Ecclesiastes 6

Chapter Summary

In Ecclesiastes 6, the author describes the futility of human pursuits, particularly the accumulation of wealth. He notes that some people are given great wealth and honor, but are not able to enjoy them, while others are given the ability to enjoy the fruits of their labor, but are not given the wealth and honor they desire (Ecclesiastes 6:1-2). The chapter also touches on the theme of the brevity and uncertainty of life, and how this should motivate people to seek wisdom and to trust in God (Ecclesiastes 6:3-6, 9-12). The author concludes by emphasizing the importance of fearing God and keeping His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 6:10, cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

Context for the Chapter

Ecclesiastes 6 is part of the larger book of Ecclesiastes, which is a wisdom literature book in the Old Testament. The book is attributed to Solomon, who wrote it in his old age as a reflection on the nature of life and the human condition. The chapter fits into the larger narrative of the book, which explores the themes of the futility of human pursuits, the importance of fearing God, and the search for true fulfillment and satisfaction in life.

Heart Application

The chapter encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God, rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world. The reader is also encouraged to fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 6:10, cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Ecclesiastes 6 is a chapter about the fleeting nature of human life and the futility of human pursuits. The author encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God, rather than in the things of this world. As noted in Ecclesiastes 6:1-2, wealth and material possessions are fleeting and unsatisfying, and true fulfillment can only be found in a relationship with God.

Voices from the Church

“The fleeting nature of human life should motivate us to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God. As the author of Ecclesiastes notes, 'For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he passes like a shadow?' (Ecclesiastes 6:12).”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The futility of human pursuits should lead us to seek wisdom and guidance from God. As the author of Ecclesiastes notes, 'For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?' (Ecclesiastes 6:12).”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The fleeting nature of human life (Ecclesiastes 6:1-6) — The author of Ecclesiastes emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of human life, and the importance of seeking true fulfillment in a relationship with God.
2. The futility of human pursuits (Ecclesiastes 6:7-9) — The chapter highlights the futility of human pursuits, particularly the accumulation of wealth and material possessions.
3. The importance of fearing God (Ecclesiastes 6:10-12) — The author of Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience to God, and encourages the reader to fear God and keep His commandments.
4. Conclusion (Ecclesiastes 6:12) — The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, and of trusting in His sovereignty and providence.
5. Final thoughts (Ecclesiastes 6:1-12) — The chapter encourages the reader to reflect on the fleeting nature of human life and the futility of human pursuits, and to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God.

Core Doctrines

The sovereignty of God

The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty and providence of God, and encourages the reader to trust in Him rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world.

The importance of fearing God

The author of Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience to God, and encourages the reader to fear God and keep His commandments.

The futility of human pursuits

The chapter highlights the futility of human pursuits, particularly the accumulation of wealth and material possessions, and encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God.

The search for true fulfillment

The chapter encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God, rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world.

Lessons from Ecclesiastes 6

1. The importance of seeking true fulfillment in God — The chapter encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God, rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world.
2. The futility of human pursuits — The chapter highlights the futility of human pursuits, particularly the accumulation of wealth and material possessions, and encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God.
3. The importance of fearing God — The author of Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience to God, and encourages the reader to fear God and keep His commandments.
4. The sovereignty and providence of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty and providence of God, and encourages the reader to trust in Him rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world.
5. The search for true fulfillment — The chapter encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God, rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world.

Themes from Ecclesiastes 6

1. The fleeting nature of human life — The author of Ecclesiastes emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of human life, and the importance of seeking true fulfillment in a relationship with God.
2. The futility of human pursuits — The chapter highlights the futility of human pursuits, particularly the accumulation of wealth and material possessions, and encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God.
3. The importance of fearing God — The author of Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of reverence and obedience to God, and encourages the reader to fear God and keep His commandments.
4. The sovereignty and providence of God — The chapter emphasizes the sovereignty and providence of God, and encourages the reader to trust in Him rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world.
5. The search for true fulfillment — The chapter encourages the reader to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God, rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some ways in which the fleeting nature of human life should motivate us to seek true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God?
2. How does the futility of human pursuits relate to the search for true fulfillment and satisfaction in life?
3. What are some ways in which we can fear God and keep His commandments in our daily lives?
4. How does the chapter's emphasis on the sovereignty and providence of God relate to our trust in Him?
5. What are some ways in which we can apply the principles of this chapter to our own lives and circumstances?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Ecclesiastes 6

	Sermon	Description
	God Knows Best by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the common evil of a man who is given riches and wealth by God but is unable to enjoy them. He uses the example of a man who lacks noth
	A Series of Proverbs Part 2 by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 6, verse 12. He emphasizes the uncertainty and brevity of life, highlighting
	Step 14 on the Clamorous , Yet Wicked Master-the Stomach. by St. John Climacus	St. John Climacus delivers a sermon on the dangers of gluttony, highlighting how it leads to hypocrisy, excess, and a lack of self-control. He emphasizes the importance of mortifyi
	The Adam by W.J. Erdman	In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the focus is on the book of Ecclesiastes, emphasizing the ultimate duty of man to fear God and keep His commandments. The term 'the Adam' is used to
	Ecclesiastes 6:10 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith discusses the futility of contending with God, emphasizing that humans often struggle against divine will due to life's adversities, such as tragedy or disappointment.
	Of the Practice of Covetousness in Spending by William Gouge	William Gouge preaches about the manifestation of covetous practices in spending, highlighting two ways: being too sparing and niggardly in all things, neglecting necessities for o
	Name and Fame by J.C. Philpot	J.C. Philpot delves into the human desire for name and fame, highlighting the ambitious heart's yearning for earthly immortality and recognition among fellow men. He contrasts the
	The Great Contradiction and Failure. 6:1-12 by W.J. Erdman	In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher reflects on the futility and emptiness of pursuing worldly riches, honor, and pleasures, ultimately finding them to be vanity and a chas

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Ecclesiastes 6

In his commentary on Ecclesiastes 6, Matthew Henry notes that the chapter is a continuation of the theme of the fleeting nature of human life and the futility of human pursuits. Henry emphasizes the importance of seeking true fulfillment and satisfaction in a relationship with God, rather than in the fleeting and unsatisfying things of this world. He also notes that the chapter encourages the reader to fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 6:10, cf. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Henry concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom and guidance from God, and of trusting in His sovereignty and providence. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?