Introducing Ecclesiastes

Introducing Ecclesiastes – Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 -Wisdom Literature – -Human Author – -Key term (hebel) – Job 7:16 – I loathe my life; I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath. Ps 39:5 – Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Ps 144:4 – Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. Prov 21:6 – The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death. -Theme of Ecclesiastes – -Why is man's life, but a vapor? How is that different from God's original design? -Why does the brevity of life make everything feel meaningless? How does the Bible and the Gospel offer a different perspective? -How can life be enjoyed to the glory of God? What changes in thinking need to take place? Other passages to consider: Job 7:6-7; Ps 39:6,11; 62:9; 78:33; 90:5-6,10,12; 94:11; Jam 4:14.