1. In 2:12-14a, Solomon speaks to those who might think they can figure out how to live well “under the sun”, i.e., without God.  He says that living in the way the world thinks is wise is better than living foolishly. Put his words into your own words.  How do people you know try to live wisely today without any reference to God?

2. Many parents want to have their children live wisely (staying away from gangs or drugs, making good grades in school, etc.) but without calling them to have a relationship to God.  From 2:14b-16, what would Solomon have said to them?

3. Earlier in ch.3 (v.11), Solomon had said God has put eternity in the human heart.  However, “under the sun” (if there is no God) what does he say in 3:19-21 is the relationship between human beings and animals in 3:19-21?  Do you see any implications in this for issues like abortion, animal rights, etc.?

4. In 9:1-3, Solomon forces us to come to grips with the futility of life if there is no life after death.  Put each of these verses into words that a 21st C Southern Californian would understand.  

5. Read 1 Corinthians 15:16-22.  What difference does the death and resurrection of Jesus make in all that you have discussed in this study?