Lesson Plan 8 – February 25, 2026
Lessons From The Book Of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 8.
Welcome to Small Group Lesson Plan #8, continuing with studies in the book of Ecclesiastes. Let’s continue learning from Solomon, the wise King, son of David. Wouldn’t you agree that the scriptures are loaded with wisdom and direction for success in life? It is our prayer as a team that everyone in our church community grows in Christ and finds joy in knowing Him. Amen!
In Chapter 7, from our last small group, Solomon said something about wisdom:
For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense,
But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.Ecclesiastes 7:12 NKJV
We also saw that God created humans upright, but then we have a propensity to seek schemes outside of God’s will.
“Truly, this only I have found: That God made man upright, But they have sought out many schemes.”
Ecclesisates 7:29 NKJV
In Chapter 8, we find a mixture of sound advice as usual and some principles to live by. Solomon opens by noting that a man’s wisdom (applicable to women too) “makes his face shine, and the sternness of his face is changed.” Let us read the opening statement as a whole below:
Who is like a wise man?
And who knows the interpretation of a thing?
A man’s wisdom makes his face shine,
And the sternness of his face is changed.Ecclesiastes 8:1 NKJV
Solomon praises wisdom, noting its benefits for anyone who possesses it. If I were to paraphrase the latter portion of verse 1, I would say “wisdom brings joy because the difficulty of not having a solution is solved.” He also says something about the word of a king:
Where the word of a king is, there is power;
And who may say to him, “What are you doing?”Ecclesiates 8:4 NKJV
We have been “made kings and priests unto our God.” No wonder we are warned to watch our words. In verse 11, one of my favourite Bible verses pops up. I don’t know about you, but to me, this is exactly what is happening today. Let’s read:
Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 NKJV
Look around at many Western nations today. Evil is rising, celebrated in some quarters, and even accommodated in national declarations and budgets. I just read about a trans woman in Canada who stabbed two of their underaged children. The younger child had life-threatening injuries to her throat and needed immediate surgery. The suspect was released on bail, and this individual then recorded a video on social media asking if what they did in stabbing these kids was right or wrong. Just imagine that!
When a sentence against an evil work is delayed or denied, evil will only increase. Solomon is right!
Scripture Study Guideline
Today’s Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes Chapter 8:1-17. 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 see Ecclesiastes 8:11 playing out before our eyes? Do you have any recent examples in the news?
- As evil inevitably increases worldwide, what should we be doing? Read Colossians 3:1-2, Titus 2:11-14
- Please read and compare the following verses: Ecclesiastes 8:4, Proverbs 18:21, and Matthew 12:37. How do you use your words for yourself or against others? Are you watchful of how you speak? Discuss how your own words affect you as a person.
- What do we learn about the end of the wicked in Ecclesiastes 8:10-13?
Conclusion
Solomon concludes in Vs. 15 with advice to enjoy life rather than worry much about the oddities we have no control over. This advice is in light of the reality of what we term “bad things happening to good people” and vice versa, happening often in Vs. 14 “there are just men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there are wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous.”
So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.
Ecclesisates 8:15 NKJV
Do your best to enjoy the life God has given you while helping others within your ability, as God gives grace. No one person or group can solve all the world’s problems or understand everything. This is wisdom!
Prayer Time
- Give thanks to God for JFC. We are indeed a joyful company. Acts 9:31
- Ask the Lord to give us peace and to grow in Him despite global chaos
- Ask the Lord for wisdom in your life, for our congregation, and for our church leaders.
- Pray for there to be speedy judgment for the wicked who refuse and reject God’s will.
- Pray for one another’s needs and any other matter.
Announcements
- Next Small Group – March 11, 2026.
- Do you need prayer for deliverance from oppressive demonic manifestations in your life? Send a message to our JFC Text.
- What’s your giving plan like? Are you consistently giving of your finances to the Lord