ecclesiastes 5:4-7

How do you feel when someone breaks a promise? What kind of vows do people make to God? How do you think God feels when someone breaks those vows?

Psalm 15:4 describes a righteous person as one “who keeps his word whatever the cost.” Since this is the case, one should avoid frivolous vows because a promise is a promise. There are no loopholes in God’s eyes that allow someone to back out of a vow. Believers should be careful about making vows, either to the Lord or to one another. The fact that we are prone to errors in judgment means that we may make vows foolishly or out of immaturity. Additionally, vows such as a public commitment to follow Christ or a wedding vow, when broken, demonstrate that the one making the vow really didn’t listen or think about the vow they were making. If was not taken seriously, nor was it made in the context of one who truly fears God.

Solomon states that God views one who makes frivolous vows as a fool in whom He does not delight. But he also gives a principle we should heed before making a vow – fear God. Does your life demonstrate, through the making and keeping of your vows, that you truly fear God? What does it demonstrate about our faith if we take our vows or promises lightly?

Wise believers carefully weigh the promises they make to God and others, knowing they will be expected to keep any promises made. Keeping our promises demonstrates our character and integrity. It shows that we love God and others. Make sure you are listening to God, yourself, and others before you make a promise. Don’t be careless with promises and vows.

What About You?

• Do you need to be a better listener in order to be a better leader? Don’t let age or success prevent you from listening to wise counsel or to the voice of the Lord. Remember too, that we are all leaders of someone. Heed the words of John Maxwell who states that, everyone is a leader because everyone influences someone. This should be reason enough to listen so you can be the best Christian leader possible.
• Do you need to be a better listener in worship? How can you discipline yourself to quit talking and become a better listener during worship? How can you prevent yourself from treating worship as a part of your weekly checklist or as ritualistic routine? How can you prevent worship from becoming something that calls attention to yourself?
• Do you need to listen and think before you make a promise or a vow? Ask God to prompt you to be careful when someone asks you to do something. Ask Him to remind you that making a promise is to be taken very seriously—even the simplest of promises made. Confess your sin if you realize there are vows you haven’t kept and seek reconciliation from God and from those your actions affected.