“‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)
Wow, thanks a million for those inspiring, uplifting words, Solomon!
Welcome to Ecclesiastes, perhaps one of the most misunderstood books found in the Bible! I just completed a reading of this “mysterious” chronicle of life’s perplexities as penned by the son of King David. Ecclesiastes is part of what theologians call wisdom literature. This fascinating book helps us look at the repetitiveness of life from the standpoint of eternity: Apart from God, life is fleeting and futile.
If I were to summarize Ecclesiastes it would be something like this:
- Life events often seem random.
- Nevertheless, we are to enjoy life to the fullest — it is God’s gift.
- Wise people live for God, knowing they are accountable to Him.
I think the oft-repeated words “Meaningless! Meaningless!” (“Vanity” reads the King James and New American Standard translations) are what really throws us! This word “meaningless” comes from the Hebrew word “hebel”, a metaphorical term peppered throughout the book referring to that which is perplexing, fleeting, without real substance, lasting value, permanence or significance.
Here’s the key to understanding Ecclesiastes: Since “hebel” (“meaningless”) has various nuances of meaning, we simply need to understand how Solomon is using the term in each specific context. With this understanding in mind, I want to encourage you to read this wonderful book, perhaps a chapter a day. You will be led and blessed of God as you contemplate then carry out His counsel!
Solomon concludes his pondering (12:13-14) with this imperative no one can possibly misunderstand: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”
The Ryrie Study Bible concludes a study of Ecclesiastes with this helpful summary: “God has not told man how to comprehend all the frustrating futilities of life, but He has instructed man to enjoy life as His gift (2:24), to make the most of every opportunity (9:10), and to live life with reverence toward God (12:13), accompanied by an awareness of future judgment (12:14). Solomon learned to live with life’s paradoxes by maintaining a proper attitude toward life and God.”