Ecclesiastes teaches the believer that all human endeavours, including the pursuit of justice, are marked by a sense of futility and despair. The author writes: “And I saw something else under the sun: In the place of judgment—wickedness was there, in the place of justice—wickedness was there”. Ecclesiastes 3:16.
Ecclesiastes is reminiscent of Genesis 3 – i.e., the Fall of Men. In fact, the book can be seen as a continuation of the account of the fall of man, reflecting on the human situation after the fall and how the fall has influenced humanity. It highlights the futility and vanity of human pursuits, and ultimately points to the need for wisdom, righteousness, and redemption in light of the fall. Writer Glenn Penner notes:
Perhaps an apt title for the book would be “Life in a Fallen World” . . . . The author of Ecclesiastes is brutally honest — perhaps more honest than we are used to. He strips away the rose-coloured glasses we often wear as we view life, looks us in the eye, and says, “Get real. This is the way life is because of the Fall.”
The scales often do not balance, right does not always prevail, and righteousness is not always rewarded. The phrase, “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2) is repeated throughout the book emphasizing the point that everything in the world is fleeting and ultimately meaningless.
The author acknowledges that in a sinful world, human rights may go undefended despite our efforts to defend and uphold them. This can be seen as a call to humility and a recognition that ultimately, it is not within human power to bring about a perfect world. Penner observes:
In the realm of Christian persecution, we could ask the author of Ecclesiastes, “Should we not be shocked when we see Christians being slaughtered?” He would answer, “Of course.”
“Should we be angry?” Yes!
“Should we do something about it?” By all means, we should.
“But should we be surprised?” No. Even as Christians, we live as fallen human beings in a fallen world. Hence, depraved behaviour is to be expected.
Ecclesiastes is a warning against false optimism and hopeless despair in the face of fallen world. But what to do when we confront that fallenness? When rights are not – or cannot be – defended? Amidst injustice, the writer of Ecclesiastes reminds his readers to have a healthy fear and reverence for God, to study His Word, and to obey His commandments:
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 12:13.
Those who do so should enjoy the simple pleasures of life and take joy in their work – all as a gift from God – trusting in His comfort and strength for the moment and His ultimate justice for the future. Ecclesiastes 3:13 (“everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man”).
English 
Español 
简体中文 
한국어 
हिन्दी 
العربية 
فارسی