Vanities upon vanities

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Upon studying Ecclessiastes one will come to the conclusion that it is like no other book in the Bible. Whilst still God-inspired, the whole of the book is made up of the contemplations of man. King Solomon questions the meaning of life and living, noting that everything in this world is empty and meaningless (or in the words of the NKJV: "Vanities upon vanities!").

It would be recommended to start at chapter 12, the conclusion of Solomon's contemplations, which are certainly God-inspired. Solomon comes to the conclusion that without God everything is meaningless. We have been created in a way that we can only be fulfilled through a relationship with our Creator. Ecclessiastes 12:13 "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all." Some translations have since included the phrase "this is man's duty", however this interpretation loses some of it's meaning. It is not just our 'duty' to fear God and keep His commandments like some sort of robot, but it is our "all" - it is who we are. God is innate within us and we will always be disappointed without Him.

Starting with Chapter 12 keeps things in perspective when reading the rest of Ecclessiastes. Without it, it can be quite a dark and depressing book. You find yourself beginning to agree with Solomon's statements: what is the point in working?; what is the point in chasing knowledge and wisdom?; we all die just the same in the end. If life is to enjoy our possessions that we have worked for then what a pointless place this is, and indeed without God, it is all pointless and meaningless. However with God we have purpose and can find joy in the love and soul of our Creator.

Proverbs 3 reiterates that in Ecclessiastes 12 perfectly. Particuarly Vv 5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."


Proverbs 3:
My son, do not forget my law,
But let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And peace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart,
4 And so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct[a] your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,[b]
And strength[c] to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord,
But His secret counsel is with the upright.
33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.





-BACChristian

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