Living on the Ragged Edge: Finding Joy in a World Gone Mad

by Charles R. Swindoll

The ultimate secret for "the good life." In the never-ending quest for fulfillment, we sometimes convince ourselves that life would be better if we just had a different career . . . more education . . . a new spouse . . . a fresh start in another location. The solution to life's challenges, we think, is just around the corner, a few steps ahead?always just out of reach. Living on the Ragged Edge opens the pages of an ancient journal?the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes. In this very personal, unbelievably honest book, King Solomon chronicles his search for satisfaction, experiencing everything the world offered. The wisest man who ever lived, he certainly had the intelligence and the vast resources to pursue whatever his heart desired?from personal riches to sexual pleasures. Solomon had it all. He did it all with abandon. And he came to the end of his days with the ultimate secret for the "good life." Do you want to know the secret? Do you want to know how to find joy and peace in this world gone mad? In this bestseller, Charles Swindoll delivers his characteristic insights and wisdom in an exploration of the book of Ecclesiastes and brings home to you Solomon's powerful message for living at its best.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Theology, Religion, Christianity

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.

Reviews

[Bosco Raj]

Best book I read on 'living a meaning life'. First ever book I finished reading front to back 400 pages every page is beautiful. Swindoll is the best story teller, a good mentor and a true man of God.

Turned my life and thinking upside down. This book is highly recommend.

[Bob]

A friend recommended this book during a time in my life that I was lost and just beginning to find my way - I was 40! Mr. Swindoll's presentation of the teachings of King Solomon were life changing for me and the book remains one of my most cherished reads. I've purchased numerous copies that I've given away to others who found themselves lost on the road to faith and understanding.

[Susie]

A great look at Solomon's journal Ecclesiastes. The bottom line is to remember your Creator today because everything you do here on Earth does matter. Enjoy your life and don't let it pass you by without you doing great things for God.

[Cori]

This book was great, but a little long and verbose. It would be nice if Chuck Swindoll could put together a more concise version. He does a great job, however, of covering the book of Ecclesiastes in his typical, practical, down-to-earth style.

[Prince Oricha]

Automatically ascends to my top ten book list. Chuck systematically goes through life applicable principles from the book of Ecclesiastes brilliantly and engagingly. I've begun to apply them and I already am seeing the pragmatic essence of wisdom in daily living

[John]

Rated: C+

[David Prieto]

Chuck is a great preacher, we had the privalige of hearing him on two occasions when we lived in Fullerton CA . Love his ministry.

[Margaret]

I have thoroughly enjoyed every Chuck Swindoll book. This was a powerful devotional read for me.
I have read it several times.

[Nick Woodall]

Good comfort book to read.

[MHA Bookclub]

Shelf 2

[Bob Palumbo]

I found this to be a eye-opening book....a breath of fresh air...and a loving ”reality check” for those who are overwhelmed by life or struggling to keep their head above water.

[Mar]

My edition is earlier and with a different cover, but I wasn't given that choice on this website. I first read this book as part of a Bible study and now re-read it. The book follows the Biblical book of Ecclesiastes and expounds on its teachings. The book is decent enough, but as it was written in the 1980's, some of its examples are clearly dated, and I wonder if other books on Ecclesiastes would better serve readers.

[Gina Ruiz]

We used this book to lead a small group study on Ecclesiastes, and felt like it gave good ideas for discussion topics

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library)]

A excellent look at the book of Ecclesiastes.

[Sheila Myers]

A wonderful book about the meaning of and how to live life. Also serves as a very good study of Ecclesiastes.

[Neil Steinwand]

The first devotional commentary on Ecclesiastes I read.. and still a powerful call to a dangerous life not lived "under the sun"