I just finished reading through the book of Ecclesiastes. I’ve heard people say that Ecclesiastes is a rather depressing book of the Bible. “All is vanity, all is vain!” Was Solomon just ranting after a bad week?
What is Solomon, and ultimately the Holy Spirit, wanting to communicate through this remarkable book?
I make it a discipline, whether I’m reading the Bible or a book, to underline the author’s main thoughts as I go along, whether I agree with them or not. Check this thread of bold throughout the entire book:
“I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him” (3:14).
“For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity; but God is the one you must fear” (5:7).
“Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool…for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them” (7:17a, 18b).
“Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him” (8:12).
“But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God” (8:13).
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).
What is the whole duty of man? It is to fear God and keep his commandments – a theme preached throughout this entire book. My prayer today is, “Lord, through pleasure and pain, keep my heart fixed upon honoring you, and may my actions keep in step with your perfect Word.”