Read the Bible
Dictionary for “Ecclesiastes,” (pg. 659), and complete the following
statements:
1.
The book of Ecclesiastes consists of reflections
on some of the deepest problems of life, as they present themselves to the
thoughtful observer.
2.
The author describes himself as “son of
David, king in Jerusalem.”
3.
Ecclesiastes is written from the point of view
of the Preacher.
4.
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 earth ‘under the
sun’”.
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. Seek out wisdom concerning all things that are done under
heaven (1:13)
2. Built houses (2:4)
3. Planted vineyards, gardens and orchards (2:4-5)
4. Got servants and maidens (2:7)
5. Gathered silver, gold, and peculiar treasure of kings
(2:8)
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?
We learn in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 that
there is a time and place for everything. Mosiah 4:27 teach us that everything
is done in wisdom and order. We cannot do things we are not ready for, or in
other words, “a man should not run faster than he has strength.” This concept
is also mentioned in D&C 10:4, “Do not run faster or labor more than you
have strength and means…” D&C 111:11 teaches us that we will be given
answers and we will gain knowledge when it is time, when we are ready. Luke 10:38-42 tells us about the story
of Jesus with Martha and Mary. This story teaches us that we need to see what
is important, what is best (good, better, best), of all good choices. This is
so important because if we understand these principles, if we understand that
everything has a time and a place we are more likely to have faith in the Lord
and trust the Lord.
If
major events of life are done at the wrong time or out of order it could
seriously hurt an individual’s eternal progress. For example, having sex too
early or even out of wedlock can have consequences if done at the wrong time in
your life. In children who are too young and choose to have sex, their brains
are not ready for the bodily changes, chemical and hormonal, as well as the
psychological repercussions. It will change their brain when their brain is not
developed fully yet.
During this season of my life I am
to focus on school, making plans and preparing for my future. I am to make some
very important decisions that will affect the rest of my life. I am also
supposed to have fun, find who I am, find what is important to me and what I
value and believe. I am to prepare myself for marriage and to have a family in
the future. Right now, the season I am in, is a season of preparation and
change, it is a season of growing up and developing who I am and
characteristics that will help me throughout my life (school, work, and
family).
Read Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13–14 and answer
the following questions:
What
happens to us when we die? Our spirit will return unto God, who gave it
What is
“the whole duty of man”? To fear God, and keep his commandments
•
Why is
this a good description of man’s purpose? This is a good description of
man’s purpose because it is through keeping his commandments that we can become
like him. It is through us keeping his commandments that his “work and glory”
will be brought to pass. It is only through keeping his commandments and
fearing God more than man that we can stay humble and put ourselves on the
right track towards exaltation.
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