Vanity Is Nothing New

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon serves as the preacher to the gathered people of Israel. He probably writes this book later in his life, reflecting on all that he has seen and experienced in this life under the sun. He states his conclusion about this life under the sun plainly: “All is vanity!” Despite mankind’s unceasing efforts to chase after what is exciting, there is actually nothing new under the sun, and mankind is never satisfied. Though the book may at times sound depressing, Solomon’s writing knocks away any false pretensions on the part of mankind and sets the stage for us to put our fear in the one true God alone.

“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.