Lesson Plan 4 – December 10, 2025

December 8, 2025

Lessons From The Book Of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 4.

Welcome to Small Group Lesson Plan #4, continuing with studies in the book of Ecclesiastes. I hope you’re finding it a blessing so far.

In Part 3, we learn of Solomon’s sobering discovery of the power of time. He begins with the famous opening quote: “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under Heaven. A time to be born, and a time to die.” He concludes his discourse with a powerful summary that I paraphrase as follows: “Everyone will die, and for that reason, enjoy the reward of your hard work and life itself.”

In Chapter 4, Solomon wades into the subjects of human oppression (vs. 1-3), selfish agendas (vs. 4-8), friendship (vs. 9-12), and the fading nature of power and celebrity (vs. 13-16). I find it remarkable that Solomon had time to consider and reflect on the plight of the poor and oppressed. Do you see that as well? Hear what he said about it below, and later, we will discuss if he did anything about the poor and downtrodden in his own kingdom.

Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: And look! The tears of the oppressed, But they have no comforter— On the side of their oppressors there is power,
But they have no comforter. 2 Therefore I praised the dead who were already dead,
More than the living who are still alive. 3 Yet, better than both is he who has never existed,
Who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 NKJV

Solomon acknowledged that evil is committed against powerless humans by those who choose to oppress them. He closes his thoughts in vs. 16b after mentioning the meaningless celebrity of an old, foolish, and prideful king, who would be forgotten with these words:

“…Surely this also is vanity and grasping for the wind.”

Ecclesiastes 4:16b NKJV

Scripture Study Guideline

Today’s Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes Chapter 4:1-16. Please read and discuss your findings.

What stood out to you? What do you think the Holy Spirit is speaking to you? Did any verse or set of verses jump out to you? Please discuss your thoughts.

  • Do you think from his reflection on the pain of the oppressed by the wicked in Chapter 4 vs. 1-3 that Solomon (though wealthy) did something good for the oppressed in his domain? Read and discuss the following scripture verses to help with your question: 1 Kings 10:21-27, 1 Kings 4:20-25. (What verse do you think shows that the commoners were provided for?)
  • If we become rich or earn a livable income and have some to spare, what does the scripture teach? Matthew 26:6-10, Galatians 2:9-10, 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
  • Are you helping anyone this Christmas season?
  • Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-12. Discuss the value of friendship compared to walking alone in life. Do you have good believing friends? God does place people in our lives and vice versa for this reason.
  • In the light of Chapter 4:13-16, how should we view power and positions of authority? What are your thoughts?

Conclusion

We learn from Solomon to observe our world and take notes. What do you see? How is God speaking to you through what you’re observing? What is He calling you to do? We can reasonably conclude that, though Solomon was extremely wealthy, the plight of the poor unsettled him, and he worked hard, using his God-given wisdom and vast resources, to create a prosperous nation for the people. Here is our proof below:

20 The people of Judah and Israel were as numerous as the sand on the seashore. They were very contented, with plenty to eat and drink. 21 Solomon ruled over all the kingdoms from the Euphrates River in the north to the land of the Philistines and the border of Egypt in the south. The conquered peoples of those lands sent tribute money to Solomon and continued to serve him throughout his lifetime. 22 The daily food requirements for Solomon’s palace were 150 bushels of choice flour and 300 bushels of meal; 23 also 10 oxen from the fattening pens, 20 pasture-fed cattle, 100 sheep or goats, as well as deer, gazelles, roe deer, and choice poultry. 24 Solomon’s dominion extended over all the kingdoms west of the Euphrates River, from Tiphsah to Gaza. And there was peace on all his borders. 25 During the lifetime of Solomon, all of Judah and Israel lived in peace and safety. And from Dan in the north to Beersheba in the south, each family had its own home and garden. 26 Solomon had 4,000 stalls for his chariot horses, and he had 12,000 horses.

Ecclesiastes 4:20-27 NLT

Prayer Time

  • Give thanks to God for JFC and His grace over the church.
  • Pray for a heart to understand as we learn from Ecclesiastes.
  • Pray that the Lord bless us with every kind of resource to be a blessing.
  • Pray for the provision of right relationships for those who are lonely in their walk.
  • Pray for one another’s needs and any other matter.

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