Ecclesiastes 12: 9-14
- What did the preacher search to find?
- What is the conclusion?
- What will God bring?
- Where are the wisest words to be found?
- What kind of books are you reading?
There is an industry that churns out books. However, many of them could do without being published. We digest pulp fiction. We empty our minds and relax with words that can’t really help us in life. What we need are words that hurt because they change our outlook. We need to be challenged by great books and thoughtful friends. What challenges you?
Going Deeper
Observation
- What did the preacher do in addition to being a wise man?
- What did the teacher/preacher do with proverbs?
- What are the words of a wise man like?
- How does the reading describe the writing of many books?
- To whom does fearing God apply?
Interpretation
- Are we reading the words of the preacher/teacher or of an editor reporting his life?
- Are the proverbs that were collected the ones included in Ecclesiastes, or did the teacher have access to Proverbs also?
- What is a goad and how is it improved with nails?
- How is wisdom like a goad?
- How is the singular nature of the shepherd contrasted with the writing of many books?
Application
- How can you gain wisdom from God about your field of expertise?
- With whom could you share your wisdom?
- Who talks to you in ways that cause you pain and change you for the good?
- How could you master collections of wisdom (Proverbs; The Republic; The City of God)?
- God has commanded his people to meet regularly with each other. Are you doing that?
Plymothian 