And I set my mind to seek and explore by [man’s] wisdom all [human activity] that has been done under heaven. It is a miserable business and a burdensome task which God has given the sons of men with which to be busy and distressed. I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity, a futile grasping and chasing after the wind. What is crooked cannot be straightened and what is defective and lacking cannot be counted. I spoke with my heart, saying, “Behold, I have acquired great [human] wisdom and experience, more than all who were over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has observed a wealth of [moral] wisdom and [scientific] knowledge.” And I set my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I realized that this too is a futile grasping and chasing after the wind. [1 Thess 5:21] For in much [human] wisdom there is much displeasure and exasperation; increasing knowledge increases sorrow.
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Compare All Versions: Ecclesiastes 1:13-18
4 Days
Spend four days with Dr. Ramesh Richard, president of RREACH (a Global Proclamation Ministry) and professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, as he offers pastoral insights on how to have a purposeful, meaningful and useful life. You have an immediate and astounding opportunity to build a worthwhile future, beginning now. You may also enjoy the companion plan, “Jesus: Your Soul’s Sole Passion.”
5 Days
In Ecclesiastes, the author attempts to find meaning and purpose in life. As we read, we see anguish and regret over failed attempts at happiness through wealth, fame, and achievement. Ultimately, he realizes that the purpose of humanity is to know God and enjoy what God has given us. Only God can provide the fulfillment for which our hearts and souls long.
Ecclesiastes is frequently described as pessimistic, but after these 5 days, you’ll see it as one of the most encouraging books of the Bible. Solomon basically takes the filter off the world, exposing its relentless cycle of empty promises, compared to the eternal hope God freely gives us.
In this five-day reading plan from Hannah Anderson, consider the wisdom of Ecclesiastes afresh as you search for a solid foundation for life under the sun. Discover how Ecclesiastes is more than self-help or good advice—it frees us to ask questions that Jesus Himself will eventually answer. Through its raw honesty and commitment to goodness, find hope in the One who guides all days under the sun.
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