Ecclesiastes

An honest search for meaning “under the sun”. Pleasure, work, wisdom and wealth all prove fleeting, like a breath. The Teacher concludes that life is a gift to enjoy from God, and that the whole duty of people is to fear God and keep his commands.

Author

“The Teacher”, traditionally Solomon

Written

Date uncertain

Chapters

1. 1Ecclesiastes 1“Meaningless! Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher. Generations come and go, and there is nothing new under the sun.
2. 2Ecclesiastes 2The Teacher tries pleasure, great projects and wealth, and finds them all empty. Yet eating, drinking and enjoying work are gifts from God.
3. 3Ecclesiastes 3There is a time for everything under heaven. God has made everything beautiful in its time and set eternity in the human heart.
4. 4Ecclesiastes 4Oppression, envy and loneliness. “Two are better than one,” and a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
5. 5Ecclesiastes 5Be careful when you approach God, and keep your vows. Wealth does not satisfy, so enjoy what God gives.
6. 6Ecclesiastes 6Having riches without the ability to enjoy them is a sad evil.
7. 7Ecclesiastes 7A good name is better than fine perfume. Wisdom in hard times, and no one is perfectly righteous.
8. 8Ecclesiastes 8Obey the king. The wicked seem to prosper, but it will go well with those who fear God.
9. 9Ecclesiastes 9The same fate comes to all. So enjoy life with the people you love, and whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
10. 10Ecclesiastes 10A little folly outweighs wisdom. Proverbs about fools, rulers and laziness.
11. 11Ecclesiastes 11Cast your bread upon the waters. Enjoy your youth, but remember that God will bring everything into judgment.
12. 12Ecclesiastes 12Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before old age comes. The conclusion: fear God and keep his commandments.