Foolish Toil is Vanity

Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 2:18-26.

Solomon keeps speaking directly concerning the vanity of this life under the sun. When Solomon reflects on the toil of this life, he sees the futility in working hard all life long only to leave everything to someone who may be a fool. This calls for reflection on the part of Christians and a daily return to the purposes God has given us in our work, lest we fall into a great evil. When we approach life in this true fear of God, He gives to us true joy in the midst of our eating and drinking and toiling.

“Wisdom for Life Under the Sun” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Ecclesiastes. Solomon’s favorite word in Ecclesiastes paints a bleak picture: “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!” Apart from God, life is nothing but vapor that does not last and can never be grasped. Yet Solomon does not leave us in despair. He shows us that life does have meaning in the faith and fear of God, from whom all things come to us as a gift.