Ecclesiastes
This Book is called Ecclesiastes, or The Preacher, (in Hebrew, Coheleth,) because in it, Solomon, as an excellent preacher, setteth forth the vanity of the things of this world: to withdraw the hearts and affections of men from such empty toys.
The vanity of all temporal things.
The vanity of pleasures, riches, and worldly labours.
All human things are liable to perpetual changes. We are to rest on God's providence, and cast away fruitless cares.
Other instances of human miseries.
Caution in words. Vows are to be paid. Riches are often pernicious: the moderate use of them is the gift of God.
The misery of the covetous man.
Prescriptions against worldly vanities: mortification, patience, and seeking wisdom.
True wisdom is to observe God's commandments. The ways of God are unsearchable.
Man knows not certainty that he is in God's grace. After death no more work or merit.
Observations on wisdom and folly, ambition and detraction.
Exhortation to works of mercy, while we have time, to diligence in good, and to the remembrance of death and judgment.
The Creator is to be remembered in the days of our youth: all worldly things are vain: we should fear God and keep his commandments.