1. The Hebrew word for justice and righteousness is the same word. It is a word rooted in the character of God, the only one who is perfectly just and right. In v.16, what ways is wickedness the opposite of justice? What specific kinds of things do you think Solomon was seeing “under the sun” that troubled him?

2. Earlier in 3:1-15, Solomon said God has a time for every purpose under heaven. In v.17, what do you think he means by saying there will be a time for God to judge every deed? Does this encourage you or frighten you? Why?

3. In 4:1-3, King Solomon begins to sound like man of the Old Testament prophets. The prophets saw many things in society that were contradictory to the character of God (which is what they meant by unjust). Read and discuss some of what they thought should be considered unjust:

•Amos 4:1
•Ezekiel 22:29
•Zechariah 7:8-11

Should followers of Jesus work against similar wickedness and injustice in our society? Do the prophets’ words provide any help for identifying the kinds of leaders we would like to lead our own country?

4. Put 4:1-3 into your own words. Does this part of God’s Word have relevance to our world?

5. Do you know any instances in which Solomon’s words in 8:14 still ring true today?

6. Read Isaiah 9:6-7; 11:4-5; 16:5; Jeremiah 23:5 and Luke 1:32-33. What hope do we have and have to offer in an unjust world?

7. Read Micah 6:8 and James 1:26-27. How should we live in the light of this study?