Verse 3 of our section gives the Preacher’s thesis of the whole book. “What does man gain by all his toil?” The answer is “nothing.” This is a rhetorical question in light of the preceding verse, which calls everything “vanity.” The Preacher limits his view to the best life has to offer “under the sun,” meaning from a basically secular perspective. He knows that death comes to all and eventually, history will forget everyone.

The term, “Preacher,” should be understood like a seminar facilitator, pointing out things for the reader to reflect upon. The word “vanity” is best thought of like a mist or vapor, which is very temporary and impossible to grasp. Life is fleeting. 

Using examples such as the passing of human generations and the regular cycles of nature, the Preacher notes how things don’t change much, and life goes by fast. Efforts to evade this are futile. Our situation should drive us to seek and fear God. 

The universe is arranged in such a way that it will not reward individual striving apart from God.

Things are not entirely repetitive. A new thing happened when Jesus arrived. He showed us how to live in such a world. In Luke 9:23-25, Jesus said the way to save your life is by giving it up. Serve God rather than self. Jesus literally did this for us on the cross. Those who trust in him as Christians will become a “new creation” according to the Apostle Paul (2 Cor. 5:17).

Taking It Home: Take some time to reflect on the observations of Ecclesiastes 1. Ask the Lord what false ‘Saviors’ you might be chasing. Repent of these and return to following the Lord. Notice the peace and joy that come from living for God.