Ecclesiastes
In this book we hear the skeptical voice of “the teacher.” He observes that living by the book of Proverbs doesn’t always bring positive results. Sometimes life is hard and defies neat explanations. How do you live with that tension, and still strive for wisdom? Ecclesiastes is the second of the biblical wisdom books.
The Book of Ecclesiastes is the critic's response to Proverbs, which states we live a good life when we fear God and follow wisdom. This book's author and the teacher believe that life is hevel, temporary and fleeting like smoke or vapor. We all try to build meaning and purpose in life apart from God, investing in pursuits and things that have no lasting meaning, but time marches on, we all die and bad things happen to good people.
In the end, the key to contentment comes from wisdom, accepting hevel, fearing God, keeping His commandments and putting our trust in Him. We remain puzzled by life's mysteries, but He will bring true justice that fuels our ability to live lives of honesty and integrity.
Ecclesiastes
Watch our Read Scripture video on the book of Ecclesiastes, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. There is one Read Scripture video dedicated to the book of Ecclesiastes, which aims to help you see its unique contribution to the story of Jesus, but also how it works within the Bible’s overall framework.