Key word: Vanity
This wisdom literature book, written we believe by Solomon in his old age, comes out firing: “Vanity of Vanities! All is vanity” (1:26). This is not exactly a happy or positive message, and many see Ecclesiastes as a depressing book. But it has a vital message for us that can be identified in its repeated words and phrases.
“Vanity” is found 39 times and basically means a mist or vapor. It refers to things that are fleeting and ultimately of little consequence. As Solomon looked around him, he saw most of humanity living empty lives and in essence striving after the wind, a phrase repeated 9 times (1:14). He goes on to mention ten fleeting things that people chase looking for happiness and satisfaction, but always coming up empty. They include pursuing wisdom, pleasure, achievements, possession/money, sex and fame.
Taken at face value, one might despair of life. But we miss Solomon’s point if we skip over a phrase he uses 29 times: “Under the sun”, first found in 1:3. Solomon is describing life as if there is no connection with God. That is, Ecclesiastes tells us of the futility and meaninglessness of life lived as if God did not exist.
What solution does Solomon work out? When one recognizes and lives for God (mentioned 40 times), we receive the simple pleasures He affords as His gift to enjoy (2:24-25). This is the key to solving the puzzle of life and is repeated 7 times (3:12-13; 3:22; 5:18-19; 8:15; 9:7-9 and 12:13).
The thing that changes life from drab, empty and meaningless, to that of enjoyment and meaning, is the recognition of God.
Key verse: Ecclesiastes 12:1a – “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth.”
