Ecclesiastes Assignment

(a) Read the Bible Dictionary for “Ecclesiastes,” (pg. 659), and complete the following statements:

The book of Ecclesiastes consists of “reflections on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the thoughtful observer.”

The author describes himself as “son of David, king in Jerusalem”.

Ecclesiastes is written from the point of view of the world.

Ecclesiastes should not be construed as “theological pronouncements on the condition of the soul after death; rather, they are observations by the Preacher about how things appear to men on the earth “under the sun.”

(b) Read Ecclesiastes 1–2 and list five ways the author sought happiness but couldn’t find it. After each item on your list, write the reference of the verse where you found it.

1- He gave his heart to find knowledge, but in Chapter 1 verse 18 he says “For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”

2- He labored to build houses

3- Gathered silver and gold

4-Got servants and maidens

5-Procured livestalk

Numbers 2-5 are found in chapter two. The speaker worked and labored to make his house a place of plenty. He kept many possessions and became rich and wealthy. However, these things did not bring him joy because he realized that all of these things are temporary and would not benefit him in the time to come.

(c) Read Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 and compare it with the principles that are taught in Mosiah 4:27; Doctrine and Covenants 10:4; 111:11; Luke 10:38–42. Write a paragraph describing why the timing and order of our activities are so important. Note some examples of how major events of life when done at the wrong time or out of order could seriously hurt an individual’s eternal progress. What do you think the Lord wants you to accomplish during this “time and season” of your life?

It’s important to remember that the Lord has a plan for all of us and that he knows what is best for us at what times in our lives. I often times have a hard time remembering this and sometimes I find myself getting impatient or unhappy. The Lord’s plans will not change and we need to trust in his knowledge of what we need. I know that I definitely need to work on remembering this principle. I think that if people try to force things that they aren’t ready for or strong enough for, it can lead to temptation and failure. It is important to be progressing but also accepting of the place that you are at.

(d) As you read Ecclesiastes 4–5, choose two principles to incorporate into your life. Write about them.

1-It is better to have wisdom than riches- It is important to remember that the worldly things we gain in this life will not be taken with us into the next. It is far more important to work to gain understanding and knowledge than it is to gain earthly possessions.

2-Work hard and you will be blessed

Labor to gain good things in your life and you will be rewarded with happiness. Don’t let yourself be lazy or work for that which will come to naught.

(e) Read Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13–14 and answer the following questions:

What happens to us when we die? The body will return to the earth and the spirit will return to God

What is “the whole duty of man”? To keep God’s commandments

Why is this a good description of man’s purpose? Because God sent us here to gain experience and get closer to him. And when we return to him, we will be judged based on our works and how well we followed him.