Study notes for Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Ecclesiastes chapter 5
Stand in awe of God
A study in how we approach God

• verse 1 Be aware of your approach to God. This verse says "guard you steps"---lit. Keep your footing. What are our attitudes, intentions, and preconceptions as we draw near to God?
• Moses Exodus 3:5 and Joshua 5:15 what might removing the shoes imply?
• vs. 1b go near to listen i.e. with a humble, obedient heart .see proverbs 12:15
• not with the sacrifice of fools i.e. many worthless words. see proverbs 18:2
• vs. 2 do not be hasty hurried or anxious, approach God quietly, reverently. see proverbs 19:2 to be hasty is often to miss the way. see also prov. 29:20...
• vs. 3 a man in desperate situation may dream that he is safe elsewhere, and a fool in his ignorance may speak with more confidence and zeal than the situation merits. Difficulties bring troubled sleep and confused dreams just as foolishness brings many troubled and confused words.
• vs.4-5 do we make vows to God today...if so how? What are the spiritual consequences for failing to keep a vow? What about foolish vows we sometimes make in youth or ignorance?
• vs. 6 how might our mouths lead us into sin? Do we ever speak rash or angry words that cause us to do something we will regret?Do we ever speak hasty words and commit ourselves to more than God has given us the strength to accomplish?
• vs. 7 "... stand in awe of God. Amazement, and Wonder, at the Exceeding greatness of our God.
• amazement = stunned surprise
• wonder = silent admiration
• when was the last time you were stunned, surprised, and silent in the presence of God?

following is a link to a great web site for further studyhttp://studylight.org

see also http://preceptaustin.org