Does the Book of Ecclesiastes have a message for us today in a world that seems to have gone totally mad? Does this ancient writing have a message for those in the midst of so much suffering and pain?

More than any other biblical book, Ecclesiastes is associated with skepticism, cynicism, and pessimism, pointing to both the frailty and futility of life. Why are we here after all? To what purpose? And why bother trying to change things? It’s just the same old cycle over and over again. And all for what?

As expressed in the second verse of the book, “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’” 

Of course, the end of the book comes to a sober, orthodox conclusion. In short, having done it all, having had it all, the author of the book says that only one thing matters: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." 

As expressed by Old Testament commentator Derek Kidner, throughout Ecclesiastes, “Path after path will be relentlessly explored to the very point at which it comes to nothing. In the end, only one way will be left.”

That is certainly the central message of the book, the message you are left with when you read all 12 chapters to the end. But is there another........

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