The book of Ecclesiastes is the second in Solomon’s trilogy and is perhaps the most profound philosophy book you will ever read. It was written by Solomon but neglected by most Bible readers because we don’t realize that he ignores all the preliminary stuff and deals directly and only with the question all humans ask themselves whether or not they realize it. “Where or how do I find meaning for living?” Solomon says, “God has given people this miserable task to keep them occupied.” Ecc. 1:13 NLT. This book must have been written after Solomon had completed all of his studies on wisdom, found it to not
satisfying, and experimented with several other areas.
People seek meaning in many ways. Men have a tendency to seek it in their work: doctors, lawyers, teachers, brickmasons, and plumbers. Women tend to seek meaning in relationships: family, friends, etc. When people do not find satisfaction in the things they try, many resort to seeking it through drugs, alcohol, sex, or crime. In the 1950’s, a famous singer, Peggy Lee, sang “Is that all there is”. It was about natural events that occur from childhood to adulthood: i.e. the circus; a house fire; etc. The solution to her disappointments was “if that’s all there is, then let’s keep dancing, let’s break out the booze and have a ball, if that’s all there is”. The Apostle Paul says something similar in 1 Corinthians 15:32.
While most of the books seems to be negative, there are positive comments throughout. At the end of the book, Solomon provides the answer to the meaning to life. “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is: ‘fear God and keep His commands, because this is for all humanity. For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil’.” Ecc. 12:13-14 NLT
– key verse.