Throughout Ecclesiastes there is a repetitious focus of everything being meaningless. Solomon was the king of Israel at the time and lived the fabulously rich life anyone could ever imagine or ever want. He had power, wisdom, popularity, prestige, and anything he desired. I don't know about you guys, but if I were in his shoes, I would probably take advantage of that opportunity. However, Solomon sees this as a gift from God. (5:19) Even though he had all these things he still thought everything was meaningless. This concept sounds crazy, but in reality we all know that we can't take anything with us when we die. In Ecclesiastes, Solomon says: "Naked a man comes from his mother's womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand." (5:15)

Next, I came across the final chapters of the book. These spoke the strongest to me. We are to enjoy each day God has given us to its fullest. "Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment." (11:9) 

Just like every other person I am not perfect and sin, however I feel like I know right from wrong. When I do something wrong I always have this guilty conscience telling me I did wrong. At the end of Ecclesiastes, Solomon concludes: "Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil." (12:13-14) Sometimes this can scare me, but it always inspires me to be a better Christian everyday.