As the preacher looks at life, he is greatly troubled by those who are oppressed but have no comfort (v1). He sees the dead as being in a better position (v2), but better still those not born who have not seen evil (v3). Here we see a very hopeless outlook on life as it is an outlook without Christ.

In regards toil he sees the foolishness of it as motivated by envy (v4), yet the fool who doesn’t toil has to eat his own flesh (v5). Toil is foolish though as in itself it does not lead to a quiet life (v6). While toil is important, there is something more important than what toil can bring.

Toil can get a grip on people and make them a workaholic even for a person who has no one to leave all he builds to (v7-8).

Being alone is not good and the advantage of having another person close is highlighted (v9-12). But notice how in the end a ‘three-fold cord’ is mentioned (v12b), it is the couple who has the lord in their life who truly are blessed. Having the Lord in our lives ultimately is what makes the difference.

Solomon finishes by acknowledge a poor but wise youth is better than a foolish rich king who can’t take advice (v13). All that a king may strive for and revere, will in the end count for nothing (v14-16).