Ecclesiastes

The book is written by Solomon. Solomon has been given extensive wisdom and intelligence by God but has not necessarily allowed that wisdom to be focused on God. Solomon has lost his focus and purpose without God. He finds no meaning in life around him without it.

Principles: Focus on God gives us our life’s purpose and meaning to our days. 

For everything there is a time writes Solomon. He is fatalistic in his reaction to this and doesn’t find the point in anything but enjoying life. 

Principles: Recognize that God is in control in every situation. 

This chapter is a fairly famous one popularized in American songwriting. The chapter talks about there being a time for everything, good and bad. There is both hardness and beauty in the things that we face.  God’s plan will be accomplished.  

Injustices happen even in the courts of law.  God will judge everyone.  

We all will return to the dust in death.  

Principles: God has a time for everything we face and His beauty is in it. We can’t change God’s plan and purpose.  Trusting in God’s plan keeps us from the cynical perspective of this chapter.  

This chapter talks about oppression, the utility of companionship, and the futility of political power.

Principles: without God’s perspective on life, every part of life is joyless.

This chapter talks about interacting with God and making promises. It also talks about wealth and the general pointlessness of it. Don’t make hasty promises to God. Use few words when talking to God. Wealth only causes other people to want to get your money from you.  The only positive is to give a person a good meal to forget bad times. 

Principles: be humble before God letting Him lead you. 

In this chapter Solomon talks about the meaninglessness of being wealthy and having everything you want and need but then die early or live a long life with many children but are unhappy.  One good point he makes is to enjoy what you have rather than striving for what you don’t.  He also says fate had already decided what will happen so what’s the point. 

Principles: Follow God’s purpose and be satisfied with His plan. 

In this chapter, Solomon gives hard learned advice about a good reputation, considering the value of life (as learned through contemplating and going through sadness), self-control, having and cultivating wisdom, etc. However, he cautions against too much wisdom as well. 

Principles: seek out the plan God has for you with integrity and self control. 

Solomon thinks it’s good to be wise.  Wisdom helps you figure out a way to do what is right and obey authorities. It is meaningless for a wicked person to be buried in honor. It’s meaningless for good to be treated as bad and vice versa. Have fun and enjoy life. People cannot figure out everything God is doing. 

Principles: wisdom guides us to rightness and we should trust God even when we don’t understand. 

This chapter talks about death being the end for everyone, good or bad. You should enjoy the things before you including your wife that is a gift from God. The best don’t always do best or win. Even the wise will be despised if they are poor.

Principles:  realize that because death comes for everyone, you need to use your days for God’s purpose.

This chapter highlights the difference between foolishness and wisdom and a leader’s and follower’s efforts. Foolishness leads to downfall and rot. The leader does the right things to make good things happen. 

Principles: use wisdom to lead well. 

This chapter talks about working hard and diversifying your portfolio. It also talks about not waiting until you have perfect conditions or you won’t get started. Then it covers aspects of enjoying old age and young age (still recognizing the meaningless of life).

Principles: Recognize that you need to get started and vary your investments. 

This chapter encourages the reader to keep God first from the very start of your life before your body grows tired. It ends by telling the reader to fear God and obey His commands. 

Principles: God should be given our first energies and we should fear Him with our whole lives.