Ecclesiastes Outline

I. Introduction: “Everything is Meaningless!” (1:1-11)

II. The Search for Meaning (1:12-3:22)

  • A. Not to be Found in Human Effort (1:12-2:23)

    1. Wisdom is Meaningless (1:12-18)
    2. Pleasure and Achievement are Meaningless (2:1-11)
    3. Both Wise and Foolish Suffer the Same Fate (2:12-16)
    4. Our Labors are Meaningless (2:17-23)

  • B. Enjoyment Found in Pleasing God (2:24-3:15)

    1. Satisfaction Comes from God (2:24-26)
    2. Everything in its Proper Time (3:1-8)
    3. God's Gift to Man (3:9-15)
    4. God Will Judge (3:16-17)
    5. Death Comes to All (3:18-22)

III. The Frustrations of Life (4:1-7:29)

  • A. Frustrations Cannot be Avoided (4:1-6:12)

    1. Oppression of the Powerless (4:1-3)
    2. Competition and Isolation (4:4-12)
    3. Loyalty is Fleeting (4:13-16)
    4. The Danger of Hasty Vows (5:1-7)
    5. Riches Bring No Satisfaction (5:8-6:12)

  • B. Frustrations Can Teach Us Wisdom (7:1-29)

    1. The Need to Accept Life’s Hardships (7:1-12)
    2. Prosperity and Adversity are Both from God (7:13-18)
    3. The Limitations of Wisdom and Righteousness (7:19-29)

IV. Living a Life of Wisdom (8:1-12:7)

  • A. Obey the King (8:1-9)
  • B. It Will Not Be Well With the Wicked (8:10-15)
  • C. Man Cannot Find Out the Ways of God (8:16-17)
  • D. Death is Inevitable (9:1-6)
  • E. Make the Most of Life (9:7-10)
  • F. Wisdom and Folly (9:11-10:20)
  • G. Rejoice in Your Youth (11:1-10)
  • H. Remember Your Creator in the Days of Your Youth (12:1-7)

V. Conclusion: Fear God and Keep His Commands (12:8-14)