We live in a time when people search for meaning, perhaps more than ever before in human history. Our knee-jerk response is immediately wanting to figure it out. How do I find meaning? But maybe the better and first reaction should not focus on the how but on the why. Few books in the Bible do that better than Ecclesiastes. This book dives into a person's search for true meaning, for what a life lived well actually looks like.

Ecclesiastes 1

1 The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. 3 What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? 4 A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. 5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. 6 The wind blows to the south and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind, and on its circuits the wind returns. 7 All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. 8 All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9 What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us. 11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be among those who come after. 12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. 15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted. 16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. 18 For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Read Ecclesiastes 1.

2. How does this chapter challenge your understanding of life and its meaning?

3. How would you illustrate or describe in your own words the phrase “vanity of vanities”?

4. Do you think the writer’s perceptions of life are pessimistic or realistic? Why? How can we apply this message to find meaning in life?

5. What does “under the sun” mean to you? Share how your life is going “under the sun” right now. It can include joys, hardships, boredom, searching, etc. After you share, take time to pray those things about each other into the hands of Jesus.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Ecclesiastes 1 together. Next, read and memorize Colossians 3:2. What do these two Bible readings point to?

2. You might have noticed the phrase “life under the sun.” What are some things that are under the sun? Hint: think of things you have in your life right now. Although they may be good things, what can’t they do for you?

3. Read v 8. What do you think the writer means?

4. Our desire for things “under the sun” goes on and on without ever being fully satisfied. Who is the only person that brings true life and satisfaction? How can you view the things in life as a way to lead you closer to the only One who gives true life (Jesus)?

5. Take time to pray together. Thank God for the earthly things He’s given you. Say sorry to Jesus for the times you put earthly things above Him. Ask for Jesus’ help to fully love the life He gives you.