Surveying The Book Of Ecclesiastes

          The Book of Ecclesiastes describes what life is like in a fallen world. It gives an account of man living out his life in temporal terms and God's control over him (Ecclesiastes 3:15; 9:1). The author of this work, traditionally ascribed to Solomon, portrays eating, drinking, and work in a positive light. He says that there is a time for everything, whether it be laughter, joy, or sorrow. These things are beneficial to man in their own way. 

          This work is distinct from other writings of the Old Testament due to its seemingly pessimistic language in regard to the continued pursuit of earthly pleasures. Taken at face value, this piece may not be an enjoyable read. However, it would be better approached with an eternal perspective in mind than with our finite human understanding. It is from the former point of view that optimism shines through in our lives. We are hereby compelled to change how we think about things.

          Ecclesiastes is similar to Philippians in that all earthly pursuits are subordinate to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:8). The author of this work uses the phrase "under the sun" more than once in writing. He made observations about the transitory nature of our life and achievements. They are as a grain of sand in a desert. All the flattery that this life has to offer is nothing in the face of the reality of spending eternity with our Creator.

          Ecclesiastes illustrates the futility of placing an over emphasis on worldly passions. It destroys the mentality of a materialist by showing him the futility of his own ways. Even if one could find satisfaction in earthly possessions and success, death lies at the door. He will meet his maker sooner than he thinks. Compare Ecclesiastes 3:19 to Genesis 3:19. We can honestly say with Abraham that we are but dust and ashes (Genesis 18:27).

          The fate of man is the same as that of a beast, death. The fate of the righteous man is the same as that of the unrighteous man, death. Our souls will return to God and our bodies will return to the earth from which they were made. The only difference lies in our eternal destinies, whether it be eternal life or eternal damnation. Man dies and is forgotten. His life is but a candle that dims upon melting. His life is forever hidden from posterity. Man no longer partakes of things in this world once he passes away (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6). 

          Ecclesiastes crushes any form of human pride by setting forth a proper perspective of life. The point being made is not that earthly pursuits as such are bad in and of themselves. Rather, it is a grave error to excessively esteem our status and achievements. We are mostly reinventing the wheel, so to speak. Life from a materialistic perspective is futile. It is vain and pointless. That is the reason for the author's usage of the phrase "vanity of vanities." He decries the futility of the ways of mankind and his lack of wisdom.

          The human heart longs for something more than this life. That is why man is instinctively religious. He has a strong desire for something that transcends this temporal order. Man wants an ultimate sense of fulfillment which he cannot find in the various forms of entertainment that the world has to offer, and is available to someone wealthy like Solomon. The human heart finds its fulfillment in God. The world and the things therein are perishing. The things of our fallen world are subject to wear and tear. The human heart can only rest content in God.