Reflection Questions – Ecclesiastes 4.1-16
1. Do you have a favourite portrayal of friendship in film, TV or novels? What is it about the two friends that stands out?
2. Read Ecclesiastes 4.9-12. Describe the kinds of things friends do for one another, according the wisdom teacher, in this passage.
3. Discuss whether you agree or disagree with the following statements, providing reasons based on Ecclesiastes 4.9-12.
(a) Social media users (Facebook – Twitter etc) have ‘friends’ who ‘like’ their posts or have online ‘followers’. There is opportunity for basic keeping in touch through social media. However, the ‘hands on’ and deep help provided by the friends in Ecclesiastes 4.9-12 is a far more necessary kind of help than what we can offer through social media.
(b) It is one thing to gossip on the phone or at the school gate about other peoples’ lives but it is another thing entirely to share your own deep need with a trustworthy friend and ask for help.
(c) Some football club members stay back late after training to drink beer and criticise the players on their favourite premier league team. Their common interest might be being ‘armchair’ (or in this case ‘barstool’) soccer experts. But deep friendship would take these relationships to a higher level.
4. The bible also describes the ties of neighbour relationships (Mark 12.31), family-extended household relationships (Colossians 3.18-25), and church member relationships within the faith community (1 John 3.16-18). How are these each different to friendship? What is distinct about friendship?
5. We have reflected on the great comfort a friend can bring. Now read Ecclesiastes 4.1-4. Describe the pattern of injustice we see in the world. What do those with economic, military or political power often do in the world?
6. The wisdom teacher has already spoken about the day of judgement to come (Ecclesiastes 3.17). We might feel that this promise of future relief provides little practical help for those suffering oppression now. Indeed the oppressed can be in such a difficult way now that it might seem better to be resting with God in death or to have never been born (read Ecclesiastes 4.1-3). The wisdom preacher in Ecclesiastes will provide reasons for those suffering, to persevere. The wisdom teacher does not suggest self-harm. However, it is important to note how hard it is to live in an oppressed position, and offer empathy, which 4.1-3 does.
7. According to Ecclesiastes 4.4, what is the source of oppression, unjust political systems or something else?
On the other hand, how might some people, sadly, contribute to their own poverty (4.5)?
8. The two most important questions for this passage are:
How is Ecclesiastes 4.9-12 part of God’s answer to the distress described in 4.1-3?
Read Ecclesiastes 4.12 carefully. Who is the third strand in the rope of friendship? How has He been the best friend of all? (John 15.9-17).
9. How can we show our friendship to the Best Friend Ever, according to John 15.9-17?