Solomon’s abrupt introduction practically shouts off the page to shock readers out of our spiritual stupor and hit us with a harsh reality check: life apart from God is meaningless!
The word “meaningless” (v.2) translates the Hebrew word hebel, which originally means “breath” (or “vapour”). The idea is of that which is insubstantial, transitory, of fleeting value. For Ecclesiastes, whatever in this life that is not of eternal significance is just fleeting like a vapour, and therefore— meaningless.
As a wise (and wealthy) king, Solomon felt he had the credentials (and credit) to conduct this investigation. Where can meaning and purpose in life be found? This is frustrating!
“What is crooked cannot be straightened; what is lacking cannot be counted” (v.15) is a proverb that reminds us of the bleak reality: for all our collective wisdom and learning, mankind may identify life’s complex problems, but still can’t solve them or add to what is lacking by ourselves.
Solomon sought to satisfy himself through the pursuit of pleasure, projects and prosperity. But they all could not satisfy his deepest needs.
Consider that in spite of King Solomon being once one of the greatest figures in history with unparalleled wealth, virtually none of his architectural achievements remain standing today. The toil of his hands under the sun had indeed been a “chasing after the wind”.
Solomon considered the relative merits of being wise versus being foolish. Sure, wisdom is better— yet not for long. Both eventually die and are forgotten. Where then is the meaning?