How does the author’s declaration that “all is vanity” relate to the message of Ecclesiastes?

Today Bible Study:

 How does the author’s declaration that “all is vanity” relate to the message of Ecclesiastes? 

By stating one of his conclusions in the opening lines, the author of Ecclesiastes challenges readers to pay attention. The word translated “vanity” is used in at least three ways throughout the book. In each case, the term refers to the nature and value of human activity “under the sun”:

1.“Vanity”refers to the “fleeting” nature of human accomplishments that James later described as like a vapor (James 4:14).

2.“Vanity” can mean “futile” or “meaningless,” which points to the cursed condition of the universe and the debilitating effects it has on human earthly experience.

3.“Vanity” can represent “incomprehensible” or “enigmatic,” which gives consideration to life’s unanswerable questions. Solomon found that the word applied to his entire experiment.

While the context in each of the 37 appearances of “vanity” helps determine the particular meaning Solomon had in mind, his most frequent usage conveyed the idea of “incomprehensible” or “unknowable.” He was expressing the human limits when faced with the mysteries of God’s purposes. Solomon’s final conclusion to “fear God and keep His commandments” (12:13, 14) represents more than the book’s summary; it states the only hope of the good life and the only reasonable response of faith and obedience to the sovereign God. God precisely superintends all activities under the sun, each in its time according to His perfect plan, while He discloses only as much as His perfect wisdom dictates. All people remain accountable. Those who refuse to take God and His Word seriously are doomed to lives of the severest vanity.

©BY PASTOR JUDAH OLATUNDE