Introduction: One of the great books of wisdom, Ecclesiastes demonstrates the emptiness of trying to be happy apart from God. The preacher looks at "life under the sun," and from that earthly viewpoint declares everything to be "vanity." Nothing can fill the void that is left in one’s heart from pursuing worldly endeavors such as power, popularity, prestige, and pleasure. Only God can give us what we really need. Once we see things from the heavenly view, we can begin to enjoy life as it was meant to be. With God in our lives, there is no more despair and emptiness. This is one of the most practical books we can read, for both personal growth and in evangelism.

I. Authorship.

A. No specific name is given as author, but several arguments support the generally accepted position that it was Solomon.

B. Jewish talmudic tradition attributes the book to Solomon.

C. Internal evidence:

1. The author calls himself "the son of David, king in Jerusalem" (1:1, 12).

2. He was the wisest in Jerusalem (1:16; cf. 1 Kings 4:29-30).

3. Descriptions of the Preacher’s attainments, exploration of pleasure, and unparalleled wealth, all fit with Solomon.

4. The proverbs are similar to Solomon’s in the book of Proverbs (e.g., 7:10). According to 12:9, the Preacher collected and arranged many Proverbs.

D. The book was possibly written late in Solomon’s life , after he had wasted his years in idolatry and wickedness. If so, it would expressing his own regret.

II. Theme and Purpose.

A. There is a quest for purpose, meaning, and satisfaction in life. This is attempted apart from God, and all one can ultimately say is, "all is vanity."

B. Power, popularity, prestige, pleasure, wisdom, are explored from a human standpoint, apart from God.

C. The word "vanity" appears 37 times to express the emptiness of life. All goals and ambitions, when pursued in and of themselves, lead to dissatisfaction and frustration.

D. The phrase "under the sun" is used 29 times, stressing the earthly viewpoint. Life is filled with injustice, uncertainty, and change.

E. The search finally leads one to God. Satisfaction and joy in the here and now are found by looking beyond this world.

F. Vanities of life can be overcome by fearing the God who is good, just, and sovereign (12:13-14).

G. Wisdom must involve viewing reality from the divine perspective and learning to put trust in God even though many of life’s quirks "under the sun" do not make sense. God helps one to make sense out of the world.

H. Life is a gift from God that should be enjoyed. 2:24-26; 3:12-13, 22; 5:18-20; 8:15; 9:7-10; 11:8-9. Though difficulties exist, there is much to enjoy in this life; and God desires for us to enjoy them.

I. God is the ultimate judge of all. In the final analysis, we must learn to fear God and keep His commands. This is what life is all about. 12:13-14. This gives true meaning and purpose to an otherwise vain attempt at happiness.

III. Survey of the Book.

A. The basic thesis: "All is Vanity" (1:1-11).

1. Intense search for meaning and satisfaction in life "under the sun." This search tries to move beyond the inequities and absurdities of life. No earthly wisdom or answer satisfies.

2. Life is futile and perplexing. This is seen in the endless and apparently meaningless cycles in nature and history. Vv. 3-11.

B. The Proof that "All is Vanity." (1:12-6:12).

1. The Preacher engages in a multiple quest for meaning and satisfaction, using his own resources to explore various avenues of life.

2. He starts with wisdom (1:12-18), but finds that "in much wisdom there is much grief." Increasing knowledge increases pain.

3. He then moves to pleasure, laughter, hedonism, and wine (2:1-3), followed by works, women, and wealth (2:4-11). All lead to emptiness.

4. Wisdom is greater than folly, but both seem to lead to emptiness, when viewed from the brevity of life, and the fact that all will die.

5. He then recognizes the need to realize God’s hand in our lives (2:24-26), for "who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him?"

6. The book then turns into a philosophical quest, even though the conclusion will remain the same.

a. He considers the fact that the laws of God are fixed, and cannot be changed. Time is brief here; there is no eternity on the earth. 3:1-11

b. Death is certain to come to all. Death may appear to wipe out the difference between good and evil, but the end points to God as the final judge. 3:12-22

c. Chapters 4-5 show futility in social relationships (oppression, rivalry, covetousness, power), and religious relationships (mere formalism, empty prayer, vows).

d. What the world offers is disappointment. God has the answer to futility.

C. Counsel for Living with Vanity (7:1-12:14).

1. Practical Wisdom. 7:1-9:12.

a. Pleasure seeking is superficial and foolish; better to have depth of thought.

b. Wisdom, self-control help provide strength in coping with life.

c. Enjoy prosperity, but reflect in adversity.

d. Avoid extremes such as self-righteousness, and wickedness.

e. Since fortune can change quickly, learn to take advantage of opportunities while they exist. Uncertainties of life cannot be fully understood, but we can learn to trust God and thereby gain a measure of confidence in life.

f. Wisdom is the best course to follow in order to minimize grief and misfortune. It involves discipline and hard work.

g. There are exhortations for using life properly (11:7-12:7). While one can enjoy youth, it is too brief to be squandered in foolish living. One should live life to the fullest while keeping God in proper view. Once old age comes, life only increases in difficulty.

h. One must always keep in mind that there will be a day of reckoning. Life here has meaning because this is not all there is. Everything will be brought to judgment. This is what makes the final difference between good and evil.

Compiled by Doy Moyer, August 1999, for Adult Class, Clovis church of Christ.