Ecclesiastes 1:1-2, "The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity."

The word Ecclesiastes literally means preacher. Supposed to be written by king Solomon, this book is a profound observation of life. Although expounding great wisdom it continuously asks the question, "What is the meaning of life?"

Solomon was the wisest king in all of history. The scriptures reveal that he excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country and of Egypt. He was wiser than all men and his fame was in all the nations around. He spoke three-thousand proverbs and wrote one-thousand, five songs.

Ecclesiastes 12:9-14, "And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. The preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth. The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil."

Although the book of Ecclesiastes is the least studied and quoted book of the Bible perhaps the greatest wisdom it contains comes at the conclusion of the matter, to fear God and keep His commandments. The scriptures reveal that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, all else is vanity and vexation of the spirit.

Reading through the book of Ecclesiastes we see the weakness of man and discover that God, Who is the creator of all things in heaven and in earth, is in control of all things and is the possessor of our soul and spirit. Although man may live his life to the fullest, in the end, it is God Who keeps all things in order from the beginning to the end of each man's life here on the earth. It is God who controls the universe throughout eternity.

Through the words of Ecclesiastes we see God as our Lord and Master, Adonai, Who will judge all things whether they are good or evil. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, all else is truly vanity and vexation of the spirit.