Ecclesiastes

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Reading Guide

Ecclesiastes


Prologue by the “Author” (not the “Teacher”) (1:1)

The Author summarizes the message of the teacher (1:2):

“Hevel hevelim”, says the Teacher, “hevel hevelim, all is hevel.”

"Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher, "Vanity of vanities! All is vanity." (NASB)

In Hebrew, hevel means vapor or smoke. The Teacher uses the word as a metaphor:


The Teacher speaks 1:3 through 12:7

Time (1:3-11) What does the teacher say about time?

1:12 through 11:7 The randomness of life

The Teacher deconstructs all the ways we try to find meaning and purpose apart from God. The Teacher gives us a hard lesson in reality.

All the activities and false hopes that we invest our lives in to find meaning and significance.

9:13-18 wisdom and fear of the Lord - Yes do them, but they do not guarantee a good life. Look up the word “enigma” in a dictionary.

How do you live life in the midst of Hevel?

Accept that all of life is out of your control.

Look up “the gift of God” Ecc 3:13; 5:19 “The enjoyment of simple,good things in life: friendship, family, a good meal, a sunny day.”

You can’t control these things; you are not guaranteed them; but that is their beauty.

When you come to a point of total trust in God, it frees you to simply enjoy your life as you actually experience it, not as you think it ought to be.

Because even my expectations of what life ought to be are hevel


Death (11:7-12:7) What does the Teacher say about death?

The Author’s Epilogue 12:8-14

Teacher’s words are like goads and nails.

What are goads? Why did the author use the terms “goads” and “nails”?

What is the author’s final conclusion