Category: Bible Journey

Reflections on Ecclesiastes 7-9

On By BrianIn OT Reflections1 Comment

The writer compares wisdom and folly.

  • Listening – It is good to hear the rebuke of the wise (7:5). Yet we should not take to heart all that people say of us (7:21-22).  When has a rebuke been helpful to you?  What has a criticism hurt you?  What is the difference between the two?  How do you need to apply these verses today?
  • Sin – God created us upright, but we have left wisdom to chase after many schemes (7:29). There are none who always do good and never sin (7:20).  How do you see these truths in your life?  Are you daily looking to Jesus for forgiveness?

Ecclesiastes 7-12: Life’s Limitations and Purpose

On By BrianIn OT Studies1 Comment

(7, 9, 12) What is the first limitation that we find recurring in verses: 9:2-5, 9:10, 12:1-7?

Why then is it better to go to a house of mourning than a house of feasting (7:2)?  Why is this so important?

How does our culture try to hide this limitation, and what are the results?

(7-12) Based on this first limitation, how then should we live?

8:15, 9:7-9, 11:8-9 –

7:14, 11:8 –

7:11-12, 10:2, 10:12, 11:9, 12:11 –

How do you need to apply these principles to your life?

(7-8, 10-11) What is the second limitation that we find recurring in verses: 7:23-24, 8:16-17, 10:14, 11:5?

(7, 9) What is the third limitation that we find recurring in verses: 7:20, 7:29, 9:3?

What do these verses teach us about creation, and the extent of the Fall?

(7-8, 12) How then should we live according to Ecclesiastes (7:18, 8:12-13, 12:13)?

How might the truth in 12:14 encourage us to live this way?

How might recognizing our limitations help us to live this way?

How does this duty, mixed with the truth of the third limitation, call us to seek One who is greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42)?

Reflections on Ecclesiastes 4-6

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

The writer continues his discussion of vanity and calls us to fear God.

  • Fear God – Fearing God means we come before him to listen to him, rather than to make rash promises that we will not keep. Do you come into his presence on Sundays to listen?  Are you prone to make rash promises?
  • God’s gift of enjoyment – Again the writer reminds us that enjoyment of what God gives us comes from God (5:18-20). What are some reasons people might not enjoy what they have?  Are any of these reasons true in your life?  In what ways has God given you the ability to enjoy what you have?

Reflections on Ecclesiastes 1-3

On By BrianIn OT Reflections1 Comment

The writer speaks of vanity, and the true source of enjoyment.

  • Vanity – The writer sought wisdom and knowledge (1:16-18), pleasure (2:1-3), great works (2:4-6), and great possessions (2:7-8). Yet his conclusion is that in and of themselves, these things are meaningless, a striving after the wind (1:17-18, 2:11).  In what ways are you seeking meaning and satisfaction in these areas?
  • God’s gift of enjoyment – While work and food on their own cannot bring satisfaction, we can enjoy these things. This enjoyment comes from the hand of God as a gift to us (2:24-25, 3:13).  How has God enabled you to find enjoyment in daily life?

Ecclesiastes 1-6: Life With or Without God

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(1) Life Without God: Why does the writer say all is vanity in v2-11?

(1-6) What pursuits of life does the writer explore in the following passages and conclude are only vanity?

1:16-18 –

2:1-11 –

2:12-23 –

4:1-8, 13-16 –

5:10-17 –

6:1-12 –

How does the writer’s assessment strike at the heart of our culture?

(3) Life With God: What phrases remind us that God is in control of time in v1-11?

What is God’s gift to mankind (v13 & 22, see also 2:24-25, 5:18-20)?

How does the writer describe God’s work in v14?  How does his work compare to ours?

How do v1-14 point to the only place to find meaning in life?

(3, 5) How should we respond to God in 3:14?  Why (see v1-13)?

How should we approach God according to v1-7?  Why?

(4) Other than God, what is the one thing in life that the writer does not proclaim to be vanity (9-12)?  Why?

How should the writer’s assessment adjust our priorities in life?

Reflections on Proverbs 30-31

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • God’s Word – God’s Word is true. We can trust in it, find refuge in it.  If we try to add to his Word or change it, we will be rebuked; our words are false (30:5-6).  In what ways are you trusting in the truth of God’s Word?  When are you tempted to try to adjust his Word to fit your desires?
  • Virtuous Wife – A virtuous wife is one who works diligently, minister to others, cares for her household, and fears the Lord. Wife: How do these verses challenge you to grow?  Husband: How is your wife like this?  Do you praise her as you should?

Reflections on Proverbs 28-29

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • Justice – God ultimately brings justice (29:26). Leaders should seek justice (29:4, 14).  All people should live justly (28:5-7).  Are you striving to live justly?  Pray that your leaders would rule justly.  Look for justice ultimately from the Lord.
  • Fear and Trust – We ought to fear the Lord rather than men (28:14, 29:25). We ought to trust in the Lord rather than ourselves (28:25-26).  Who do you fear?  When are you tempted to fear people?  Who do you trust?  When are you tempted to trust in yourself?

Proverbs 28-31: The Wise Woman

On By BrianIn OT Studies

(28-31) For each of the following topics, answer the following questions:  What is the main point(s)?  What pictures, comparisons, contrasts, or consequences are given to drive home the point(s)?  Can you think of a current example that illustrates the point(s)?  What are some practical ways to apply the point(s) to our lives?

Sluggard: 28:19; see also: 22:13; 24:30-34; 26:13-16 –

Money: 28:6, 22, 27; 30:7-9 –

Justice: 28:5, 15-16, 21; 29:4, 7, 14, 26-27 –

Tongue: 28:23, 29:8-9, 20; 30:5-6, 10, 14 –

Marriage: 12:4; 18:22; 19:13-14; 21:9, 19; 25:24; 27:15-16 –

(31) Read v10-31. How does this woman apply the different topics of wisdom discussed above?

Sluggard –

Money –

Justice –

Tongue –

Marriage –

How do you need to apply these topics of wisdom to your life?

What is the main point of v30?  How does this compare to our culture’s point of view?  Whose point will you follow?

Reflections on Proverbs 25-27

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • The Fool – Proverbs 26:3-12 paints the picture of a fool. A fool cannot be trusted with tasks.  He continues in his folly.  His attempts to speak wisdom dismally fail.  Yet there is more hope for a fool than one who is wise in his own eyes.  When are you tempted to be wise in your eyes?
  • The Sluggard – Proverbs 26:13-16 paints the picture of a sluggard. He makes up excuses not to work.  He sleeps and lounges around when he should be up.  He starts a task, but never finishes.  What work does God have for you to do?  Think beyond just jobs.  What excuses have you been making?  What tasks do you need to finish?

Reflections on Proverbs 22-24

On By BrianIn OT Reflections

Which proverb especially speaks to your life situation today?  How should you respond?

  • Rich and Poor – The rich should share with the poor (22:9). The rich ought not oppress or rob the poor (22:16, 22).  Are you helping those less fortunate than you?  How?
  • Training Children – Parents are to discipline their children to drive out folly and teach them the way to live (22:6, 15; 23:13-14). Parent, are you consistently doing this?  Teenager, will you submit to this process for your own good?