Ecclesiastes
Teachers
Lesson Summary
In the class titled “Ecclesiastes,” Teacher Larry Johnson examined the themes of chance, labor, and relationships as presented in Ecclesiastes Chapter 9. He emphasized that life’s outcomes are not always determined by personal strength, speed, or wisdom, citing Ecclesiastes 9:11 to illustrate how time and chance affect everyone. Johnson also addressed the unpredictability of life, comparing it to the need for insurance, and urged believers to trust God amidst uncertainty. The discussion turned to the source of wisdom, referencing Ecclesiastes 9:13 and James 1:5, encouraging the class to seek God’s generous wisdom and to remain open to unexpected messengers—whether young, old, or socially quiet. He reinforced the biblical principle that true wisdom is applied knowledge expressed with kindness, humility, and gentleness, quoting 1 Peter 3:15 and Colossians 4:6 as guides for how believers should communicate. Throughout, the teacher linked the scriptural insights to everyday responsibilities like work, family, and health, urging listeners to honor God through diligent, joyful labor and loving relationships.
Key Scriptures
Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor wealth to the intelligent, nor favor to men of skill, nor life to those who are wise. But time and chance happen to them all.
Now I saw that wisdom is better than folly, as light is better than darkness. The wise man's eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I myself saw a poor man working with his hands, and a rich man who was not satisfied with his riches.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.