Ecclesiastes 4-6

Ecclesiastes 4

Oppression

• The Preacher observes oppression and notices that the oppressed have no comforter.
• Power consistently favors the oppressor, not the vulnerable.
• Seeing this leads the Preacher envying the dead and unborn.

Work

• Those who are jealous of success are fools 
• Toil becomes hevel when it is fueled by competition.

Folly 

• Refusing to work is not good
• BUT overworking leads to isolation 

Companionship

• Two are better than one because life is heavy.
• Companionship provides help, warmth, and protection.

Power

• Better to be poor and wise than old and foolish with success
• Even leadership cannot escape hevel.
• Human approval is unreliable.

Ecclesiastes 5

Rash religion

• The Preacher warns against careless speech before God.
• God is not impressed by many empty words

Vows

• Don’t make empty promises to God

Oppression 

• Do not celebrate oppression of the poor
• Injustice persists in life

Materialism

• Wealth never satisfies
• More money often brings more anxiety, not peace.
• Security from wealth is an illusion.

Hoarded wealth

• Riches can be lost suddenly.
• Wealth cannot be taken beyond death.

Enjoyment reframed

• Enjoyment of work, food, and life is again affirmed as a gift from God.
• Joy is not earned by success but granted by God.
• Keep yourself busy!

Ecclesiastes 6

Unsatisfaction and Wealth

• A person may receive wealth and still lack the ability to enjoy it.
• This is common

Legacy

• Even many children and long life cannot guarantee joy
• A stillborn child is shockingly described as better off, not because life is worthless, but because suffering without enjoyment is tragic.

Insatiable appetite

• Desire is never satisfied by more more more
• Wisdom does not give advantage over all situations (hunger)

Vain Life

• Humans do not know what is truly good for them in life.
• The future remains hidden.
• We are not in control

Questions

Application

Ecclesiastes 4-6 shows us how quickly life can become unfulfilling. Oppression, greed, isolation are just a few of the issues that can take a hold of our life. Even abundance and wealth can become tragic when there is no true enjoyment. Instead of trying to gain satisfaction from work or accumulation, we should see life as a gift. Trust God instead of trying to control outcomes.