Ecclesiastes
"Everything is empty and meaningless . . . under the sun!"
Old Testament · Wisdom
Summary
The author's style and details fit Solomon. He speaks as one who has tried everything and found that life and all it offers is futile. Key expressions: 'vanity' and 'under the sun.' Satisfaction will Never be found in wealth, pleasure, knowledge, work, social relationships, nor anything else this world offers. The only proper response is to fear God and keep His commandments.
Outline
Prologue
Chapters 1:1-11| Author | 1:1 |
| Theme | 1:2 |
| Illustration | 1:3-7 |
| Conclusion | 1:8-11 |
Proof Of The Futility Of Life
Chapters 1:12-6:12| From Personal Experience | 1:12-2:26 | Futility of striving after wisdom - 1:12-18 Futility of striving after pleasure - 2:1-3 Futility of striving after treasure - 2:4-11 Futility of wisdom and folly - 2:12-23 |
| From Personal Observation | 3:1-6:12 | Futility of life - 3 Inequality of life - 4 Insincerity of religion - 5:1-7 Unprofitableness of wealth - 5:8-20 Frustration of man - 6 |
Principles From The Futility Of Life
Chapters 7:1-12:8| Proper priorities for life | 7:1-14 |
| Avoidance of extremes | 7:15-22 |
| Avoidance of women | 7:23-29 |
| Relationship to government | 8:1-15 |
| Enjoyment of life | 8:16-9:12 |
| Pursuit of wisdom | 9:13-12:8 |
Epilogue
Chapters 12:9-14| Teacher's activity | 12:9-11 |
| Teacher's advice | 12:12 |
| Teacher's admonition | 12:13-14 |
Resources
Audio Lessons
Part 1: ecclesiastes