Joy at the End of the Tether: The Inscrutable Wisdom of Ecclesiastes

by Douglas Wilson

First division (1:2–2:26): Satisfaction cannot be coaxed from any created thing by man’s power or cunning. First subdivision (1:2–1:11): Nature repeats herself, again and again, for no reason in particular that we can see. Second subdivision (1:12–2:11): Solomon knows through hard experience that sensation is empty. Third subdivision (2:12–2:26): Wisdom is better, but only God knows why. God gives a wondrous gift, which is joy chained to a wall. Second division (3:1–5:20): Everyone wants God to be sovereign. No one appears to want Him sovereign in everything and over everything. Solomon insists on it anyway and answers objections to the doctrine. Third division (6:1–8:15): Because God is sovereign in all things, He has the power to give enjoyment down here. So Solomon applies his doctrine that the sovereign God alone gives the power to enjoy vanity. Fourth division (8:16–12:14): At the last, Solomon turns, as all good teachers must, to remove various obstacles and discouragements, and to address practical concerns. 1. Of course, in this vain world, he couldn’t care less means the same thing as he could care less. And don’t be surprised if he doesn’t get better means that we shouldn’t be surprised if he does. CHAPTER 5