Memory Verse: “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” Proverbs 18:24.
Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 4:1-16
Introduction:
A story has it that one day in Springfield, Illinois a neighbor of President Lincoln’s was drawn to his door by the sound of crying children. He saw Lincoln passing by with his two children, both pleading and whining. “What is the matter with the children?” asked the man. “The same that is the matter with the whole world!” answered Lincoln. “I have three walnuts and each child wants two.”
Isn’t that true of our world? Our human desires lust for more than we need and we never even consider our fellow man as we seek to fulfill our selfish desires.
As Christians though, our first thoughts should be towards others. Our desires should be to meet the needs of others first, and then ourselves. Too often, we are complacent towards our fellow man, while we bestow goods and favors lavishly upon ourselves.
God wants us instead to seek a life of moderation—to do good work and to live in a quiet, godly manner. We must work together and help each other. Companionship has many advantages, for God did not create us to live without fellowship. We all need the love, help and support of friends, family, and fellow believers. Yet, even this is insufficient without the daily companionship of God.
Study Questions:
- What was the preacher’s assessment of the usual way most people treat others and why do they rarely find relief? Ecclesiastes 4:1; Proverbs 28:14-15; Exodus 1:13-14; James 5:4.
- Why do you think the preacher makes such a startling conclusion as to what a man can expect on this earth for his hard work and accomplishments? Ecclesiastes 4:2-4.
- What advice does the preacher give about being satisfied with the earnest labor of our hands? Ecclesiastes 4:5-6; I Timothy 6:4-6; Galatians 5:26.
- What is the preacher’s evaluation of a lonely life? Ecclesiastes 4:8; Psalm 142:4; John 5:7.
- What value is placed upon devoted friendship and unity? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; I Peter 3:8-9.
- Comparing wisdom to kingly authority, which is better? Ecclesiastes 4:13-14.
- What observation does the preacher make about popularity? Ecclesiastes 4:15-16.
- Who did David turn to when he was being oppressed? Psalm 17:6-15; Psalm 103:2-6.