Introduction to the Book of Ecclesiastes, or The Preacher.
Vanity of vanities.
All is vanity.
This unsettling conclusion about life is from the Book of Ecclesiastes,
part of the Wisdom Writings of the Bible.
Most believe that King Solomon wrote these sober observations about 3,000 years ago,
near the end of his life.
Although unbelievably wealthy and powerful, he reflects on everything he
owned and had done, and then concludes that it was all vain, empty, meaningless.
Solomon is known in the Bible for his wisdom, but later in life he became
foolish, allowing his heart to be led away from God by his foreign wives.
Then, scarred by his choices and depressed by the disappointments of life described
in the Book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon warns that apart from a right relationship with
God, life is futile.
Note well how Solomon urges us to fear God and obey his commandments, while enjoying
life to the full.
For this is a gift from God.