Book of Ecclesiastes

Wisdom Literature

Solomon (traditionally)

Traditionally dated c. 935 BC

The vanity of life apart from God.

Ecclesiastes reflects on the meaning of life, concluding that worldly accomplishments, wealth, and pleasures are ultimately meaningless ('under the sun') apart from honoring God.

“Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.”

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men, yet they cannot fathom the work that God has done from beginning to end.”

“For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.”

“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.”

“Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.”