Don't Waste Your Breath: Ecclesiastes and the Joy of a Fleeting Life

by Brian Borgman

Your life is a mere breath. This reality can be difficult for us to live by. The book of Ecclesiastes takes us on a journey to show us that although this life is a vapor, it is still a gift from God meant to be enjoyed. Instead of giving a pessimistic look at life under the sun, Ecclesiastes shows us how to glorify God in this fleeting life by enjoying the ordinary, good gifts God bestows.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Jonathan Roberts]

This was so good! I only found this when I was half-way through my study of Ecclesiastes, it is so good. Making what is confusing so clear. I highly recommend this!

[Nate DeRochie]

This was a good read. It is encouraging to read more popular level books taking the “Breath or Vapor” view of hebel, rather than the “vanity or meaningless” view.

Positives of this book: It is extremely readable and filled with pastoral wisdom and insight that is constantly grounded in the biblical text. It accurately and compellingly expounds the main idea of Ecclesiastes, that our lives are fleeting but are, nevertheless, good gifts from a good God to be enjoyed with thanksgiving. Another book with a similar take is Gibson’s “Living Life Backwards,” which I also highly recommend.

Negatives of this book: I wish the book had better editing. There were several footnote formatting errors that could have been avoided with more thorough editing. Also, Borgman, while correctly noting (contra most) that the Epilogue is not contrary to the message of the rest of Ecclesiastes, doesn’t end up landing the book in a way that emphasizes that understanding.

Overall, however, this was an extremely helpful read. I would highly recommend picking it up, especially if you have only ever been exposed to the “vanity or meaningless” view of hebel and the message of Ecclesiastes. There is much wisdom in this often misunderstood book of the Bible.

[Michael Dionne]

Illuminating and clear. Convinced me that “vanity” is better translated “breath” or “vapour,” which immediately allows the book of Ecclesiastes to become more easily interpreted and applied. Couldn’t recommend highly enough!

[Karen Borrusch]

"Your anchor in the mist is the character of God, even when what He is doing is veiled with mystery. " Amen.

[Zorina Shepard]

What an incredible book on the book of Ecclesiastes!
If Ecclesiastes is a book of the Bible that bewilders you or seems to not fit with the message of the rest of the Bible, this book is for you! This is a book every Christian should read. Brian Borgman takes a very unique stance on this book of the Bible. Is life meaningless or vain? The Hebrew word used here that sometimes gets translated as vanity or meaningless is, hebel. Borgman argues that this word should rather be translated as mist or vapor. He explains why and how he got to this conclusion. Our lives are short and but a mist. He walks readers through the book of Ecclesiastes through each passage. This exposition of Ecclesiastes was so encouraging to me and challenged me to life this short life well to the glory of God. If you have found Ecclesiastes to be a depressing book of the Bible, Borgman will change that in this book. He does a wonderful job of showing us that this life is a gift full of purpose though fleeting. The foreword by Paul Washer was great too! This book would be great for Bible studies!

Highly recommend this book!

[Caleb Lofthus]

I know we are only a quarter of the way through the year, but I am giving Brian Borgman’s book, “Don’t Waste Your Breath” the “most impactful book of 2025” award. Not that it means anything coming from me.

It can be natural for the Christian, living in a society that often abuses the good gifts of God, to think that the moral high ground for their sanctification is to reject these gifts and adopt asceticism and monasticism. Brian offers his readers a better way. Brian shows us that when we are honest with ourselves about the brevity of life, we can stare death in the face by accepting & enjoying the good gifts which God has already approved for us to enjoy. Indeed, man’s chief end is to glorify God & to enjoy Him.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely bright
In the light of His glory and grace

[Josh]

This might be my new favorite popular commentary on Ecclesiastes, surpassing Gibson's work only because Borgman covers all the text. (Gibson skips Ecc 6.) Borgman writes well and gives exceptional exposition of Ecclesiastes - the work of a veteran pastor and preacher. If I had slight quibbles, it's that I think he's overly literal on Ecc. 11 (he applies it only to money and finances) and the imagery of aging in Ecc. 12 (Derek Kidner's helpful argues that we should let the total effect of the images strike us rather than trying to discern precise referents for each). But those are very minor. A great book.

[Ryle]

I love Ecclesiastes, but I find that so many commentators and authors simply misunderstand the main message of this book. I was delighted to read this book by Borgman, because I find that he is one of the only authors I've read that understands the idea at the heart of Ecclesiastes. Life is not vain or meaningless-- rather, it is fleeting! So enjoy the gifts God has given while they are here. In the end, it is a comforting and convicting message, and one that has brought me a lot of clarity. I highly recommend this book.

[Michael]

An informative and practical walk through a difficult book. He argues that we have an overly negative view on this book and that vanity is better translated breath or vapor. That our lives are gifts even though they are challenging and perplexing. That this short life should be enjoyed and praise given to the Lord even when we are faced with the curse and complexities that we cant fully understand. If you are planning on reading Ecclesiastes, I would highly suggest this commentary!

[Blake]

An absolutely fanctastic read. Brian Borgman has, in my opinion, knocked this one out of the park and has provided a humble, practical, and understandable commentary on the incredible Biblical book titled Ecclesiastes. It was great devotional reading and one that I can categorically say, every believer should read.

[Chris Frost]

This book did much to open up my understanding of Ecclesiastes. I've always struggled with the idea of having this sad little nihilistic book in the middle of the story of God's redemptive plan. But once he explains that most of our modern translations are simply misinterpreting one repetitive word, it all fell into place.

[Gray Kingrea]

Calms anxiety and gives a great overview of a seemingly confusing book of scripture

[Brandon James Wilson]

Hands down the best book on Ecclesiastes

This book is hands down the best “commentary” on Ecclesiastes. Take your time and read it carefully! Excellent and life changing book.

[Dan]

I was encouraged by this book to see this brief life as the gift of God and to enjoy it to the full, fearing God and and keeping His commandments.

[Andy Sherrill]

Truly a breath of fresh air! Cannot commend this book highly enough!