Ecclesiastes

The philosophical book of Ecclesiastes is a deep and often challenging exploration of the meaning of life, written by a figure called "the Preacher" (traditionally Solomon). The Preacher observes the activities of humanity "under the sun"—meaning, apart from a connection to God—and concludes that everything is "vanity" or "meaningless." He meticulously examines earthly pursuits like wealth, knowledge, pleasure, hard work, and political power, finding that they ultimately fail to provide lasting satisfaction or ultimate purpose because death eventually comes for everyone. However, the book does not end in despair; its final conclusion advises the reader to "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man," suggesting that true meaning is found only in a relationship with the Creator.