Category: Ecclesiastes

This chapter concludes the book in a powerful way as the author concludes their “under the sun” premise. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; …because man is going to his…

This broad chapter touches on several topics in its proverb-like verses. “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap. As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the…

This chapter changes tone from a lament to a series of adages – it reads like a chapter of Proverbs. “If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. The words of a wise man’s mouth win him favor, but the…

This chapter continues the “under the sun” premise and laments – at least the author is consistent. “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life…

This chapter continues the “under the sun” premise (there is only the here and now, no eternity) and contains further laments along the theme. “There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to…

This chapter contains much wisdom regarding behavior. Again, we’ll only look at a snippet. “In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too…

Though short, this chapter is a deep theological dive and we can only review a small portion of it. “Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. The more words, the more vanity, and…

This chapter again reads like a series of proverbs, containing much wisdom and practical guidance. “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your…

This chapter contains a series of proverb-like observations. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together,…

This chapter has two main themes: there is a time for everything, and finding joy in one’s labor for God is the most fulfilling pursuit (similar to ch2). “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to…