Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (Ecclesiastes 7:1-12), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [1-2] God’s good wisdom is otherworldly; it is not a wisdom common to this world, not a wisdom that can be attained apart from God’s revelation. It is only a wisdom that makes sense in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (which the world considers to be folly). In what ways can “the day of death” be considered better than “the day of birth”? In what ways can going to a funeral be better than going to a feast? Does this mean “the day of birth” and “the house of feasting” are bad things?

• [3-4] In what ways can sorrow and mourning be better for your heart than laughter and mirth? Does this mean serious Christians should avoid laughter and mirth?

• [5-6] The “laughter of fools” is likened to “the crackling of thorns under the pot.” Such kindling flares up but burns out quickly, making a lot of noise without the benefit of real heat. So the “song” or “laughter” of fools is only superficially helpful, a fleeting relief at best—”it is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise.” What is it like to hear Jesus’ rebuke and call to repentance? Have you ever had a wise friend rebuke you? Was that comfortable for you? Was it a good thing? If so, why?

• [8, 10] Do you look back on the past (whether in your own life or in history) wistfully or nostalgically, thinking it would be better to return to those days? Do you believe that your future will be better than your past? What reason would you have to believe that? Do you believe that the future of humanity will be better than its beginning? Why or why not? What does the Gospel have to say about your personal future, and the future of humanity? Are you able to live with the wisdom that comes from believing the Gospel when it comes to your view of the future?