Lesson Plan 6 – January 28, 2026

January 27, 2026

Lessons From The Book Of Ecclesiastes.

Ecclesiastes 6.

Welcome to Small Group Lesson Plan #6, continuing with studies in the book of Ecclesiastes. I hope you’re finding it beneficial so far.

In Chapter 5, we saw Solomon advising worshippers to be careful in vow-making before God. He addresses the subject of oppression by governmental authority (8-9), the hopelessness of wealth and labour (10-12), and the evil of riches that hurt the owner (vs 13-14). In the end, vs 18-20, the king encourages everyone, rich or poor, to appreciate God’s gift of life. Solomon places joy in God’s provision as valuable above everything else.

Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. 19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 NKJV

In Chapter 6 king Solomon is not done with his observations on wealth. We should pay attention to him as a coach. Why? He holds the record of the richest and wisest man who ever lived. His continued lament over wealth should instruct us. He describes having wealth and not enjoying it as an evil common among people. He says a stillborn child is better than to live a long life and have many children without a personal sense of satisfaction from the goodness of life. Ouch! On and on, Solomon appears to bemoan life, comparing the wise, the fool, and the poor. He summarizes, as in earlier chapters, that life is vain.

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men: 2 A man to whom God has given riches and wealth and honor, so that he lacks nothing for himself of all he desires; yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner consumes it. This is vanity, and it is an evil affliction…12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will happen after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 6:1-2, 12 NKJV

Most people think that if only they were rich, everything would be perfect. Again, we see the wealthiest man who ever lived telling us that what most people think is there isn’t really there when and if they get there. He does not sugarcoat anything. Why should he?

Scripture Study Guideline

Today’s Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes Chapter 6:1-12. 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.

  • Would you agree with Solomon’s musings on life in this chapter?
  • If you consider the wealthy celebrities of this world, do you think Solomon adequately describes them?
  • Is it possible for one to have all the wealth the heart could wish for and not enjoy it? What are some factors that could hinder enjoying what God has richly blessed us with? Matthew 6:24, 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Luke 12:15, 1 John 2:15-17.
  • Read and discuss Proverbs 15:6, Psalm 37:16-20 What are your thoughts?

Conclusion

The best coaches, in most cases, are usually people who have done what you are attempting, and for that reason, have a lived experience to guide you in the right direction. Solomon’s words, as difficult as some might be to the reader, ring true. In the NIV translation, he is called the teacher. Who else to tell us what it is like up there than someone who has been there themselves? I choose to believe Solomon, a man whom God gave great wealth and wisdom, who, by his own admission, reached out for whatever he desired. There was nothing hewanted that he couldn’t get. The things that were beyond reach were the things God has placed in His own power. Joy, peace, satisfaction, and the goodness of life all come from our Maker, the creator of Heaven and Earth.

Prayer Time

  • Give thanks to God for JFC and His grace over the church.
  • Ask the Lord to add 20 families to His church and for many baptisms this year
  • Pray for a heart to understand as we continue to learn from Ecclesiastes.
  • Pray that the Lord helps us to place more value in Him than in worldly wealth.
  • Pray for one another’s needs and any other matter.

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