Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: Ever quit a job due to the boss? What made the boss hard to work for? What is the worst investment (of time, money, etc.) you ever made? Why?
Step 2: Hear – Read: Wisdom & Bread Upon the Water Ecclesiastes 10:16 –11:06.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- What makes a leader good or bad (vv. 16-17)? What do verses 18-19 say about government? How is money the answer (v. 19) the answer? How should we not revile those in power?
- What does bread symbolize? What happens when you cast your bread (v. 1)? How will the giving of portions help in a time of disaster (v. 2)?
- What do the matter of fact observations in verse 3 imply? Why are those who just watch so unproductive and ignorant (vv. 4-5)?
- How do the observations in verses 3-5 lead to the concluding advice (v. 6)? How does this relate to the advice in verse 1?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- As a leader, how conscientious are you? How generous? What is your duty to those over you? Under you? How does your view of the Bible as God’s words affect that duty / responsibility?
- How well do you manage your Time? Money? Emotions? To what extent do you act out of love without concern for return? Why?
- In what areas of life are your investments too concentrated? Spread too thin? In what areas should you apply caution before taking a risk?
Step 5: Reflect: Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let not your hands be idle, for you do not know which will succeed…
