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

by Douglas Wilson

Throughout the book, two great refrains can be heard. When we come to understand the meaning of these refrains, we will then know that the meaning of life cannot be found by fumbling in the dark. Instead of viewing the book as a series of disjointed and sometimes contradictory statements, we must first listen for those themes which integrate all the teaching of the entire book. These themes are pervasive throughout all four sections. The first refrain is summed up in the phrase under the sun—the phrase occurs numerous times and is extremely significant. “Under the sun” is the realm where vanity reigns and should be understood as this world, considered in its own right. A wise man will always consider and reflect upon what occurs “under the sun.” Work has no profit there (1:3; 2:11; 2:22); nothing is really new (1:9); everything is vain (1:14; 4:7); work is distressing (2:17); labor is hateful because someone else gets the fruit of it (2:18); a fool might receive the benefit of a man’s work (2:19, 20); church and state are together corrupt (3:16); men are oppressed, of course (4:1); the unborn are at a distinct advantage (4:3); popularity is in constant flux (4:15); riches destroy their owners (5:13); the wealthy are unable to enjoy their wealth (6:1); future generations are unknowable (6:12); men rule others and destroy themselves (8:9); work is incomprehensible (8:17); both good and evil men die (9:3); our emotions perish with us (9:6); time and chance happen to us all (9...