by Charles Hatchko
Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity! What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, King of Jerusalem whose is identified as Qoheleth which means the assembler of the people, or one who convenes or speaks in the assembly of the people, and as David's son. The word vanity in Hebrew, hebel, means vapor, thin air, breath, something insubstantial futility. This should be a great reminder of the old proverb, 'You can't take it with You.' The meaning of this is that death comes to all mankind. These magnificent words of Qoheleth appears to be pessimistic, but this introduction is as emphatic and comprehensive with the objective moral lesson regarding the statement all is vanity, vanity of vanities. Death surely shows the inadequate position of this short life, and the power of God through eternal life in Jesus Christ. Let us look at the following words by the Preacher, Qoheleth.
Ecclesiastes 1:3-9 "What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun? A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun goes down, and hastens to the place where it rises. The wind blows to the south, and goes round to the north; and on its circuits the wind returns. All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow there they flow again. All things are full of weariness; a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing, and ear filled with hearing. What has been, is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; and there is nothing new under the sun." The Biblical text, the magnificent words of the Preacher, shows the vanity of the monotonous actions of humanity in all actions of the cosmos, universe and all human life. It gives magnificent insight and wisdom that this life is inadequate, total absurdity, and utterly futile. Vanity is what is vain and most despicable, and frustrating. Truly the expectations of man. Let us never forget that all natural things are insufficient to produce felicity. Sacred Scripture, the Word of God, especially the wisdom book, Ecclesiastes, should give an awareness of the futility of this life, and open our minds and hearts to the magnitude of God's action in our life. In Mark's gospel, the Lord Jesus Christ words truly correlates to the awesome words of the Preacher Qoheleth Mark 8:36 Jesus exhorts, "For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?" In the parable of the rich fool in Luke's gospel, Luke 12:13-21 Jesus exhorts, "Take heed and beware of all covetousness!" Jesus gives magnificent advice showing the foolishness of the rich man in his desire for riches, because death will be required of him that night.
Multiplicity of possessions, prosperity or all self gratification cannot bring lasting contentment, all is vanity. Let us look at the words of Jesus in the Sacred Scriptures. In Matt. 6:24 Jesus exhorts, "No one can serve two masters, for either you will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." In Matt. 6:33 Jesus exhorts, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness"! Let the words of Jesus take root in our hearts. Let our lives be free from the love of money and seek Jesus Christ and all of his righteousness. Let us take heed to the words of St. Paul in his epistle to Timothy. 1 Tim. 6:10 St. Paul exhorts, "the love of money is the root of all evil". The Preacher, Qoheleth, in his writings constantly emphasizes that all is vanity. That the vanity of created things can never satisfy the hearts of man. In the second chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher, Qoheleth, gives much reference to the pleasures of this life. The enjoyment of this life, possessions and great works, wisdom or any thing is vanity. Qoheleth may be speaking in the name of libertines or hedonism, but let us never forget that all this life is vanity! Let me repeat again that everything in this life is inadequate, total absurdity, and utterly futile. In Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, in his search for pleasure, we can truly see in his search for ultimate fulfillment, the Biblical writer found disappointment as well. He labored in vain, all is vanity.
In Ecclesiastes 2:12-17 in his search for wisdom, the Biblical writer in his pursuit of wisdom, has found that worldly wisdom through human effort is vanity. Scripture gives evidence of true and false wisdom. James 3:13-18 states, "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show you his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealously and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where jealously and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits without certainty or insincerity. And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." Let us seek Jesus Christ, and the power of his resurrection. This is true wisdom. This will satisfy man.
The Bible when applied in faith an action in one's life will satisfy the heart of man. The Sacred Scriptures will lead one into eternal life in Christ Jesus the Lord. In John 3:16 Scripture states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." In Romans 6:23 St. Paul exhorts, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord". Holy Scripture gives the profound wisdom that as creative beings we are all born to know, love and serve God. Let us truly know Jesus Christ crucified! Let us truly know Jesus Christ, the power of his blood, and the power of his resurrection. In the third chapter of Ecclesiastes the text gives evidence that there is an appointed time for everything. Nothing here on earth is perpetual. Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 Chapter three is the most famous chapter of the book of Ecclesiastes. It gives evidence of predetermined times. The Biblical writer Qoheleth gives affirmation that seasons are fixed, predetermined and inexorable. In verse nine he exhorts, "What gain has the worker from his toil?" This truly means all is vanity! In Ecclesiastes 3:16-22 Qoheleth questions the moral order. He claims that the bankruptcy of justice is clearly a visible reality. The basic reality to be contemplate in this chapter is that God will judge the just and the wicked.
In Ecclesiastes 4:1-6, the evils of oppression are evident. Let us never forget that God allows suffering, the innocent to be oppressed for a time that they may merit a greater reward. Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 gives evidence of authentic piety. No one can arrive at the perfect knowledge of God, therefore they should guard their tongue. Scripture gives evidence to obey is better than sacrifice 1 Samuel 15:22. In Matt. 9:13 and Matt. 12:7 Jesus exhorts, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." Ecclesiastes 9:7-10 gives magnificent affirmation that one should enjoy life, the only way to live is in the enjoyment of the portion of your toil. Ecclesiastes 10:1-20 This entire chapter gives evidence of the encouragement of practical virtues, along with practical wisdom. Ecclesiastes 11:1 "Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days." Here the text gives evidence that one should be charitable to all. Let us end with a passage from the epilogue Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 "The end of the matter, all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgement, with every sacred thing, whether good or bad. The main objective and efficient cause is to be obedient to the commands of God. Fear God, fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. Seek Ye first the kingdom of God and all of his righteousness. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity, except knowing Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection.
May God Richly Bless You! Amen! Hallelujah!
Charlie Hatchko
The Catholic Legate
August 1, 2004
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This article originally appeared in the Lackawanna County News February 16, 2001