Ecclesiastes

This book was likely written by Solomon. My guess is that he wrote it later in his life because he comments on the fact that he has experienced everything. He writes that there is a time for everything, but all is in vain because the same thing happens to good people that happens to bad people, they die. So, what is the point? The outlook is grim throughout the book, and it seems that only one who has achieved all there is to achieve, accumulated vast wealth, attained great wisdom, experienced all the pleasures that life has to offer, can say that all is in vain. This kind of sentiment comes from someone who has nothing left to look forward to in life. But there is also some very practical wisdom and advice, and all is redeemed in the last 2 verses of Chapter 12, the closing remarks to the book, "the conclusion to the matter."

Impressions: I am feeling a little guilty because of the way I identified with what was written in these pages. I am reminded of the reason many people listen to country music ... it reinforces the victim status. In a like manner, I too have at times felt like life was a rat race and all was vanity and meaningless. 'Life is hard and then you die' kind of a thing. This book of scripture is 'out of the box' in that it is negative, and contradicts what the rest of the scriptures teach. It is only in the last few verses that the conundrum is somewhat solved. I wondered why it is even in the Bible. Perhaps Solomon was given so much, and there was nothing left to be desired, so he could be an example of what little meaning there is to life when we only seek earthly pleasures and treasures. Without God, without living to keep his commandments, without every deed brought to judgement, without this connection to God, everything really is meaningless.  

Readability: 4 stars