re 2 (1.1)

• Vanity means “breath”, “vapor” or light wind. It denotes transitory, futile, useless, meaningless or vain
• Solomon defines life based on nature:

  • Life is a vapor, or wind - it only passes away
  • Life is transit - it leaves no result, it does not satisfy the mind
  • There is no advantage to struggle in terms of earthly pleasure
  • Life in general is an endless repetition, aimless and monotonous
• Solomon defines life based on human experience:

  • Life is laborious, wearisome, tiresome - no satisfaction to one’s eye
  • Life has no remembrance, nothing new
  • Human activity is nothing
• Solomon speaks about the futility (uselessness) of wisdom:

  • Human wisdom does not contain all the answers
  • Knowledge and education have their limits
• Final Conclusion of Solomon about Life:

  • We should enjoy life by enjoying God’s commands
  • The purpose and meaning of life cannot be found in human endeavors but in positive attitude and strong faith in God
  • Human effort apart from God is useless
  • Put God first - now
  • Receive everything good as a gift from God
  • Realize that God will never judge every person’s life whether good or evil
  • Pleasures and material things when sought for their own sake bring nothing
• The Birth of Meaningful Life Solomon says (2 antidotes):

  • To fear and
  • To obey GOD - is everyone’s duty
• God has laid the foundation of our being in the mother’s womb - dark place beyond the reach of light and life-giving protection
• Human being is fearfully and wonderfully made - separated from ungodly men
• Bone or skeleton is the foundation of our human body with external parts such as muscular flesh and web of fibers
• Our human bodies are open before God’s eyes and were fashioned after him
• The Lord is the director, supporter, ruler and judge of all creations
• Children are able to trust and praise God without doubts and reservations
• Man is in contrast with His Creator
• God gives human being authority - to be in charge of the whole earth
• It always calls man back to the mystery of God
• “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
• God, our healer has encouraged us to move ahead
• God has trusted us to do the task that has given
• God will be with us all the way
• God knows our future his plans for us are good and full of hope
• God provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill His mission
• God will always see us through glorious despite pain, sufferings and hardships
• 'he maketh me to lie down in green pastures'