Ecclesiastes 1:2  – Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

When I was young in the faith I recall that one of the older pastor’s at Park Street Church in Boston lead a Sunday School class in this book.

There is much to observe here, but if we read ahead we get to the end of the matter…

Ecc 12:13  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Much of the book will seem to almost be painting a depressing picture. So keep this verse in mind as we read it together.

Not the least of man’s issues is that each generation falls into the same pits.

Ecc 1:9  The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Ecc 1:10  Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? it hath been already of old time, which was before us.

Ecc 1:11  There is no remembrance of former things; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after.

Even seeking wisdom has it’s own pitfalls.

Ecc 1:13  And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Ecc 1:14  I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Ecc 1:15  That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered.

Ecc 1:16  I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.

Ecc 1:17  And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.

Ecc 1:18  For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

As we read look to the text turning us back to the Rock.

2 Samuel 22:47  The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation.