Ecclesiastes 1:14

Letters to the Faithful - Ecclesiastes 1:14

Berean Standard Bible

I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.

King James Bible

I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

Hebrew Text:

רָאִ֙יתִי֙ אֶת־כָּל־הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֔ים שֶֽׁנַּעֲשׂ֖וּ תַּ֣חַת הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ וְהִנֵּ֥ה הַכֹּ֛ל הֶ֖בֶל וּרְע֥וּת רֽוּחַ׃

Transliteration:

Ra'iti et-kol ha-ma'asim she-na'asu tachat ha-shemesh, ve-hinneh ha-kol hevel u-re'ut ruach.

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I have seen all the things that are done under the sun

This phrase reflects the comprehensive observation of human activity by the author, traditionally understood to be Solomon. The phrase "under the sun" is a key theme in Ecclesiastes, indicating life from a purely earthly perspective, without considering the divine or eternal. Solomon, known for his wisdom and wealth, had the means to explore all aspects of life, from pleasure to work, and his experiences lend authority to his observations. The phrase suggests a thorough examination of human endeavors, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding when disconnected from God.

and have found them all to be futile

The term "futile" is often translated as "vanity" or "meaningless" in other versions, capturing the Hebrew word "hevel," which implies something transient or elusive, like vapor. This reflects the temporary and unsatisfying nature of worldly pursuits when they are ends in themselves. The futility of human efforts is a recurring theme in Ecclesiastes, highlighting the limitations of human wisdom and achievement. This perspective aligns with the biblical teaching that true meaning and fulfillment are found in God alone, as seen in passages like Psalm 39:5-6 and James 4:14, which also speak to the fleeting nature of life.

a pursuit of the wind

This metaphor illustrates the impossibility and frustration of trying to grasp or control something as intangible as the wind. It underscores the idea that human efforts, when focused solely on earthly matters, are ultimately unproductive and unsatisfying. The imagery of chasing the wind conveys a sense of futility and endless striving without achieving lasting results. This concept is echoed in other biblical texts, such as Isaiah 41:29 and Hosea 12:1, where the pursuit of idols or false hopes is likened to chasing the wind. The phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the need for a divine perspective to find true purpose and fulfillment.

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Grace and peace be unto you, beloved brothers and sisters, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I write to you concerning the vanity of all things under the sun, for it is written, *“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.”* This truth, spoken by the Preacher of old, remains unchanged, revealing to us the fleeting nature of all that is pursued in this world. The wisdom of man, the labor of his hands, the riches he accumulates—what remains of them when his days are numbered and his breath is taken? The earth endures, yet generations rise and fall; knowledge increases, yet satisfaction remains elusive. All that man seeks to grasp, all that he labors to achieve, passes like the wind, and none can hold it.

Consider the pursuits of men. They toil in their work, striving to build wealth and security, thinking that their efforts will grant them lasting fulfillment. They chase wisdom, imagining that understanding will bring them peace. They seek power, believing that influence will satisfy the longing in their souls. Yet in all these endeavors, there remains emptiness, for none of them can fill the void that exists within the human heart. Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher—everything is vanity, and all that is sought under the sun shall perish. 

Do not be deceived, beloved, into thinking that the things of this world can satisfy the hunger of the soul. Wealth will fade, wisdom will be forgotten, power will crumble, and the works of man shall be undone. What then shall remain? What then shall endure? Only that which is rooted in the eternal, only that which is founded in God. For He alone is the source of life, the giver of meaning, the One who grants purpose beyond what the eye can see. 

Let not your hearts be troubled by the passing of earthly things. Let not despair grip you when the world seems void of meaning. Instead, set your hearts on the things that are above, not on the vanities of this earth. Seek the wisdom that comes from God, and not the fleeting understanding of men. Store up treasures in heaven, not in the riches of this world. Walk in righteousness, in obedience to the Lord, and not in the pursuits of vanity. 

For though man strives after the wind, though he exhausts himself in chasing that which cannot be held, there remains a hope that is unshaken. There is a purpose that transcends the limits of this life, and it is found in the One who reigns forever. In Him there is no vanity, no striving after emptiness, but fullness of life and joy everlasting. Turn your hearts toward Him and let the wisdom of the Preacher guide you away from the futility of worldly pursuits.

May the grace of the Lord be with you all. May His peace dwell within you, and may His truth illuminate your path. Do not be caught in the passing winds, but stand firm upon the Rock that endures forever. The things of this world shall fade, but His kingdom shall remain, and all who trust in Him shall never be put to shame. Amen.

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O Lord, Most High, the Eternal and Sovereign God, we lift our voices before You, acknowledging Your wisdom and the depth of Your understanding. You have searched the hearts of men, You have seen the works that are done under the sun, and in Your infinite knowledge, You have declared that all is vanity and a striving after wind. Who among men can grasp the fullness of Your ways? Who can comprehend the vastness of Your design? You alone are the source of truth, and in You alone is meaning found.

We come before You, O God, burdened by the fleeting nature of this world. We toil, we labor, we pursue the desires of our hearts, and yet satisfaction eludes us. Riches fade, wisdom is forgotten, power crumbles, and all that we seek apart from You proves empty. Open our eyes, Lord, that we may see the futility of worldly pursuits. Turn our hearts toward You, that we may not chase after the wind, but rather set our feet upon the rock that never wavers.

Teach us, O Lord, to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Let not our hands grasp that which perishes, but let our souls cling to that which endures forever. May we not labor in vain, but find our purpose in You, knowing that in Your presence there is fullness of joy and in Your will there is eternal peace. The wisdom of this world is foolishness before You, but Your truth is unshakable, and Your knowledge is beyond measure.

Guide us, Lord, in the paths of righteousness, that we may walk in wisdom and understanding. Guard our hearts against the temptations of vanity, against the lure of empty promises, against the false hopes that deceive. May we store up treasures not in earthly wealth, but in the riches of Your glory. May we fix our eyes not on what is temporary, but on what is everlasting. Let our lives be lived in devotion to You, that when the days of this world pass away, we may stand before You unashamed, having sought after that which truly matters.

O merciful Father, we ask for Your strength in the midst of weariness, for Your light in the midst of confusion, for Your truth in the midst of deception. When despair grips our hearts, remind us that You are the source of all meaning. When uncertainty clouds our way, be the lamp to our feet and the light to our path. When all things seem like a striving after the wind, remind us that You alone are eternal, You alone are faithful, You alone satisfy the longing of our souls.

May Your name be glorified in all the earth. May Your wisdom be revealed to all who seek You. May Your presence dwell among us, leading us into life everlasting. Let our hearts rest in You, knowing that though the world fades, though the pursuits of men come to nothing, You remain. You reign forever, and in You, all things are made whole. We praise You, we exalt You, and we surrender all to Your perfect will, now and forever. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.