Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 12:13-14: January 3—Wrestling with the meaning of life

Dec 22, 2009
By WILEY RICHARDS

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

One sometimes hears the anecdote of a philosophy professor who walked into the class for the final exam. He supposedly wrote one word on the board, “Why?” and walked out of the room. One student supposedly wrote two words on the exam booklet, turned in the answer and walked out. He had written, “Why not?” The congregation chuckles, neither professor nor student showed any insight into a more relevant question, “What is the meaning of life?” The writer of Ecclesiastes took for granted God’s existence as he struggled to understand his own purpose for living. He begins with a survey of the numbing effects of the surrounding world.

The writer begins with observing what appears to be pointless effort (1:1-3). He claimed to be the son of David, the king in Jerusalem. Solomon certainly fulfilled those requirements although other statements do not seem to fit the reign of Solomon. Be that as it may, the writer assumed the role, not of a king, but as that of “the preacher,” one who gathers or assembles people for instruction. As such he could easily have called to account the morals of surrounding nations.

In his initial tirade, he gave vent to this discouragement at the uselessness of his ministry. All he could see was evidence of what he called vanity, that a person’s endeavors have the lasting impact as a breath of air. Human activity leads to no lasting value.

The words are reflected in the teaching of Jesus who said (Matt. 16:26), “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Neither can one discern the meaning of life by listing examples of endless cycles (vv. 4-7). The preacher began with an observation no one can deny, the passing of successive generations. Walk through any cemetery for reminders of just how tenuous life is. Gravestones have epitaphs for young and old, male and female. The national cemetery at Arlington, Virginia, testifies to the mortality of all humans. Marine privates sleep alongside generals, national leaders beside anonymous citizens. The only constant is the earth, the final resting place of all flesh.

The preacher then turned attention to natural phenomena. The sun follows its endless circuits, as do the winds and rivers. While each may whisper to the ears of poets, none is able to supply insights as to the meaning of life. The study of nature reveals symmetry and orderliness, pointing to laws which explain such phenomena as gravity and the laws of motion, but God seems to be hidden from view.

As to the possibility of discerning the meaning of life from within ourselves, the preacher confronts unfulfilled appetites (vv. 8-11). To express the futility of human efforts at effecting meaningful changes, the Bible resorts to commonly understood experiences. The phrase “all things are wearisome” could also be translated, “all words are wearisome.” Anyone who has listened to campaign speeches by candidates running for an elective office can agree with that truth. Both the eye and ear get worn out by the excessive language. How often have revolutionary platforms really brought about the intended golden age? History shows evidence of continued failure of political and economic schemes. All too often, liabilities outweigh the gains. Something totally new (v. 10) is hard to come by.

In spite of all the evidence for nervous breakdowns, the preacher points to the one unchanging hope, our unchanging God (12:13-14). The answer to all the changing, even debilitating, circumstances of life can only be gained from trusting the God who created everything. To counteract the senselessness some seem to discern in nature, He has provided His commandments, now contained in the Old and New Testaments. Written in both conscience and the moral fiber of all communities, they are clarified in the Bible. All injustices are in His hands and under His control. He will expose every secret act, whether it is good or evil. A time of accountability awaits every human being.

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