Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: In games of strategy how would you rate yourself: Ruthless? Reluctant? First one out? If you could learn and instrument, what would it be? What song would you like to play on it? What was the last time you got lost? Where were you going? Did you ever get there?
Step 2: Hear – Read: Wisdom Better than Folly Ecclesiastes 9:13 –10:15.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- The teacher derives two morals from the example story in 9:13-16. What are they? How does the first pair of proverbs (9:17-18) correspond to the preceding example story? What themes are similar? Do they agree with, or take issue with the story? Why doesn’t wisdom win out?
- What two things are contrasted in 10:1-3? What is the main point here? In this context (vv. 3-5), what’s wrong with leaving your post?
- What is the evil in 10:5-7)? Where is it found? In 10:6-11, where do you see poetic justice? Random event? Cause and effect? Dry humor? How does the skill in verse 10 relate to wisdom?
- What topic is addressed in 10:12-15? What progression is evident in 10:12-14a? How does the contention in 10:14b add to the problem of the fool? What hope, if any, is there for the lost fool?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- How does someone’s social position affect your respect for his/her opinions? In what ways could that person’s wisdom help you?
- How skilled are you in the various areas of life (family, friendships, work, ministry, etc.)? In which areas do you need to develop greater skills? How can this best be done? How can people around you help in this?
- How has something foolish you said affected others and yourself? To whom do you need to apologize because of it (no names)? What practical steps can you take to avoid such foolish conversation?
Step 5: Reflect: If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; Calmness can lay great errors to rest.
