Around 945 BC, King Solomon, in his later years, delivered what we now know as the book of Ecclesiastes. His opening words, repeated throughout, are jarring: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecc 1:2). These words reflect a lifetime of unparalleled wealth, power, and accomplishments, yet they carry the weight of deep regret. Solomon had experienced it all—wisdom, pleasure, achievements—only to conclude that nothing under the sun can provide lasting satisfaction.

Ecclesiastes unfolds as a raw and reflective account of Solomon’s search for meaning. Early in the book, he laments the repetitive nature of life: “The sun rises, and the sun goes down... All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full” (Ecc 1:5, 7). Despite human ambition, nothing truly changes. Solomon observes, “The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing” (Ecc 1:8). This unquenchable craving for satisfaction resonates with us all.

Yet Ecclesiastes is not a hopeless book. As Solomon’s reflections unfold, his despair over life “under the sun” transitions into awe of God’s sovereignty. In chapter 3, he declares, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven... God has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecc 3:1, 11). He recognizes that the cycles of life, though seemingly mundane, are part of God’s divine plan.

This realization transforms Solomon’s perspective. He encourages his readers to enjoy the good gifts of life—work, food, and relationships—not as ultimate sources of meaning but as blessings from God. He writes, “There is nothing better than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man” (Ecc 3:12-13). The key is to live with a sense of gratitude and reverence for the Creator.

The climax of Ecclesiastes comes in chapter 12, where Solomon gives his final counsel: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth” (Ecc 12:1). He urges readers to seek God early, before the burdens of life and the frailty of age take their toll. Solomon warns against waiting too long to turn to God, as life’s difficulties only increase with time. His closing words summarize his message: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecc 12:13).

Ecclesiastes teaches us that life without God is meaningless, but life with Him is full of purpose. Even the most ordinary moments—work, family, and daily routines—become opportunities to glorify God and experience His joy. Solomon’s wisdom challenges us to shift our perspective, seeing our Creator’s hand in all things and living with eternity in view. In doing so, even the mundane becomes beautiful.

Recommended reading

Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End by David Gibson

Ordinary: Sustainable Faith in a Radical, Restless World by Michael Horton

Providence by John Piper

God at Work: Your Christian Vocation in All of Life by Gene Edward Veith Jr.

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