King Solomon begins the book of Ecclesiastes with these famous words: “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”1 Twelve chapters later, he concludes, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.”2 It sounds like a depressing book to read, but actually, it is quite brilliant. In the twelve chapters, Solomon asks 29 very good questions which could be condensed into three ideas: 1. Where is justice? – a question usually asked when we are angry that life is not fair. 2. How can I be happy? – a question usually asked when we are sad or bored. 3. What is my purpose? – a question usually asked when we are desperate to know if our lives even matter. Together, the three questions encompass the struggle of mankind. We all ask these questions. But the real question remains: Was Solomon right? Is it all vanity? Is it all pointless? And the answer is – Yes! And No!
Regarding question #1 – Where is justice? – Jesus said, “Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”3 Many people disagree with Jesus on this one. They argue that we need to stand up for our rights and not allow others to take advantage of us. And they would be right, of course. Sometimes we do indeed need to “resist the one who is evil.” But mostly not. Oswald Chambers said, “Never look for justice in this world but never cease to give it.”* So, the answer to question #1 is this: Justice will not be found here “under the sun,” and when you are treated unjustly, you are “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”4
Regarding question #2 – How can I be happy? – Jesus said, “Blessed—a Greek word makarios which means happy and content—are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”5 Many people do not consider themselves “religious” and would scoff at this answer. They would argue that happiness can be found in many ways. And they would be right, of course. But not for long. So, the answer to question #2 is this: If you want to be happy in this life “under the sun,” then listen to God’s word and do what God’s word says. And if you really want to be happy, then “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”6
Regarding question #3 – What is my purpose? – Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”7 Many people would debate that one person’s darkness can be radically different than someone else’s darkness, and surely people can have light and meaning in their lives without following Jesus. And they would be right, of course. But it is also very temporary and eventually pointless, as Solomon discovered. So, the answer to question #3 is this: If you want to find your purpose in this life “under the sun,” then know this: “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.”8
The conclusion of the matter is this: Without God in our lives, life is very short, and we can only live for today, which is what Solomon meant when he referenced life on earth 29 times as life “under the sun.” Without God in our lives, justice is unattainable, happiness is fleeting, and our purpose is insignificant here “under the sun” because Solomon is right. “All is vanity” (meaningless, pointless, and futile). And Jesus warned us that life would be hard. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation.”9
But with God in our lives, everything changes. Although we still will not find justice in this life “under the sun,” we do have eternal life, abundant life, and a purposeful life. So, the answer to all three questions can be found in Jesus’ words: “But take heart; I have overcome the world.”9 Or to quote our friend Charlie Kirk: “It’s all about Jesus.”
1Ecclesiastes 1:2 2Ecclesiastes 12:8 3Matthew 5: 39-41 4Micah 6:8 5Luke 11:28 6Psalm 37:4 7John 8:12 8Psalm 138:8 9John 16:33 *Chambers, Oswald. “June 27.” My Utmost for His Highest, Barbour, Uhrichsville, Ohio.