Does life ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels, trying to trap waves on the sand, or juggling too many plates? As we chase the things this world has to offer, it often feels like we are “striving after wind.” Nothing is ever enough. Happiness is fleeting. We never arrive.
Even as a child, I remember a feeling of dread for the holidays or a vacation, because as soon as it was over, the excitement of the moment disappeared. I dreaded the low after the high. Solomon understood this better than most, and he explains it to us in the book of Ecclesiastes.
The book of Ecclesiastes is a strange book in the Bible. It spends all twelve chapters telling the reader how pointless life is. But there are a few things to consider as you read the book that will change your perspective a bit and may even lead you to love the book.
Consider the Literary Context
First off, the book of Ecclesiastes was most likely written by Solomon. He is never mentioned by name, but the first line of the book attributes it to, “the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem” (ESV).
Throughout the book, the Preacher references his own wisdom. If we remember the account of Solomon, one of the most notable events of his life was when God offered Solomon anything he wanted, and Solomon asked for wisdom. God granted Solomon’s request, and he became the wisest man who ever lived. Because Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, and he knew the Lord, though his behavior didn’t always seem to demonstrate this fact, we should listen to what he has to say in the book of Ecclesiastes.
The book of Ecclesiastes is wisdom literature. It is in the same category as Proverbs, Job, and the Psalms. Wisdom literature is based on principles, not promises. It often contains apparent contradictions, and it encourages personal contemplation.
Often wisdom literature teaches us how the world should work: If you do this, then that will happen. But the book of Ecclesiastes takes it a step further as it is pessimism literature, demonstrating that because the world is sinful, there are exceptions to the rules. It essentially asks, “If there is no eternity, then why does it matter what I do and how I live?”
Follow the Quest
In Ecclesiastes, the author is on a quest to discover the meaning of life. Just as the book says, there is nothing new under the sun, and the quest for purpose has been a driving force in every generation. As you read the book of Ecclesiastes, track the Preacher’s progress.
He begins by searching wisdom, then pleasure, then work, etc., and his conclusions for life under the sun are depressing. But he ends his quest finding purpose. After he searches through all of the things of this world, he comes to a satisfactory, even desired, conclusion.
Notice the Dichotomy in Ecclesiastes
As you read Ecclesiastes, take note of some very important phrases. First, you will find many instances of the phrase “under the sun.” This phrase represents life on this earth, living by the world’s “rules.” It is life “under the sun” that is “a striving after wind.” And each time we encounter that little phrase “under the sun,” we are invited to consider if there is an alternative.
What we discover is the phrase “under the sun” is set up in contrast to the phrase “under heaven,” which could also be read as “beyond the sun.” The phrase “under heaven” represents life with an eternal perspective. Chapter 3 of the book is a good example of this as it lays out God’s harmony in creation, presenting a time for every event “under heaven.”
Notice the inconsistencies in an “under the sun” perspective: Work is good and also bad, death is welcomed and also feared, food and wine are enjoyable and also meaningless. Any worldview that is not based on God’s principles and guidelines will be inconsistent, not able to sustain itself when followed to its logical conclusion.
An “under heaven” perspective, however, is very consistent. It follows logic and order. It leads to a reason and purpose not only for joy and work and beauty, but also for suffering and pain in this life. Only the biblical worldview makes sense.
Recognize God’s Sovereignty
A main point of the book of Ecclesiastes is God’s sovereignty. The book repeatedly reminds us that even though this world seems to be topsy turvy, God is still in control. If we choose to live life as if God doesn’t matter, we are “striving after wind.” But if we choose to live life recognizing Who God is and His sovereign plan, we can enjoy the gifts He gives us and look forward to the better gifts in eternity.
Find Freedom
As believers, we experience the privilege of enjoying life. Because God is in control even when things seem to be out of control, we as believers have the freedom to take pleasure in the beauty of God’s creation, in the benefits of our work, and in the fruit of our communities without fearing that our failures will derail His plans. We can trust that God has it all in hand, and we know that we are laying up treasures in heaven that will last far longer than any suffering this world can dish out.
Take Action
Ultimately, the book of Ecclesiastes is an Old Testament Apologetic. While the author takes us on a journey of meaninglessness, he is showing us what life is like if it is true that God does not matter. Anyone who lives his life only for this life, crying out “YOLO” (you only live once) every chance he gets, is living a purposeless, meaningless life that never brings true happiness or fulfillment. Everything in this life is temporary.
By showing us the purposelessness of this life, the author is demonstrating the alternative to living a life that is pleasing to God, seeking to follow His ways, and focusing on an eternity in His presence. He is arguing for a life lived in the fear of the Lord by showing us the unfavorable alternative.
In light of this, we must recognize that it is part of our biblical calling to examine all things in light of eternity. The most loving thing we can do is to call sinners to repentance, not only because it will affect their eternal destiny, which is enough reason in and of itself, but also because without repentance and an acknowledgment of Who God is and the role He plays, their lives here on this earth will be without purpose, fulfillment, and true happiness. They will be “striving after wind” and getting nowhere.
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