The Book of Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes is a book in the Old Testament. It is part of the wisdom books, like Proverbs and Job. The name “Ecclesiastes” comes from a Greek word that means “the teacher” or “the preacher.” The writer calls himself “Qoheleth,” which also means teacher. Tradition says King Solomon may have written it, but the book does not give a clear name.

This book talks about the meaning of life. The teacher looks at everything in the world and asks, “What is the point of it all?” He says that many things people chase after—money, work, pleasure—do not last. He uses the word “vanity” over and over. It means that many things are empty or without real value. Life feels short and confusing.

Ecclesiastes does not give easy answers. The teacher is honest about how hard life can be. He talks about death, unfairness, and how things don’t always go the way we expect. He says that even wise people cannot understand everything. That can feel strange at first, but it also shows how real the book is.

Even though the book can sound sad, it also has hope. The teacher says that the best thing to do is enjoy the simple gifts of life. Eat, drink, and be glad. Love the people around you. Respect God and keep His commandments. These things give life meaning, even when we don’t understand everything.

The author of Ecclesiastes calls himself “Qoheleth,” which means teacher or speaker. He does not tell us his real name. Some people believe he was King Solomon, since the book talks about a wise king in Jerusalem. The writer says he had great wealth and knowledge, just like Solomon. But the book was likely written many years after Solomon lived.

Most experts think Ecclesiastes was written around 300 to 250 years before Jesus was born. This was a time when the Jewish people were living under foreign rule. Life was uncertain. Some people had money and power, but many others did not. People were asking hard questions about the meaning of life.

The writer seems to look back at everything people had tried—wisdom, pleasure, work, and wealth. He saw that none of these things lasted. That matched the feelings of many people in that time. They saw how quickly life could change. They wanted to know what really mattered.

Even though we do not know the author’s name, his words still speak to us today. He asks the same questions people ask now. What is the point of life? What gives us joy? What is worth our time? Ecclesiastes helps us think about these things with honesty.

Ecclesiastes does not sound like most other Bible books. It feels more like someone thinking out loud. The writer talks about life in a way that is honest and personal. He shares what he has seen and felt. Sometimes he sounds hopeful. Other times he sounds tired or confused. This mix makes the book feel real.

The book is written as a speech or a talk. The teacher says what he has done and what he has learned. He uses short sayings, questions, and even poems. Some parts repeat the same ideas over and over, like “vanity of vanities” or “a time for everything.” These phrases help the reader remember the message.

Ecclesiastes is also full of comparisons. The teacher looks at life like a puzzle. He compares work, pleasure, and wisdom to chasing the wind. That picture shows how hard it is to catch or hold on to anything in this world. It makes us stop and think.

This writing style invites us to listen, not rush. It feels like sitting with a wise elder who has lived a long life. The teacher does not give quick answers. He wants us to ask the same questions and find joy in the small, good things we are given.

Ecclesiastes asks deep questions about life. It does not offer easy answers. But it shares some important truths that connect with Catholic faith.

• Life is short and full of change.
  The teacher reminds us that everything passes away. People grow old. Things break. We cannot control time. This helps us remember not to place our trust in wealth, fame, or success. These things do not last.
• God is in control.
  Even when life seems unfair or confusing, God sees the whole picture. We are called to trust Him, even when we do not understand. Ecclesiastes teaches us to fear God. That means showing respect and knowing we are small compared to Him.
• Joy is found in simple things.
  The teacher says we should enjoy our food, our work, and the people we love. These are good gifts from God. Catholic teaching also reminds us that everyday life matters. We meet God in the small moments.
• Wisdom is good, but limited.
  The book respects wisdom but shows it cannot solve everything. Human knowledge has limits. Catholics also believe that true wisdom begins with faith in God. We are not meant to know everything. We are meant to live with trust.
• Obey God and keep His commandments.
  This is the final message of Ecclesiastes. At the end of life, what matters most is how we lived before God. The Catholic Church also teaches that faith and good works go together. We show our love for God by how we live.

Ecclesiastes helps us ask the right questions. It reminds us to live with faith, enjoy God’s gifts, and stay close to Him through it all.

Ecclesiastes is made up of 12 chapters. The book flows like one long speech, but it has clear parts. Each section shares a different lesson or idea. Here is a simple way to look at how the book is divided:

• Introduction (Ecclesiastes 1:1–11)
  The teacher introduces himself and says that life is full of vanity. Everything seems to repeat and nothing seems to last.
• The Search for Meaning (Ecclesiastes 1:12–2:26)
  The teacher tries wisdom, pleasure, work, and wealth. He finds that none of these things can fully satisfy.
• A Time for Everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1–22)
  This section has the famous poem about time. It shows how life has seasons. God has a plan, but people cannot see all of it.
• Life’s Problems (Ecclesiastes 4:1–6:12)
  These chapters talk about unfairness, loneliness, and hard work. The teacher says that many people struggle, and life does not always seem fair.
• Wisdom and Warnings (Ecclesiastes 7:1–11:6)
  The teacher gives advice about being wise and careful. He says to enjoy life, but to remember that actions have results.
• Final Words (Ecclesiastes 11:7–12:8)
  This part reminds people, especially the young, to remember God while they still have time. Life is short, and aging comes fast.
• Closing Message (Ecclesiastes 12:9–14)
  The last verses give the final lesson: Fear God and keep His commandments. That is what matters most.

Each part builds on the others. Together, they help us think about what really matters and how to live a good life with God.

Even though Ecclesiastes was written long ago, it still fits today’s world. People now ask the same questions. Why are we here? What really matters? Why is life unfair sometimes? These are the same things the teacher talked about.

In today’s world, many people feel tired, busy, or confused. There is pressure to be successful, rich, or popular. Ecclesiastes reminds us that these things don’t last. It helps us slow down and look at what is really important.

The book teaches us to enjoy the little things. A meal with family. A quiet walk. A good day’s work. These are not small when we see them as gifts from God. They help us find peace in a noisy world.

Ecclesiastes also calls us to trust God, even when we don’t have all the answers. That message still matters. It reminds us to live with purpose, with care, and with faith that God sees the bigger picture.

Ecclesiastes is read during Mass from time to time. It is part of the Roman Catholic lectionary. This means it is one of the books used for readings during the liturgy. We do not hear it often, but when we do, it stands out.

The readings from Ecclesiastes remind us that life on earth is short. They help us think about what really matters. One well-known reading says, “Vanity of vanities! All things are vanity!” It makes us stop and think. Are we chasing things that do not last?

Sometimes the Church includes Ecclesiastes on Sundays. Other times it may be read on weekdays. It also shows up in funerals or special Masses, especially when people want to reflect on the meaning of life and death.

When we hear Ecclesiastes at Mass, it invites us to be honest with ourselves. It helps us look at our choices. It reminds us to put God first and trust Him with everything else.

At the Weekday Masses

• Thursday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time II –  Ecclesiastes 1:2-11: The Cycle of Life and the Vanity of Labor
• Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time II – Ecclesiastes 3:1-11: The Appointed Time for Everything
• Saturday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time II – Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:8: Remember Your Creator in Youth

Finding Meaning in a Fleeting World

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz begins the book of Ecclesiastes by talking about how life can feel empty. He explains that the word “vanity” in Ecclesiastes means vapor or mist. It shows how things in life can seem meaningless and pass away quickly.

Fr. Mike reflects on Ecclesiastes chapters 1 and 2. The writer, often called the Preacher or Qoheleth, tries wisdom, pleasure, and work. But none of it brings lasting happiness. Fr. Mike says the writer sees that even wisdom and success cannot stop death.

He shares how people chase after things like houses, pleasure, and honor, but still feel empty. We often want more, but are never satisfied. Fr. Mike says the Preacher shows that life without God is just a “striving after wind.”

Fr. Mike reminds us that if this life is all there is, then nothing really lasts. But if God exists and we are made for more than this world, then our choices matter. He invites listeners to keep going with Ecclesiastes as it wrestles with the question of meaning.

Wrestling with Life’s Big Questions

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Ecclesiastes chapters 3, 4, and 5. He explains that the writer, called the Preacher or Qoheleth, is searching for meaning. He tries to find joy in things like work, pleasure, and wisdom. But in the end, everything still feels like it slips away.

Fr. Mike points out the value of friendship in chapter 4. He says it’s good to have someone who can walk with you and help you up when you fall. He highlights the line, “a threefold cord is not quickly broken,” as a reminder of the strength we find in close relationships.

In chapter 5, Fr. Mike shares how the Preacher warns against rash promises and chasing empty dreams. He says it’s better to have a plan than to talk without thinking. He also reflects on the verse, “he who loves money will not be satisfied with money,” and shows how that desire for more can affect any of us.

Fr. Mike reminds us to look inward. It’s easy to spot problems in others, but harder to see where we chase things that don’t last. He invites us to ask God to show us where we need healing and to keep our focus on what truly matters.

Seeing Life Clearly

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Ecclesiastes chapters 6 and 7. He talks about how the preacher points out the frustration of having everything but still not enjoying life. Fr. Mike explains the idea of anhedonia, when someone has blessings but can’t take joy in them. He encourages us to notice what we do have and take time to enjoy it.

Fr. Mike also shares how the author of Ecclesiastes says it’s better to think about the end of life than just the beginning. He explains that thinking about death helps us live with wisdom and purpose. If we only focus on the start, we might forget what really matters in the long run.

He highlights a warning against longing for “the good old days.” Fr. Mike says that’s not wise because we often forget the hard parts of the past. He reminds us that every time has challenges, and we should stay present and grateful for now.

Finally, Fr. Mike points to a verse about not taking criticism too seriously. He says that we’ve all said careless things about others, so we shouldn’t let small comments ruin our peace. It’s better to stay humble and give others grace, just as we hope they’ll do for us.

Letting Go and Trusting God

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Ecclesiastes chapters 8 and 9. He says the book gives an honest look at life. Sometimes the wicked win, and the good suffer. But in the end, we all face death.

Fr. Mike shares that if this life is all there is, then it feels meaningless. He reminds us that time erases everything. But he also says we believe there is more than just this world. That truth gives our lives meaning.

He reflects on how we will all be forgotten one day. Even wise or heroic people may not be remembered. Fr. Mike says we can be at peace with that. What matters most is trusting God.

He points to Ecclesiastes 9:11. It says that life isn’t always fair or predictable. The fastest and smartest don’t always win. Fr. Mike says we should try our best but still surrender to God.

The Ending That Matters Most

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on Ecclesiastes chapters 10, 11, and 12. He highlights the poetic advice in chapter 12 about growing old and facing the end of life. The Preacher paints a picture of aging and loss, showing how everything fades. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to read this part slowly and take it in.

He explains that the message of Ecclesiastes is not to give up, but to stay humble. Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes the fastest or smartest person doesn’t win. But we should still choose what is good and right.

Fr. Mike shares that Ecclesiastes reminds us to enjoy what we have while we have it. Even if everything passes away, each moment still matters. He says the Preacher wants to wake us up, not bring us down.

The final message in chapter 12 stands out: fear God and keep His commandments. Fr. Mike says this is the key to a good life. Even when things feel meaningless, we trust that every moment has value because God sees all.

The Bible

Ecclesiastes helps us think about life in a deep and honest way. It asks big questions and points us toward God. But it is just one part of a much larger story. The whole Bible shows us how God works through people and events over time. Each book adds something different.

If you want to learn more about how the Bible fits together, visit our page on Reading the Bible. It gives simple tips to help you get started and keep going. You don’t have to be an expert. Just start reading and see where it leads.

Who wrote Ecclesiastes?

The writer calls himself “Qoheleth,” which means teacher. Some people think it was King Solomon, but we do not know for sure. It was likely written long after his time.

What does “vanity” mean in Ecclesiastes?

In this book, “vanity” means something that is empty or does not last. The teacher uses the word to say that many things people care about will not bring lasting joy.

Is Ecclesiastes a sad book?

It can sound sad, but it is honest. The teacher talks about life’s struggles. He also reminds us to enjoy simple things and trust God.

Why is Ecclesiastes in the Bible?

Ecclesiastes helps us ask good questions. It teaches us that life is not always easy to understand. But it also points us toward God and tells us to live with faith.

Ecclesiastes is a book in the Old Testament that deals with life’s big questions. The writer, called “the teacher,” shares his thoughts after looking at everything people chase after—wealth, pleasure, work, and wisdom. He finds that many of these things do not bring lasting joy. He says they are like “chasing the wind.”

The book repeats the word “vanity,” which means something empty or short-lived. The teacher sees that life moves fast and often feels unfair. Wise people and foolish people both face death. Hard workers and lazy people both have struggles. This can sound negative, but the message is clear: don’t put your hope in things that pass away.

Instead, Ecclesiastes teaches us to enjoy simple gifts. Food, family, rest, and honest work are all blessings. Most of all, we are told to respect God and follow His ways. That is the best way to live a full and good life.

Catholics read Ecclesiastes as a reminder to stay focused on what matters most. It helps us be honest about life and see how much we need God. Even when we don’t understand everything, we can trust Him and be thankful for what we have.

Have you ever read Ecclesiastes? It is not a long book, but it gives a lot to think about. It looks at life in a way that is simple and honest. If you’ve ever asked, “What’s the point of it all?” this book speaks to that feeling.

We invite you to read Ecclesiastes for yourself. Take your time and notice what stands out to you. Then, come back and share your thoughts in the comments. What part made you stop and think? What message stayed with you?