Ecclesiastes

Solomon's reflections on the meaning and purpose of life

Old Testament 12 Chapters Author: Solomon
Meaning Vanity Wisdom Life's Purpose

Chapters

Chapter 1

Vanity

Everything is Vanity

The Preacher introduces the theme that all earthly pursuits are vanity

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 1:2, Ecclesiastes 1:9, Ecclesiastes 1:14

Vanity Meaninglessness Cycles of Life Human Limitation
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Chapter 2

Pleasure

The Vanity of Pleasure and Wisdom

Solomon tests pleasure, wisdom, and work but finds them all vanity

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 2:11, Ecclesiastes 2:13, Ecclesiastes 2:24

Pleasure Wisdom vs Folly Work Enjoyment from God
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Chapter 3

Time

A Time for Everything

Famous passage about times and seasons in life

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 3:1, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Ecclesiastes 3:14

Time Seasons God's Timing Life
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Chapter 4

Companionship

The Vanity of Toil

Observations about oppression, envy, and the value of companionship

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 4:9, Ecclesiastes 4:12, Ecclesiastes 4:6

Companionship Unity Oppression Contentment
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Chapter 5

Vows

The Vanity of Wealth

Warnings about hasty vows and the futility of wealth

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 5:2, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Ecclesiastes 5:15

Vows Money Satisfaction Naked Arrival and Departure
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Chapter 6

Wealth Without Enjoyment

The Vanity of Life

Observations about the futility of human toil and the value of contentment

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 6:1, Ecclesiastes 6:3, Ecclesiastes 6:9

Wealth Without Enjoyment Contentment Vanity God's Sovereignty
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Chapter 7

Good Name

Wisdom and Folly

The value of wisdom over folly and the importance of considering the end

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 7:1, Ecclesiastes 7:8, Ecclesiastes 7:14

Good Name Death Patience Wisdom
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Chapter 8

Wisdom

The Limits of Human Wisdom

The difficulty of understanding God's ways and the importance of fearing Him

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 8:1, Ecclesiastes 8:5, Ecclesiastes 8:12

Wisdom Obedience God's Timing Fear of God
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Chapter 9

God's Sovereignty

Death and Life

The certainty of death and the value of enjoying life while we can

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 9:1, Ecclesiastes 9:4, Ecclesiastes 9:10

God's Sovereignty Life and Death Hope Diligence
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Chapter 10

Folly

Wisdom and Folly in Daily Life

Practical wisdom for daily living and avoiding foolishness

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 10:1, Ecclesiastes 10:4, Ecclesiastes 10:18

Folly Wisdom Anger Diligence
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Chapter 11

Generosity

Investing in Life

Encouragement to be generous and enjoy life while preparing for the future

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 11:1, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Ecclesiastes 11:9

Generosity Diligence Youth Joy
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Chapter 12

Youth

Remember Your Creator

The conclusion: fear God and keep His commandments

Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 12:1, Ecclesiastes 12:13, Ecclesiastes 12:14

Youth Creator Judgment Commandments
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About Ecclesiastes

Solomon's reflections on the meaning and purpose of life

Testament

Old Testament

Author

Solomon