Gospel Outreach International

This Bible study examines the profound wisdom found in Ecclesiastes chapters 6-7, exploring one of Scripture’s most honest examinations of life’s challenges and contradictions. The central question addressed in this study is: “What is the secret of true happiness and fulfillment in life?” Through careful examination of wealth, wisdom, righteousness, and human relationships, we discover that apart from an intimate relationship with God, all earthly pursuits ultimately prove futile and empty. This study encourages believers to confront life’s harsh realities while finding hope and joy in our Creator.

For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun? Ecclesiastes 6:12

• Life’s Fundamental Problem: God made humanity upright and uncorrupted, but both men and women have sought out many devices for evil, explaining the current state of the world
• Earthly Pursuits Are Ultimately Empty: The study examines riches, wisdom, and various human endeavors “under the sun” from a purely human standpoint, revealing their inadequacy for true fulfillment
• God’s Gifts Require Proper Perspective: While God gives us good gifts to enjoy (marriage, family, even wealth), these must be kept in balance and not become obsessions
• Wisdom vs. Worldly Knowledge: Being worldly wise or able to answer all questions is not the secret of happiness; true wisdom comes from relationship with God
• Poverty and Riches Both Fall Short: Neither wealth nor poverty holds the secret to happiness; the answer lies elsewhere
• The Reality of Suffering: Christians must honestly acknowledge natural disasters, terrible illnesses, and intense suffering as part of life’s reality
• Joy vs. Happiness: Jesus offers joy, which is deeper than happiness and comes from being at peace with God, not dependent on circumstances
• The Value of Mourning: Attending funerals is more valuable than celebrations because it confronts people with death’s reality and provides gospel opportunities
• Sober Reflection Has Value: While laughter has its place, deep thought and sober consideration help the heart grow in wisdom
• Corruption Through Bribery: Oppression makes wise people foolish, and bribes corrupt good judgment - a timeless truth about justice
• Balanced Righteousness: Believers should avoid being excessively righteous or sanctimonious while maintaining genuine reverence for God
• True Worship is Continuous: Worship isn’t just singing songs but maintaining awe-filled reverence for God throughout life
• Life as Training Ground: Our time on earth serves as preparation for serving God in heaven

Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins. Ecclesiastes 7:20

The honest examination of life’s difficulties reminds us that faith doesn’t require us to ignore reality’s harsh edges. Most significantly, this study points us repeatedly to Jesus, who offers something far greater than temporary happiness - He gives us His joy. This joy, as the teacher beautifully explains, comes from being at peace with God and flows from that intimate relationship with our Creator. Unlike happiness, which depends on good circumstances (or “happy stance”), the joy of the Lord sustains us even in persecution and suffering. The early Christians singing hymns while facing lions in the arena exemplifies this supernatural joy that transcends circumstances. Ultimately, Jesus is the answer to life’s deepest longings - He books our future abode in heaven and transforms our earthly training ground into meaningful service. Without Him, everything under the sun remains futile, but with Him, even our struggles become purposeful preparation for eternal glory.

Bible References

• Ecclesiastes 6 and 7:
• Ecclesiastes 6
• Ecclesiastes 7
• Ecclesiastes 5:15