Dive deeper into Ecclesiastes 1 as Pastor PJ Murillo explores the nine vanities of life "under the sun" and reveals why only our relationship with Christ provides true meaning and lasting satisfaction.
Solomon: The Qualified Preacher
"The words of the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem." (Ecclesiastes 1:1)
Solomon perfectly fits the description given in verse 1:
He Was a Preacher
Solomon addressed congregations and made proclamations to God's people. In 1 Kings 8:1, he assembled the elders of Israel and proclaimed God's truth. In 2 Chronicles 1:2-3, he spoke to all Israel and led them in worship at the high place in Gibeon.
He Was the Son of David
This is clearly documented throughout Scripture (2 Samuel 12:24, 1 Kings 1:30-31, 1 Kings 3:3).
He Was King in Jerusalem
Solomon reigned as king over Israel from Jerusalem, making him uniquely qualified to speak about the vanity of earthly power and achievement.
The Central Declaration: All Is Vanity
"Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity." (Ecclesiastes 1:2)
Vanity means:
- Emptiness
- Fruitlessness
- Useless or worthless
- Like vapor—here one moment, gone the next
This declaration comes from someone who experienced everything this world has to offer. Solomon had all the power, fame, wealth, and pleasure anyone could dream of, yet his conclusion was that everything is vanity when you take God out of the picture.
Think about the residents at nursing homes—those in the winter of their lives. What do they remember? What matters to them? It's rarely their big houses or prestigious jobs. It's their relationships with family and, most importantly, their relationship with God. When you start singing hymns or reading Scripture to them, they remember what really matters.
The Cyclical Nature of Life (1:4-7)
Notice the scientific accuracy in these verses written thousands of years ago:
- Earth's rotation: "The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose"
- Wind circuits: "The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually"
- Water cycle: "All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full: unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again"
These cycles are object lessons about vanity. Without God, you're just spinning your wheels in life—like being on a treadmill where you're not going anywhere.
Nothing New Under the Sun (1:9-11)
"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."
When people say "things are getting so bad," remember: It's always been bad. Read history! Since we got kicked out of the Garden, it's always been bad and will continue until the Lord comes back.
The only thing we learn from history is that we never learn from history. We make the same mistakes and bad decisions people made thousands of years ago.
A Quiz in Forgetfulness
Here's proof we quickly forget "important" things:
- Who won the 1915 World Series? (Philadelphia Phillies)
- Who won the Super Bowl in 1985? (49ers)
- Who was the 13th President? (Millard Fillmore)
- What happened September 2, 1945? (Japanese surrender)
- Who were Richard Thomson, Daniel Featley, Ralph Ravens? (King James Bible translators)
What's the name of your great-great-great-grandfather? See how quickly we forget! Things that seem so important today will be forgotten 100 years from now if they're just "under the sun."
The Pursuit of Knowledge and Its Consequences (1:12-18)
Solomon had the highest credentials to speak about vanity:
- King of Israel during its golden age
- Wisest man who ever lived (outside of Christ)
- Access to everything under the sun
Remember what got Adam and Eve in trouble? Wanting to know more. They didn't even know they were naked—that's how innocent they were. But once they wanted more knowledge, they got in trouble.
You and I don't have to know everything under the sun. If you want to increase knowledge, increase in the knowledge of Christ.
The Search Is Over
You won't find the meaning of life on:
- TikTok
- ChatGPT
You'll find it in this Book—the Bible.
Paul understood this truth. In Philippians 3:7-11, he declares:
"But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ... That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection."
Paul had all the knowledge, fame, and achievement as a Pharisee, but he counted it all as dung compared to knowing Christ.
The Ultimate Truth
When this life is over, nothing will really matter but your relationship with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The search is over. Don't focus on things under the sun because everything will be in vain. All is vanity unless you look over the sun where the Lord Jesus Christ is.
That's what really matters—your relationship with Him.
As we continue through Ecclesiastes, we'll discover that while everything under the sun may be vanity, everything done for God's glory has eternal significance. The question isn't whether life has meaning—it's where you're looking for that meaning.
Look beyond the sun to the Son, and you'll find what truly matters.
---
Looking for Purpose?
If you're searching for meaning in life, we invite you to visit Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Washington.