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?

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?

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?