Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 6:3-12.

Memory Verse: "This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind" (Ephesians 4:17).

Introduction: The "Swedish Nightingale," Jenny Lind, left the stage, for no apparent reason, when money and applause and fame were pouring in upon her. Some time after, an English friend found her sitting by the sea, with a Bible on her knee, looking out at the glory of the sunset.
  As they talked together the friend asked, "Madame, how is it that you ever came to abandon the stage at the very height of your success?" "When every day," came the quiet answer, "it made me understand less of this--(laying a finger on the Bible)--and nothing at all of that--(pointing to the sunset)--what else could I do?"
  We may pay too high a price for the best that the world can give. In our humanity we seek out wealth, fame and long life as evidence of successful living, when as believers, who follow the path of Christ, we should be striving to win souls and disciple others for the glory of God. Our trust and hope should not be in long life or the pleasure this world has to offer--our trust and hope should be in God, our Father. Both out of love for a gracious and caring Father, and out of fear of an awesome and powerful God, we should set our sights on heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones.
  What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul as the price for doing it?

Lesson Questions:

1. What is the vanity of a long and selfish life that is never satisfied with goodness? Eccl. 6:3.

2. Will most men be remembered long in this earth? Eccl. 6:4; Ex. 17:14; Job 18:17; Ps. 34:16; Isa. 14:20; Ezek. 21:31,32.

3. What is the inner state of those who have no hope in God? Eccl. 6:5,6; Job 6:11; 7:6; 10:1; Jer. 8:1-3 (notice the false worship of their ancestors in this passage).

4. Even though a man eats well and has plenty, does this satisfy his soul? Eccl. 6:7; Prov. 27:20; James 4:1-3;  1 Cor. 10:6.

5. Do the wise find more enjoyment in life that the fool, or do the rich have more inner satisfaction than the poor? Eccl. 6:8; Matt. 5:3-12.

6. Is it better to appreciate and enjoy what we have already, or to pursue that which isn't ours? Eccl. 6:9; Prov. 15:16; Luke 13:14; Phil. 4:11; Heb. 13:5.

7. Regardless of social position or heritage, can any man in this earth ever ascend above being a man? Eccl. 6:10; Jer. 13:23; Ps. 49:12; Ps. 78:39; Jer. 9:22-24; Job 40:1-14.

8. Is there anything in life for which man can rightfully boast? Eccl. 6:11,12; Prov. 27:1; Jas. 4:16; Ps. 49:6,7; Ps. 94:4-11.