Fruits of Our Labors

In Ecclesiastes 2 & 4, the writer tries to find meaning, value, satisfaction & happiness. How will these things that he tried still lead to frustration, vanity & sadness?

1. Fruits of our labors are awesome gifts from God.

   1. For people of faith, they can enjoy these blessings now and in eternity. Look at Ecclesiastes 2:24, 3:12-13, 5:18-20, 8:15-17 & 9:7-10. What are Bible principles for "eat, drink and be merry" in a way that honors God? What are the pleasurable things that you know are gifts from God? How does the world apply this phrase in the wrong way? What are the eternal rewards for our work(s) here on earth? What does 1 Corinthians 13 say about even good works with the wrong motives?

2. Fruits of the labors of sinners are temporary and taken away.

   1. Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 says that the writer worked to have wealth, power, many employees, entertainments, and a huge estate. Why did he conclude in verses 11 & 17 that working for these things was vanity of vanities even though he achieved it? How is working for these goals with these motives frustrating or unsatisfying or short-lived?

   2. What is frustrating about the fruit of your labor under the sun in 2:18-22? How does 2:23 describe those who live to work rather than working to live or working for God's glory?

   3. Compare 2:26 with Matthew 5:3 & 5 and 16:26. Who will inherit the lasting profit of all labor?