Choice 2: Ecclesiastes. Seeing Life Clearly

(a) Read the Bible Dictionary for “Ecclesiastes,” (pg. 659), and complete the following statements:

·    The book of Ecclesiastes consists of _ reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer.

·    The author describes himself as “son of David, king in Jerusalem”.

·    Ecclesiastes is written from the point of view of the world.

·    Ecclesiastes should not be construed as theological pronouncements on the condition of the soul after death; rather, they are observations by the Preacher about how things appear to men on the earth “under the sun.”.

(b) Read Ecclesiastes 1–2 and list five ways the author sought happiness but couldn’t find it. After each item on your list, write the reference of the verse where you found it.

Built houses and vineyards (Ecclesiastes 2: 4)

Planted gardens and orchards (Ecclesiastes 2: 5)

He made pools of water (Ecclesiastes 2:  6)

He got servants and maidens (Ecclesiastes 2: 7)

He had great possessions (Ecclesiastes 2: 7)

He gathered riches (Ecclesiastes 2: 8)

He had singers and musicians (Ecclesiastes 2: 8)

He got everything that his eyes desired (Ecclesiastes 2: 10).

(c) Read Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 and compare it with the principles that are taught in Mosiah 4:27; Doctrine and Covenants 10:4; 111:11; Luke 10:38–42. Write a paragraph describing why the timing and order of our activities are so important. Note some examples of how major events of life when done at the wrong time or out of order could seriously hurt an individual’s eternal progress. What do you think the Lord wants you to accomplish during this “time and season” of your life?

Everything that happens comes at a certain time in wisdom and order so that we have the strength to bare it.  Trials come at a time when we are able to bare them and will be for our own good. 

(d) As you read Ecclesiastes 4–5, choose two principles to incorporate into your life. Write about them.

It is better to me like a poor and wide child than a foolish king who is not teachable.  (Ecclesiastes 4: 13)  I love this principle because it shows how amazing little children are.  We need to be as a child and be teachable.  To become like God we need to be teachable. 

We should not make promises to God that we cannot keep. (Ecclesiastes 5: 4-5) This reminded me of the repentance process.  During the repentance process it may be hard to stop doing the sin.  We should keep working through the repentance process but make no promises to stop until we know that we can keep our promises. 

(e) Read Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13–14 and answer the following questions:

·         What happens to us when we die?  Return to God.    

·         What is “the whole duty of man”?  Fear God and keep his commandments. 

·         Why is this a good description of man’s purpose?  Because this is the only way we can receive exaltation.