Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Ecclesiastes 4:13 – 5:7), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [4:13-16] In this proverbial illustration, the old and foolish king had forgotten how to take advice, but the poor youth was wise (maintained teachability, humility before God) and was exalted from prison to the throne. Many people followed him, but his fame didn’t last. Even if your great wisdom gets you to the very top in this world, it amount to vapor in the end. What do you think is the value of wisdom? Do you prize wisdom? Why? Will you take advice, or do you generally feel like you know it all already? How do you take criticism?

• [5:1] It is good for us to come into God’s presence with a listening humility. Read the brief story of the sisters Martha and Mary in Luke 10:38-42. What is it about Martha’s approach to Jesus that is lacking? What is it that Mary has chosen, and why is it better? Can you relate to either one, or both, of the sisters?

• When we come into God’s presence acting upon our own presumptuous religious impulses, looking to impress with our own devotion, we don’t even realize that what we’re doing is wrong. What is it that is wrong about coming to God presumptuously? How would it be possible not to come to God presumptuously? Do you ever come to church presumptuously, full of yourself, being quick to speak many words but slow to listen? If you feel you lack the wisdom of true humility before God (fearing the Lord), why? Are you afraid of humbling yourself at the feet of Jesus? What can be done about this?

• Do you thirst for God’s Word? When you come to church, do you hope to hear God speaking in a way that changes your life? In a typical worship service, how many opportunities are you given to listen to what God has to say and to respond to him?