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The "Be" Commentary
Be Satisfied (Ecclesiastes): Looking for the Answer to the Meaning of Life: OT Commentary: Ecclesiastes
Even if we have it all, it's never enough. This study guide looks at the book of Ecclesiastes, and explores Solomon's profound insights on finding true satisfaction in life.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 1990
243 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Warren W. Wiersbe
662 books411 followersWarren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 29, 2021
Wiersbe is always worth consulting on a book of the Bible. While his commentaries are not meant to be a deep, exegetical study of the text, Wiersbe is a master at outlining the text and bringing practical truths from it.
February 4, 2013
Warren Wiersbe is an excellent writer. Ecclesiastes is a difficult book to take in. It must be savored over a period of time. It has taken me months to meditate on this book.
Ecclesiastes is a book of perspective. The narrative of “the Preacher” (KJV), or “the Teacher” (NIV) reveals the depression that inevitably results from seeking happiness in worldly things. This book gives Christians a chance to see the world through the eyes of a person who, though very wise, is trying to find meaning in temporary, human things.
So the question -- "Is life worth living?" Solomon came to 4 arguments to support his conclusion:
1. The monotony of life
2. The vanity of wisdom
3. The futility of wealth
4. The certainty of death
Solomon initially investigated these issues and concluded that life is not worth living. But being the wise man that he was, he brought God into the picture and what a difference it made. He realized that life was not monotonous but filled with challenging situations from God, each in its own time and each for its own purpose. He also learned that wealth could be enjoyed and employed to the glory of God. Though man's wisdom couldn't explain everything, Solomon concluded that it was better to follow God's wisdom than to practice God's folly. As for the certainty of death, there is no way to escape it; and it ought to motivate us to enjoy life noe and make the most of the opportunities God gives us.
Solomon gives us four pictures of life and attach to each a practical admonition for his listeners/ readers to heed.
1. Life is an ADVENTURE -- live by faith. (11:1--6)
2. Life is a GIFT-- enjoy it (11:7--12:8)
3. Life is a SCHOOL--learn your lessons (12:9--12)
4. Life is a STEWARDSHIP-- fear God (12:13)
[image error]
Kohelet, "son of David, and king in Jerusalem" alias Solomon, Wood engraving, c. 1866, by Gustave Doré.
Ecclesiastes is a book of perspective. The narrative of “the Preacher” (KJV), or “the Teacher” (NIV) reveals the depression that inevitably results from seeking happiness in worldly things. This book gives Christians a chance to see the world through the eyes of a person who, though very wise, is trying to find meaning in temporary, human things.
So the question -- "Is life worth living?" Solomon came to 4 arguments to support his conclusion:
1. The monotony of life
2. The vanity of wisdom
3. The futility of wealth
4. The certainty of death
Solomon initially investigated these issues and concluded that life is not worth living. But being the wise man that he was, he brought God into the picture and what a difference it made. He realized that life was not monotonous but filled with challenging situations from God, each in its own time and each for its own purpose. He also learned that wealth could be enjoyed and employed to the glory of God. Though man's wisdom couldn't explain everything, Solomon concluded that it was better to follow God's wisdom than to practice God's folly. As for the certainty of death, there is no way to escape it; and it ought to motivate us to enjoy life noe and make the most of the opportunities God gives us.
Solomon gives us four pictures of life and attach to each a practical admonition for his listeners/ readers to heed.
1. Life is an ADVENTURE -- live by faith. (11:1--6)
2. Life is a GIFT-- enjoy it (11:7--12:8)
3. Life is a SCHOOL--learn your lessons (12:9--12)
4. Life is a STEWARDSHIP-- fear God (12:13)
[image error]
Kohelet, "son of David, and king in Jerusalem" alias Solomon, Wood engraving, c. 1866, by Gustave Doré.
July 15, 2016
I appreciated how Wiersbe treated the book of Ecclesiastes in the context of the whole Bible. He combines Solomon's perspective from the book of Proverbs with his "changed" perspective in Ecclesiastes, along with a rich dose of New Testament passages to help readers grapple with how to find satisfaction in a world of troubles and discontentment.
The famous phrase, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die" is nowhere in Ecclesiastes unless you interpret it (as I used to) as a diatribe against life. Wiersbe points out that the phrase is actually, "Eat, drink and be merry, for every good thing comes from God's hand." (Some form of that phrase appears six times in the book.) He asserts that Solomon found no lasting pleasure in his power, riches and wives, but learned that true enjoyment came from accepting life's simple joys as gifts of a loving Father.
This book helped to change my attitude about the pessimistic tone of Ecclesiastes and I'm glad I read it.
The famous phrase, "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die" is nowhere in Ecclesiastes unless you interpret it (as I used to) as a diatribe against life. Wiersbe points out that the phrase is actually, "Eat, drink and be merry, for every good thing comes from God's hand." (Some form of that phrase appears six times in the book.) He asserts that Solomon found no lasting pleasure in his power, riches and wives, but learned that true enjoyment came from accepting life's simple joys as gifts of a loving Father.
This book helped to change my attitude about the pessimistic tone of Ecclesiastes and I'm glad I read it.
August 31, 2021
This is classic Wiersebe. He does a great job of summarizing and outlining the book. He gives a great sense of the text. If you know Wiersbe, you know what you are getting. Good commentary of its type.
May 14, 2024
Be Satisfied (Ecclesiastes); Looking for the Answer to the Meaning of Life is Warren Wiersbe’s commentary on that book of the Bible.
Ecclesiastes is a little different from the rest of the Bible. It almost sounds pessimistic at first glance. I like to think of it as “Life in a fallen world from a human point of view.”
Solomon writes about the “vanity” (a word used 38 times in this short book, meaning “emptiness, futility, vapor, that which vanishes quickly and leaves nothing behind,” p. 15) “under the sun” (a phrase used 29-times along with “under heaven” ). It’s assumed that Solomon wrote this book later in life. He calls himself “the Preacher” here, which, Wiersbe said, comes from a word which is “the title given to an official speaker who calls an assembly” (p. 17). “The Greek word for ‘assembly’ is ekklesia, and this gives us the English title of the book, Ecclesiastes” (p. 17).
Some of the “vanities” Solomon observed:
We’ve all made some of the same observations, and that can make life seem pretty bleak.
Thankfully, though, those facts don’t tell the whole story.
Solomon does mention some of the blessings of life as well: enjoying the rewards of your labor, companionship, food and drink, wisdom, and more.
He includes some general proverbs and warnings.
Solomon concludes his observations by saying, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).
After the beautiful “For everything there is a season” passage, Solomon says this:
We won’t understand everything in this life. But we know everything is not as it appears. God sees the big picture. And this life is not the end. His ways are best.
I enjoyed this time with Ecclesiastes, and I feel I gleaned more from it than I have before. The ESV Study Bible notes and Wiersbe’s thoughts were a big help.
Ecclesiastes is a little different from the rest of the Bible. It almost sounds pessimistic at first glance. I like to think of it as “Life in a fallen world from a human point of view.”
Solomon writes about the “vanity” (a word used 38 times in this short book, meaning “emptiness, futility, vapor, that which vanishes quickly and leaves nothing behind,” p. 15) “under the sun” (a phrase used 29-times along with “under heaven” ). It’s assumed that Solomon wrote this book later in life. He calls himself “the Preacher” here, which, Wiersbe said, comes from a word which is “the title given to an official speaker who calls an assembly” (p. 17). “The Greek word for ‘assembly’ is ekklesia, and this gives us the English title of the book, Ecclesiastes” (p. 17).
But the Preacher did more than call an assembly and give an oration. The word koheleth carries with it the idea of debating, not so much with the listeners as with himself. He would present a topic, discuss it from many viewpoints, and then come to a practical conclusion. Ecclesiastes may appear to be a random collection of miscellaneous ideas about a variety of topics, but Solomon assures us that what he wrote was orderly (12:9) (p. 17).
Some of the “vanities” Solomon observed:
You work hard all your life—and then you die.
Rich or poor, wise or foolish, everyone ends up in the grave.
The person you leave your accumulations and money to may not manage them well, but there’s nothing you can do about it.
Wealth and achievements don’t satisfy, at least for long.
There’s injustice even in the very places that are supposed to promote justice.
Power often rests with oppressors, leaving the oppressed no comfort or help.
Life seems like an endless cycle of the same old thing.
Sometimes good people suffer wrong and the wicked are rewarded.
We’ve all made some of the same observations, and that can make life seem pretty bleak.
Thankfully, though, those facts don’t tell the whole story.
Life is “not in vain” if it is lived according to the will of God, and that is what Solomon teaches in this neglected and often-misunderstood book (p. 17).
When you belong to the family of God through faith in the Son of God, life is not monotonous: It is a daily adventure that builds character and enables you to serve others to the glory of God. Instead of making decisions on the basis of the vain wisdom of this world, you will have God’s wisdom available to you (James 1: 5) (p. 22).
Face life honestly, but look at life from God’s perspective. Man’s philosophies will fail you. Use your God-given wisdom, but don’t expect to solve every problem or answer every question. The important thing is to obey God’s will and enjoy all that He gives you. Remember, death is coming—so, be prepared! (p. 24).
In Ecclesiastes 3: 11, Solomon explains why men and women are not satisfied with life: God has put “eternity in their heart” (NASB, NKJV) and nobody can find peace and satisfaction apart from Him. “Thou hast made us for Thyself,” prayed St. Augustine, “and our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee” (p. 31).
Life is something like a doctor’s prescription: taken alone, the ingredients might kill you; but properly blended, they bring healing. God is sovereignly in control and has a time and a purpose for everything (Rom. 8: 28). This is not fatalism, nor does it rob us of freedom or responsibility. It is the wise providence of a loving Father who does all things well and promises to make everything work for good (p. 54).
God balances our lives by giving us enough blessings to keep us happy and enough burdens to keep us humble (p. 105).
Solomon does mention some of the blessings of life as well: enjoying the rewards of your labor, companionship, food and drink, wisdom, and more.
He includes some general proverbs and warnings.
Solomon concludes his observations by saying, “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).
Solomon was not suggesting that we are passive actors in a cosmic drama, following an unchangeable script handed to us by an uncaring director. Throughout this book, Solomon has emphasized our freedom of discernment and decision. But only God knows what the future holds for us and what will happen tomorrow because of the decisions we make today (p. 124).
Though man’s wisdom couldn’t explain everything, Solomon concluded that it was better to follow God’s wisdom than to practice man’s folly (p. 147).
When Solomon looked at life “under the sun,” everything was fragmented and he could see no pattern. But when he looked at life from God’s point of view, everything came together into one whole. If man wants to have wholeness, he must begin with God (p. 157).
After the beautiful “For everything there is a season” passage, Solomon says this:
I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man (3:11-13).
We won’t understand everything in this life. But we know everything is not as it appears. God sees the big picture. And this life is not the end. His ways are best.
I enjoyed this time with Ecclesiastes, and I feel I gleaned more from it than I have before. The ESV Study Bible notes and Wiersbe’s thoughts were a big help.
June 27, 2011
I have never enjoyed reading the book of Ecclesiastes as much as I did after reading this book. Usually I read the Bible and then the commentary. This time I read the commentary first. (It was a great book to read while sitting in the doctor's office) Solomon ask the question Is life worth living? The whole book basically answers this question. According to Wiersbe, Soloman anwers the question with a resounding Yes!! Wiersbe points out the many questions that Solmon ask and then he points out that to many of these questions there are no anwers given. The book spoke to me becaues I have often dealt with the issue of why good people suffer. After I read the book there was much to about which to think and meditate.
August 19, 2016
"Be Satisfied" is a commentary on Ecclesiastes. The author provided information about the book of Ecclesiastes (probable author, when written, etc.). Then he went through Ecclesiastes and expounded upon each group of verses. Much of what he said I've previously heard in sermons or I already understood just from reading the verses. He had some ideas that I hadn't heard before regarding a few of the less-clear verses. It was worth reading, but I didn't find it as useful as some of his other commentaries in this series.
April 22, 2016
Despite my surname, I had never before read right through Ecclesiastes. The biblical book is quite short, as is Wiersbe's commentary. I'm grateful for Warren Wiersbe's ability to see the positive in what seems at times to be a very negative accumulation of thoughts by Solomon. There is wisdom - it is explained - but somehow I found this less encouraging than I did Proverbs and Wiersbe's help there. I'll move on to Psalms now...
August 6, 2016
Learn to be satisfied
It is An informative explanation of the book of ecclesiastics. The author is deep yet readable. The questions after each chapter help you to learn more and meditate.
It is An informative explanation of the book of ecclesiastics. The author is deep yet readable. The questions after each chapter help you to learn more and meditate.
December 14, 2010
Another of Wiersbe's great devotional commentaries, this one on the book of Ecclesiastes.
February 1, 2014
This book has really helped me explore Ecclesiastes and see it in a whole new way. Was really great for a bible study and for personal study both of which i used if for.
December 11, 2012
Finally! I have finished this book. I love the book that is why I couldn't let go of it. What every person need is God in their heart to be satisfied.
January 15, 2014
Good study of the book of Ecclesiastes.
July 1, 2017
This is a book to read and reread, there is so much to absorb.
August 9, 2016
Well written. Wiersbe writes so that the average person can understand deep spiritual truths.
July 23, 2016
This little commentary proved useful as I taught through Ecclesiastes. Wiersbe is great for application. Enjoyed it.
October 3, 2016
Good read. Always enjoy Wiersbe's brevity.
November 7, 2016
A good book to read together with Ecclesiastes that gives a good overview and also points to Jesus and what he has done for us.
March 17, 2019
My closest friends know that I wanted to die now. They know that my dream is to have cancer and then die. It is insensitive indeed but it is really just up there in my thoughts waiting for the right time. But I don't want to kill myself. I believe these thoughts formed when I went depressed and death has been an acceptable destination for me. So reading thus surprised me when Solomon is telling us to accept death, that death is inevitable. I haven't read Ecclesiastes verses before and reading this analysis felt like Solomon and I believe the same ideas. And the book of Ecclesiastes seems a very poetic book.
I've been wanting to die not because I'm ungrateful of God's gift of life. Life is what I don't like. Life is unfair, the world is unfair, the problems the troubles the stress. Ever since I became depressed every bit of stress at work and sudden unwelcome change in my daily routine makes me extremely anxious and I feel the damning heavy feeling all over again. Now I do not dream for myself, I do not plan anything, I don't aspire for anything. Solomon wants us to accept that life is unfair that all of this world is vanity and vexation of spirit. It enlightened me for all this time someone in the Bible declared that everything under the sun is vanity. But he said to put God in everything and that would give meaning or purpose in life. That accepting death means living your life and having faith in God would not make our life lived in vain.
Solomon proved that life is futile and we won't find fulfillment in anything under the sun. But we put faith in the Lord and enjoy every day and be grateful. If we do everything for God with God, it will be a satisfying life.
I've been wanting to die not because I'm ungrateful of God's gift of life. Life is what I don't like. Life is unfair, the world is unfair, the problems the troubles the stress. Ever since I became depressed every bit of stress at work and sudden unwelcome change in my daily routine makes me extremely anxious and I feel the damning heavy feeling all over again. Now I do not dream for myself, I do not plan anything, I don't aspire for anything. Solomon wants us to accept that life is unfair that all of this world is vanity and vexation of spirit. It enlightened me for all this time someone in the Bible declared that everything under the sun is vanity. But he said to put God in everything and that would give meaning or purpose in life. That accepting death means living your life and having faith in God would not make our life lived in vain.
Solomon proved that life is futile and we won't find fulfillment in anything under the sun. But we put faith in the Lord and enjoy every day and be grateful. If we do everything for God with God, it will be a satisfying life.
Read
June 12, 2020I read this book for a devotion I facilitate with my family one a weekly basis. Using the Be series of books has been great for this purpose. I really learned more about the book of Ecclesiastes than I have when I read the book on my own. What I had been missing was some of the cultural and historical contexts that the book author self-described as the Preacher is writing with. Warren Wiersbe does a great job decomposing what the Preacher is implying with much of the text.
Wiersbe is a great expositor and his writing style is not too complex for the reader who might not know the original Hebrew meanings. He takes time to break down words and his illustrations are supplementary to the biblical text and easy to understand.
What I came way understanding was how Ecclesiastes is a different book from Proverbs, while Proverbs is a book of wise sayings, Ecclesiastes is an observation and analysis of life. The Preacher goes around in all aspects of culture and society observing people from different economic backgrounds and stations in life. He provides arguments for the standard of life without God and reevaluates his conclusions with God in mind.
It a great book for personal reading, devotions, or group bible studies. Wiersbe provides some thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter and each chapter is digestible for a brief reading.
December 6, 2025
Another helpful guide to a difficult biblical book. I wouldn't have known the background or history of Ecclesiastes without Wiersbe's discussion. His outline helped me see the themes in the book, and navigate through the chapters.
Wiersbe said that the Preacher may not be Solomon, but whoever it is, he's looking at four problems with life:
1. Life is cyclical and monotonous.
2. Wisdom is vain since it can't explain everything or save you from the same end as a fool.
3. Wealth is futile since it can't save you from death and isn't eternal.
4. Death and judgement are certain. All die and God brings all under His right rule.
So what do we do? Wiersbe summarized and explained the conclusions well. We live life with God, in godly fear, and follow God's ways. We enjoy His gifts. And we prepare and live by God's wisdom since we know death and judgement are certain.
Wiersbe said that the Preacher may not be Solomon, but whoever it is, he's looking at four problems with life:
1. Life is cyclical and monotonous.
2. Wisdom is vain since it can't explain everything or save you from the same end as a fool.
3. Wealth is futile since it can't save you from death and isn't eternal.
4. Death and judgement are certain. All die and God brings all under His right rule.
So what do we do? Wiersbe summarized and explained the conclusions well. We live life with God, in godly fear, and follow God's ways. We enjoy His gifts. And we prepare and live by God's wisdom since we know death and judgement are certain.
November 29, 2018
Ecclesiastes is ione of the greatest books ever written it really takes you to the heart of the problems of life and offers the solution to the greatest questions we have.
Wiersbe has a really good brief devotional commentary here.
This is well written and inspiring another good book in the series.
Wiersbe has a really good brief devotional commentary here.
This is well written and inspiring another good book in the series.
April 2, 2020
This commentary brought so much enlightenment to me. I’ve read Ecclesiastes many times, but always found it difficult to understand. I really didn’t understand many of the illustrations that Solomon was citing due to their ancient meaning. I like the way Wiersbe explains the illustrations and what they represent. I recommend this book to anyone, who is interested in understanding Ecclesiastes.
February 18, 2025
Ecclesiastes is one of the books in the Bible I've had trouble understanding. Wiersbe's approach and explanations helped make it more clear to me. He does say that it is one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible and I believe he is right. I am glad to have had the opportunity to read his commentary on it.
January 19, 2018
Weirsbe has great insight in all his writings, but I especially enjoyed his commentary for Ecclesiastes. A great read if you find yourself desiring worldly aspirations instead of being content with God's plan for your life.
November 15, 2021
It helps to understand the Book of Ecclesiastes it takes it chapter by chapter and breaks down the verses to help you understand. There are questions at the end of each chapter to reflect on what you have read. I recommend for either individual study or group study.
August 18, 2018
The author provides a great explanation of the Bibles’ book of ecclesiastics. The questions after each chapter help you to learn more and meditate.
January 2, 2022
Good study on Ecclesiastes.
March 24, 2023
Good resource
This book is helpful. It has some great insight and will help you break down Ecclesiastes so that you can understand and teach it better.
This book is helpful. It has some great insight and will help you break down Ecclesiastes so that you can understand and teach it better.
August 3, 2024
Studied this over the summer with friends. It still amazes me that Wiersbe’s commentary feels just right for today’s culture and yet it was written in 1990!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews