Many find the Preacher's sermon in #Ecclesiastes depressing; we can understand the sentiment.

Ironically, however, many take comfort and encouragement from what the #Preacher has to say.

His message is depressing if and when we have put our confidence and ultimate value in things which are passing away.

Many find the Preacher's sermon in #Ecclesiastes depressing; we can understand the sentiment.

Ironically, however, many take comfort and encouragement from what the #Preacher has to say.

His message is depressing if and when we have put our confidence and ultimate value in things which are passing away.

If we would properly understand #Ecclesiastes, we must understand the framework in which the #Preacher operated.

His message meditated on life "under the sun," that is, on #earth as it is presently constituted.

In those terms, he was not wrong: everyone, and everything, dies. Nothing is really new; different, perhaps, but not truly new.

We are constantly tempted to invest our meaning and purpose in things which ultimately will not last. Such is futile and absurd.

If we would properly understand #Ecclesiastes, we must understand the framework in which the #Preacher operated.

His message meditated on life "under the sun," that is, on #earth as it is presently constituted.

In those terms, he was not wrong: everyone, and everything, dies. Nothing is really new; different, perhaps, but not truly new.

We are constantly tempted to invest our meaning and purpose in things which ultimately will not last. Such is futile and absurd.

#Ecclesiastes has always sat somewhat uncomfortably among the books of #wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible.

It is the "sermon" of the Preacher, associated with Solomon.

The Preacher's message centered on the futility, or perhaps even absurdity, of life on account of the decay, corruption, and death in the creation.

And yet Ecclesiastes provides an important perspective in and regarding the wisdom tradition.

#Ecclesiastes has always sat somewhat uncomfortably among the books of #wisdom literature in the Hebrew Bible.

It is the "sermon" of the Preacher, associated with Solomon.

The Preacher's message centered on the futility, or perhaps even absurdity, of life on account of the decay, corruption, and death in the creation.

And yet Ecclesiastes provides an important perspective in and regarding the wisdom tradition.