Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Does Ecclesiastes think that life has a point? Or is it just a boring repetitive cycle?
- What do you think Ecclesiastes means when he says that everything is "vanity" or a "mere breath"? Do you disagree? For what reasons?
- What is Ecclesiastes's solution (or solutions) to the apparent meaninglessness he sees in life?
- Does Ecclesiastes think that the only point in life is to pursue pleasures? What statements of his support this? What statements don't?
- What does Ecclesiastes think God does? Does he think God cares if you're a good person?
- What are some ways that Ecclesiastes sees things differently from the other books in the Bible? Can you find any similarities with Job?
- The end of Ecclesiastes emphasizes following the commandments and being just. But Ecclesiastes himself almost certainly didn't write this part. Why do you think it was tacked onto the end like that?
- How useful does Ecclesiastes think wisdom is? He's supposed to be wise, but at one point he says searching for wisdom is a waste of time. Why? Is this another kind of wisdom? How does this idea compare with the good things he says about wisdom?
- So—is Ecclesiastes a wise man? Or just a "wise guy"?