- As you read Ecclesiastes 5:1-6 is the overall impression of the message one of deep religious piety in worship and practice or is it one of practical piety in doing no more than is required before an all-powerful God who should be feared?
- What correlation is there in Ecclesiastes 5:1 between “therefore let your words be few” and “God is in heaven and you are on earth”? Compare this to Psalms 14:1.
- What practical advice does Kohelet give in Ecclesiastes 5:3-4 regarding making vows? What reason does he give in Ecclesiastes 5:5 for avoiding them?
- Often the word “fear” in connection with God means “to be in awe”. Sometimes it means simply “to be afraid”. What meaning do you think it has in Ecclesiastes 5:6?
- Why shouldn’t you be surprised when you see the poor oppressed and justice perverted (Ecclesiastes 5:7)?
- How do Ecclesiastes 5:9-10 compare with Avot 4:1 — “Who is truly wealthy? One who is content with his/her lot”? (Note the contrast in Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 above.)
- How does Ecclesiastes 5:11 compare with Avot 2.7 — “Increasing possessions, increases anxiety”? What is his opinion of the laborer?
- What characterizes the greedy person whose sole meaning in life is the acquisition of wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:9-11)?
- What characterizes the miserly person who hoards money for any purpose other than his own comfort (Ecclesiastes 5:12-16)?
- And once again (see Ecclesiastes 2:24) — what conclusion does Kohelet reach about the best way to live (Ecclesiastes 5:17-19)?
