Read through this book a number of times. You will find modern
translations especially helpful. It is God’s commentary on human life
outside of Christ, which explains the keyword, “vanity” or
meaninglessness.” King Solomon wrote it and gives us his testimony
after he had tried all there was to be known. His conclusion is that
outside of a relationship to God, there is no reason to live, all is
meaningless.
As you read it, be sure to let it tell you about the empty world through
which we passed to find life and meaning in Christ! Read it and consider
the rich, full life we have now that we are born again.
To understand the author’s perspective, read the life of Solomon in I
Kings 2-11, and II Chronicles 1-9.
OUTLINE OF ECCLESIASTES
1:1-3 HE MAKES HIS STATEMENT CONCERNING THE EMPTINESS AND MEANINGLESSNESS OF LIFE.
As we go through the book, it will become obvious that his is the
conclusion of the man who has everything he wanted, and to whom all
things were available. Having experienced all that life had to offer,
his conclusion is that all is emptiness.
The only meaning to life is to know God through Christ; then what was
empty before takes on meaning and fullness.
1:4-11 ALL IS AN EMPTY REPETITION.
He sees man’s life as the passing of a shadow and all he does has no
significance.
1:12-18 THE FACT OF THE FALL.
Man craves order in life. He wants everything to fit because he knows it
should. As Solomon investigates, he finds that instead of fitting, life
is twisted and lacking.
The fact is that the fall of man has made nonsense out of our existence.
Only Christ, the wisdom of God, can bring sense and meaning.
2:1,2 THE FOOLISHNESS OF FOLLOWING THE SENSES.
If one cannot find meaning to life, then forget about the meaning, and
live for the sensual moment! But that, in turn, brings its own emptiness
and dead end lifestyle.
2:3-23 THE DEAD END ROAD OF CULTURE.
Solomon seeks all the riches of life, its pleasures, wisdom and
activities. He decides to find his pleasures in mental hard work. His
conclusion is that it is not worth the work and sweat, since death is
going to wipe it out anyway!
Apart from a relationship to God and a context of eternity, there is no
foundation for hard work.
2:24-3:22 GOD’S WISDOM IN THE MIDST OF VANITY.
Along with this passage, read I Corinthians 2:7 and Colossians 2:3.
4:1-16. LIFE IS NOT JUST! He covers all the contingencies of life: our
work and idleness; our private and social times, and our days of
popularity. Outside a relationship with God, all leave us craving for a
true meaning to life.
5:1-9 EMPTY WORSHIP.
In his considering all of life, Solomon comes now to religion. Religion
that originates with man seeks to use God for its own end and comfort.
Such a human religion has many words, but lacks God’s Word.
5:10-20 FOOLISHNESS OF TRUSTING IN RICHES.
Solomon shows us the folly of making the hoarding of wealth the pursuit
of life. If we have only riches, we have an empty and hollow life!
6:1-12 ALL MANKIND IS DESTINED TO PASS ON.
There is nothing man can do in this passing life to endure. All his
works ultimately pass away.
7:1-14 FACING DEATH.
He refuses to face life as if there is no end.
7:15-29 HUMILITY AND RESTRAINT.
As the preacher considers the practice of a godly life, he realizes that
all is conditioned by the fact that he is human and a sinner. Through
man’s “wisdom” he has brought about his own downfall.
8:1-9;18 THE UNFATHOMABLE PROVIDENCE OF GOD.
Life is not fair! When we try to fathom it with the natural mind, we can
only draw a blank. This section should be compared to Job, the man who
knows God has the Answer, even when he is lacking answers.
10:1-20 THE UPSIDE DOWN WORLD.
Again, life is not fair! Fools reign while the righteous are discounted.
11:16 THE WISE GIVER.
It is of significance that in his observation of life, the one who gave
generously received from God in abundance. The Scriptures bear out the
fact that the open handed giver is the one who receives.
11:7-12:8 IN THE LIGHT OF HIS UNDERSTANDING TO DATE, SOLOMON COUNSELS YOUTH.
Life is yours! Love it, but make your Creator the center and so live a
full life.
12:9-14 CONCLUSION
After all his research on life, Ecclesiastes 12:13,14.