Lesson Plan 9 – March 11, 2026
Lessons From The Book Of Ecclesiastes.
Ecclesiastes 9.
Welcome to Small Group Lesson Plan #9, continuing with studies in the book of Ecclesiastes. Let’s continue learning from Solomon, the wise King, son of David. As we draw closer to the end of the Small Group season, we continue to pray that everyone in our church community grows in Christ and finds great joy in knowing Him. Amen!
In Chapter 8, from our last small-group study and discussions, we saw a few interesting points. There is no shortage of subjects of interest when it comes to Solomon the wise. We found Solomon elevating wisdom as the one thing that causes a person’s “face to shine.” In other words, when someone has wisdom that helps them resolve life’s issues, they are joyful and the better for it. One big takeaway, among others, was Eccl 8:11, where Solomon explains why people continue to do evil unabated. We saw that the verse of scripture, spoken around 850 BC, is relevant for today.
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.
Eccl 8:11 NKJV
We touched on Solomon’s take on how powerful the “word of a king” is wherever it goes in his kingdom, relating that to the power of our own words, considering that we have been made kings and priests unto our God according to Revelation 1:6.
Where the word of a king is, there is power;
And who may say to him, “What are you doing?”Eccl 8:4 NKJV
In Chapter 9, Solomon begins with the reality that all humans die, whether they be righteous or evil; the same inevitable end awaits one and all. He thankfully makes a distinction for those who are still alive “joined to all the living.” If a person is still alive, even if they were evil, there is hope for them. After death, it is over. This is why we preach the gospel to whoever will hear.
There is hope only for the living. As they say, “It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion!”
Eccl 9:4 NLT
Solomon encourages married men to “live joyfully with their wives.” He describes a wife as our portion. Vs. 9. Great advice considering today, that many marriages are struggling, and I am talking about Christian marriages. He encourages focused, hard work, giving all our might to it because there is no work in the grave. It appears he uses the reminder of certain death and how short life is, and for that reason, we must give our lives and our vocation our best shot (Vs. 10).
In verse 11, he touches on the subjects of strength, favour, wisdom, and speed, concluding that time and chance determine who profits from favour and these abilities. We encounter so much wisdom in the 18 verses of this chapter. Hopefully, you discover more, discuss, and pray over these as the Holy Spirit brings them to your attention.
He closes his discourse with a note from Vs. 16 on how the “poor wise” are treated. Ouch! This one makes me sad!
“Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor man’s wisdom is despised,
And his words are not heard. Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard
Rather than the shout of a ruler of fools.18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war;
But one sinner destroys much good.”Eccl. 9:16-18 NKJV
Think about that! Lord, give us compassion for people just as you have for all mankind.
Scripture Study Guideline
Today’s Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes Chapter 9:1-18. 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.
- Read Vs. 11 in the NLT and NIV as well. What does this verse speak to us as believers about strength, wisdom, riches, and favour? See Phil 4:13, Romans 9:15-16
- How does the world treat the poor who are wise? How are we to treat people less privileged than us? Read: Eccl. 9:13-16, Prov. 19:7, Eccl. 9:17, John 12:8, Galatians 2:9-10
- Eccl. 9:18b. How powerful is the sin of one person to the good in a family or community? Do you have any real-life examples?
Conclusion
As we summarize our study and conversations, several things stand out in this chapter, chock full of words of wisdom. Again, we see Solomon in Vs 13-17, clearly demonstrating a keen interest in the well-being of the poor, as we saw in Chapter 4 in an earlier study. Would you agree that working out the gospel is incomplete without a place of compassion for the poor? Beloved brothers and sisters, sin ruins much good. We must seek purity of thought and action. May we have wise people around us rather than fools in authority – “foolish kings”
Better to have wisdom than weapons of war,
but one sinner can destroy much that is good.Ecc. 9:18 NLT
Prayer Time
- Give thanks to God for the small group season going well so far
- Pray for JFC Outreach Month in June 2026. Ask the Lord to move many to participate in sharing the gospel, and that we see results with new believers becoming part of God’s family.
- Pray for a swift resolution to the Iran war
- Ask the Lord for wisdom in your life, for our congregation, and for our church leaders.
- Pray for one another’s needs and any other matter.
Announcements
- Next Small Group – March 25, 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
- Outreach Month June 1-30 2026