Ecclesiastes (Part 3): Pain & Pleasure

Solomon’s Experiment with Pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11)

● He tried laughter, wine, entertainment, and sex to bring him joy.

Pleasure is a Terrible Idol
● Example of Wine* (Psalm 104:14-15, Proverbs 23:19-21, Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs
23:29-32)*

● Addictions always give us more than we bargained for.

We need to embrace pain instead of running from it (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4, Romans 8:22-23)

Finding True Joy in Christ (Psalm 16:11)

Small Group Discussion Questions:

1. Read Ecclesiastes 2:1-3. What was Solomon hoping to discover by pursuing
   pleasure, and how did he approach this search?
   

   
   

2. Solomon chased after laughter, wine, entertainment, and romance, thinking
   each might fill the emptiness he felt. When have you found yourself looking
   for satisfaction in similar things?
   

   
   

3. How does Solomon’s approach to pleasure in Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 reflect his
   mindset about entitlement (“my reward”) and satisfaction? Why does he
   describe it all as “futile”?
   

   
   

4. In Ecclesiastes 7:2-4, Solomon writes that “the heart of the wise is in a house
   of mourning.” What does this passage tell us about Solomon’s view of pain
   and pleasure? Why does he place value on experiencing sorrow?
   

   
   

5. Have you experienced times when a pursuit or indulgence left you emptier
   than before? Why do you think certain pleasures are alluring, even though
   they ultimately leave us unsatisfied?
   

   
   

6. In what ways might embracing pain (rather than escaping it) help us grow
   closer to God and discover deeper meaning?
   

   
   

7. Psalm 34:8 invites us to “taste and see that the Lord is good.” What does that
   look like for you?
   

   
   

8. What is one area of your life where you can replace some kind of temporary
   pleasure with God-oriented pleasure?