Ecclesiastes 5

Billy Bob Harrell Jr.

$31 Million

Texas Lottery Winner

"Winning the lottery was the worst thing that ever happened to me."

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is there is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

Discuss

How has your attitude about money

changed over time?

Summary

• Wealth attracts moochers
• Wealth creates hoarders
• Wealth produces anxiety

Ecclesiastes 5:13-17

There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger

Three ways we could be tempted to make fast money:

• Gambling
• Foolish Investments
• Dumb Debt

Discuss

How can the reality of death help us keep the right perspective on creating and managing wealth?

"Money Can't Buy Happiness"

(page 51)

Write or sketch some of the things you've bought through the years that you thought would bring you happiness.

Circle the ones you still have and cross through the ones you no longer have.

Ecclesiastes 5:13-17

Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Discuss

What experiences have helped you learn to be content with what you have?

Contentment is the key

• It is appropriate to enjoy life
• Life is short!
• Life is a gift from God
• Be content with what God has given you
• Contentment leads to peace and joy in this life

Evaluate your Contentment: List your assets and possessions and rate how much they give you contentment or security.

Step up your Giving: When we've been financially foolish, we tend to hold on to the money we have. Contrary to that mindset, though, generous giving is a key to overcoming materialism and greed. Set up a budget and plan to give generously through your church.

Get help!: A large source of our financial grief stems from consumer debt and poor financial planning. If that's you, work with a financial counselor to help you set up a plan to get rid of debt and start a budget.