Is there a way of life that makes people happy even when they do not believe or accept truths about God, His commandments, and eternal life? Even though the preacher saw so much “vanity” in the world, in Ecclesiastes 4–5 he admitted that there were still things worth doing that lead to greater happiness in a world that didn’t make much sense to him otherwise (without an understanding of God’s plan).
Understanding the Scriptures
Ecclesiastes 4
| Oppressions (v. 1) | Bad things that happen to people | |
| Travail (vv. 4, 6, 8) | Business, work | |
| Envied of his neighbor (v. 4) | His neighbor is jealous of him | |
| Prevail (v. 12) | Overpower | |
| Admonished (v. 13) | Taught and corrected |
Ecclesiastes 5
| Be not rash with thy mouth (v. 2) | Do not speak harshly. | |
| Hasty (v. 2) | Quick | |
| Multitude of business (v. 3) | Jobs or tasks | |
| Vow (vv. 4–5) | Promise | |
| Divers (v. 7) | Many | |
| Violent perverting (v. 8) | Terrible twisting or changing | |
| Marvel not (v. 8) | Do not be surprised. | |
| Regardeth (v. 8) | Sees it | |
| Profit (v. 9) | Riches | |
| Abundance (vv. 10, 12) | A great number | |
| Saving (v. 11) | Except | |
| Travail (v. 14) | Work | |
| Comely (v. 18) | Right | |
| Portion (vv. 18–19) | Reward or gain |
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A as you study Ecclesiastes 4–5.
Find Some Good Advice
Ecclesiastes mentioned several deeds that still make sense to do even if “all is vanity.” Write about two things you read about in Ecclesiastes 4–5 that would be good advice even to someone who does not believe in God. Explain the advice as if you were giving it to a person who does not believe in God.
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