Ecclesiastes is a sobering, poetic reflection on the apparent meaninglessness of life “under the sun.” Written by “the Preacher,” traditionally Solomon, the book wrestles with pleasure, toil, time, and death—and arrives at a powerful conclusion: only reverence for God and obedience to His commands bring lasting purpose. These 20 verses from Ecclesiastes highlight its raw honesty, philosophical depth, and ultimate spiritual insight.
1. Ecclesiastes 1:2
“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”
The book’s central refrain—life without God feels futile.
2. Ecclesiastes 1:9
“What has been is what will be… there is nothing new under the sun.”
History repeats itself—human effort alone cannot produce lasting novelty.
3. Ecclesiastes 2:11
“Then I considered all that my hands had done… and behold, all was vanity…”
Even great achievements, without God, are empty and unsatisfying.
4. Ecclesiastes 2:24
“There is nothing better… than that a man should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil.”
Simple pleasures are gifts from God—not meaningless, but meant to be received with gratitude.
5. Ecclesiastes 3:1
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…”
Life is rhythmic—God has appointed a time for all things.
6. Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has put eternity into man’s heart…”
We were made for more than time—we long for eternity.
7. Ecclesiastes 3:14
“Whatever God does endures forever…”
Unlike our fleeting efforts, God’s work is eternal and unchanging.
8. Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”
Life is meant to be lived in companionship, not isolation.
9. Ecclesiastes 4:12
“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Unity and spiritual fellowship provide strength that stands the test of life.
10. Ecclesiastes 5:2
“God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few.”
Reverence and humility are essential in worship and speech.
11. Ecclesiastes 5:10
“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money…”
Greed is a bottomless pit—true contentment is not found in wealth.
12. Ecclesiastes 5:19
“Everyone… to whom God has given wealth and possessions… this is the gift of God.”
Provision and enjoyment are not wrong—but must be seen as gifts, not idols.
13. Ecclesiastes 7:2
“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting…”
Suffering teaches us more than ease—it sharpens our view of eternity.
14. Ecclesiastes 7:20
“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.”
An honest confession—all have sinned, none are truly righteous without God.
15. Ecclesiastes 8:17
“Then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun.”
God’s ways are beyond us—mystery calls for humility, not despair.
16. Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…”
Life is short—so work and live with purpose and energy.
17. Ecclesiastes 9:11
“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong…”
Success is not guaranteed by effort alone—chance and providence play a role.
18. Ecclesiastes 11:1
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.”
A call to bold generosity and faith in unseen returns.
19. Ecclesiastes 11:5
“As you do not know the way the spirit comes… so you do not know the work of God…”
We must act and trust even when God’s plans are mysterious.
20. Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”
The conclusion of all wisdom: revere God and obey Him.
Conclusion: Life Is Fleeting—God Is Eternal
Ecclesiastes confronts us with life’s brevity and apparent absurdity—but points us beyond it. Its message is not despair, but perspective. These 20 verses remind us that only in fearing God and living by His Word do we find meaning, joy, and rest for the soul.
For God, Truth and Meaning 
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