“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” (NLT) Ecclesiastes 1:2

The book of Ecclesiastes basically addresses the problem of life. King Solomon of Ancient Israel, probably the wisest man that ever lived (1 Kings 3:12), observed the meaninglessness of life and he decided to embark on projects and pursuits that will hopefully bring some meaning to his “miserable” life.

“... I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. I built reservoirs to collect the water to irrigate my many flourishing groves. I bought slaves, both men and women, and others were born into my household. I also owned large herds and flocks, more than any of the kings who had lived in Jerusalem before me. I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!” (NLT) Ecclesiastes 2:4-8.

In spite of these material possessions and fame, Solomon declared in Ecclesiastes 2:11:

“But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish; it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere.”

In subsequent chapters Solomon talked about the tangible and intangible preoccupations of man in this three score and ten years’ brevity of life. In the concluding chapters (eleven and twelve) the inspired Solomon recommends three solutions to overcome the meaninglessness of life. In subsequent devotional messages, we will review these recommended solutions of the problem of life.

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