As wisdom literature, Ecclesiastes is very helpful in coping with practical and philosophical issues we face. Proverbs is basic wisdom, giving fundamental principles to live by. Ecclesiastes is written by an older man, intended for a more mature audience – engaging the question: does death nullify all purpose and meaning in life? We will see that intellectual accomplishments, wealth, political power, and religious zeal are not what gives life purpose. Solomon provides two guidelines for living a good life: enjoy what God has given you under the sun and fear God, walking humbly before Him and man so that we do not get fixated on the good things of this earth.
