By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
WHAT’S THE USE?
Ecclesiastes 1:12–15; 2:18–26
The main theme of Ecclesiastes is that life without God is absolute futility. Solomon used the word futility metaphorically to mean purposeless or meaningless. Nothing a person does “under the sun” has any real worth. From a purely human perspective, life is just a repetitive cycle of events; it neither possesses nor gives lasting value or satisfaction. Life lived on a purely human plane is unfulfilling, purposeless and worthless.
Limited Perspective (1:12–15)
At this point in his writing, Solomon turned his focus from general observations about nature and man to some specific conclusions about his own pursuits. While serving as king over Israel in Jerusalem, he applied his mind “to examine and explore through wisdom all that is done under heaven.” Solomon set out to research thoroughly every approach to life and then to immerse himself in each one.
This investigation sounds exciting to many people. But Solomon discovered that in reality, it was simply not so. He described it as a miserable task that God had given the descendants of Adam to keep them occupied. He concluded that all the things done under the sun were futile. In other words, if you could ever catch it, it would not amount to anything.
In verse 15, Solomon concluded this section with a proverb. The first part of the proverb means there are problems in life that cannot be solved. The second part means there is no end to a lack of information. There will always be aspects of life in a fallen world that remain mysterious because God has chosen not to reveal the answers to all of mankind’s questions. We live with a limited perspective.
Inheritance Blown? (2:18–21)
The teacher found no security and purpose in the rewards of his labor. A man may live wisely and accumulate wealth in a perfectly legitimate way. He may wear himself out in the process. Then comes death and the leaving of one’s wealth to his children, friends or successors. Solomon considered this option and concluded that it also was futile.
We can burn the midnight oil, develop successful plans, risk hard-earned funds, skip much-needed vacations and worry about competitors, but death is inevitable. The wages we have earned are passed on to others, and we have no assurance that they will be used wisely.
The teacher concluded that not only is working hard and accumulating wealth a futile task, but it is also an injustice. A person can spend a lifetime working to think properly about an endeavor, learn all the necessary information, develop the skills needed to be successful, then lose everything to someone else who did nothing to earn it.
Enjoy Work (2:22–26)
What is the point of all our work and efforts if there is no God? Without a God-centered worldview, our days will be filled with grief, our occupation will only result in sorrow and our nights will be consumed with anxious unrest.
You can wear yourself out by trying to find the solution of life in nature and history. You can make the pursuit of luxury or money your chief aim. But you will end up in frustration because you are grounding yourself in this material world, which cannot satisfy your heart’s deepest longings.
Work originates with God. Our God is a God who works. Work has significance in the eyes of God. The ability to work and enjoy its fruit are gifts from God. Neither work nor the fruit of our work are the ultimate goals in our lives. If we look to our work to satisfy the deepest longings of our souls, we are simply chasing after the wind.
No one can enjoy life apart from God. The wise person lives a life of devotion to God through faith in Jesus Christ and experiences the joy of knowing God and living life as He intends it to be lived.
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