what is the book of ecclesiastes about summary
Ecclesiastes
The book is a musing by a King of Jerusalem as he relates his experiences and draws lessons from them , often self - critical . The author , introducing himself as the son of David , discusses the meaning of life and the best way to live . He proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently hevel , meaning `` vain '' or `` futile '' , ( `` mere breath '' ) , as both wise and foolish end in death . Kohelet clearly endorses wisdom as a means for a well - lived earthly life . In light of this senselessness , one should enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life , such as eating , drinking , and taking enjoyment in one 's work , which are gifts from the hand of God . The book concludes with the injunction : `` Fear God , and keep his commandments ; for that is the whole duty of everyone '' ( 12 : 13 ) . 
The book is a musing by a King of Jerusalem as he relates his experiences and draws lessons from them , often self - critical . The author , introducing himself as the son of David , discusses the meaning of life and the best way to live . He proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently hevel , meaning `` vain '' or `` futile '' , ( `` mere breath '' ) , as both wise and foolish end in death . Kohelet clearly endorses wisdom as a means for a well - lived earthly life . In light of this senselessness , one should enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life , such as eating , drinking , and taking enjoyment in one 's work , which are gifts from the hand of God . The book concludes with the injunction : `` Fear God , and keep his commandments ; for that is the whole duty of everyone '' ( 12 : 13 ) .
The author discusses the meaning of life and the best way to live.  He proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently hevel, meaning ``vain'' or ``futile'' as both wise and foolish end in death.  In light of this senselessness, one should enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life which are gifts from the hand of God.  The book concludes with the injunction: ``Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone''.
The author , introducing himself as the son of David , discusses the meaning of life and the best way to live . He proclaims all the actions of man to be inherently hevel , meaning `` vain '' or `` futile '' , ( `` mere breath '' ) , as both wise and foolish end in death . In light of this senselessness , one should enjoy the simple pleasures of daily life , such as eating , drinking , and taking enjoyment in one 's work , which are gifts from the hand of God . The book concludes with the injunction : `` Fear God , and keep his commandments ; for that is the whole duty of everyone '' ( 12 : 13 ) .