Ecclesiastes

Along with the Book of Proverbs, the Book of Ecclesiastes is considered to be a part of the “wisdom” literature found in the Old Testament. And, along with Proverbs, Ecclesiastes is attributed to the pen of King Solomon, David’s son. Just consider the opening verse of the Book,

“The words of the Preacher, the son of David, King in Jerusalem” (Eccl. 1:1).

In fact, it appears from this verse that Solomon considered himself to be a “preacher,” that is, one who addresses an assembly of people. Furthermore, this verse makes it clear that the book was actually written during his reign as King. The second verse sets the stage for the entire book, as Solomon declares,

“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher…All is vanity” (Eccl. 1:2).

Let’s talk about the word that is usually translated as “vanity” or “futility.” The Hebrew word is hebel, and the primary meaning is not “vanity,” but “vapor” or “breath.” While the word “vanity” implies “uselessness,” “vapor” or “breath” implies something that is “fleeting,” not “useless.” This makes a huge difference throughout the book, as rather than indicating that doing things in this life is “useless,” it is actually just “fleeting,” that is, it won’t last forever, but is only temporary. In short, life isn’t “meaningless,” but it is “fleeting.”

Although I react a bit to the common translation of the word hebel, it is absolutely true that trying to live life without God is indeed futile and empty, and hence, one of the secondary meanings of the word hebel is quite appropriate. In other words, power, popularity, prestige, and pleasure are incapable of filling the empty hole inside of us, and if actually achieved, it is both empty and temporary. Only God can fill the empty hold inside of us. According to Solomon, skepticism and despair will melt away when life is viewed as a daily gift from God.

The phrase “life under the sun” is used almost thirty times in the book, and it accurately describes the inequities, uncertainties, and injustices present in this life “under the sun.” Although the book looks at “life under the sun” in negative terms, Solomon continues to point the reader back to the fact that satisfaction in this life can be found only by looking to God who is good and just. True wisdom involves seeing life from a divine perspective and trusting God in the face of apparent futility and lack of purpose. Because life is a gift of God, it should be enjoyed, not despised.

And so, with this, there are two important verses for us to remember in this book. One happens to be my personal favorite, and here it is,

“Whatever your hand finds to do, then do it with all your strength;…” (Eccl. 9:10).

In other words, when God gives us something to do, then we are to throw our entire selves into it. Don’t do a hap-hazard job in anything you do. On the contrary, give it all you’ve got! Devote your whole self to getting the job done, and done well. The second verse is found in the last chapter of the book,

 “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is to reverence God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, even everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14).

 I hope you can see why this Book is part of the Old Testament “wisdom” library. Regarding my favorite verse noted above, I always remember that in doing God’s will “with all my strength,” it’s actually Christ living in me that gives me the strength needed to accomplish His will. Of course, the Apostle Paul was the first to remind the church that the true source of our strength is Christ when he said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).

And then let’s remember that the “conclusion” of all that Solomon shared in the Book of Ecclesiastes is that we should “reverence God and keep His commandments,” as noted above. As we “reverence” God, we honor him in all of our speech, thoughts, and actions. Solomon also reminds us that “every act” of our lives, even those things that are hidden, like our motives, will be brought before God as we stand before Him. What a sobering thought. Fortunately, for those who are followers of Jesus, we have an “advocate,” that is, a defense attorney, standing with us who will plead our case and offer His blood as a covering for all of our sins (1 Jn. 2:1).

And so, as God gives us things to do, whether it has to do with building and maintaining relationships or accomplishing meaningful tasks, let’s do it with all of our strength, remembering the Christ is the one who will ultimately provide that strength. And, let’s not forget that the essence of life is to reverence, or honor, God in all we say, think, and do. Blessings to all of you.