A Life Well Lived: A Study of the Book of Ecclesiastes

by Tommy Nelson

In the desire and quest to make sense of the world and our existence, three great sirens have lured men and women into a lull with the empty promise to make their lives meaningful. The great king of Israel, Solomon, though the wisest man, was not immune to their song. But at the end of his life, Solomon, in all of his God-given wisdom, stopped to contemplate on all that competed for his attention. He wrote his conclusions in the Book of Ecclesiastes.Tommy Nelson continues his study of Solomon's writings by taking an in-depth look at Ecclesiastes. In a world such as ours, where the search for meaning and purpose propels mankind to try everything under the sun, Solomon's conclusions ring louder than ever for a people who need answers more than ever.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Christianity, Religion, Christian Living, Nonfiction

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

Tommy Nelson has served as the pastor of Denton Bible Church, located in Denton, Texas, since 1977. He is also a best-selling author (The Book of Romance, Better Love Now, A Life Well-Lived) and popular national marriage conference speaker. Nelson holds degrees in education and biblical studies and has been married to his wife Teresa for more than thirty years.

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clear guide to the book of Ecclesiastes written in sturdy, serviceable prose. This read fell at a good time in my life, when I needed the reminder to do the right things, enjoy the blessings of daily life, and let the chips fall where they may.

[K · Rating 1 out of 5]

On page 2, is Nelson really saying that 9/11 was bigger than the Holocaust??? If not, that sentence about Germany is pretty random...Page 15 - evolution dehumanizes people? His history is...weird...and blatantly right winged. Page 24 - Nelson refers to the missionary in Mosquito Coast as "portrayed in the worst light possible" when Nelson has done the same thing to all groups mentioned in his book so far...I can't finish this.

[Dmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent study of Ecclesiastes with wonderful insights and examples that make studying this book of Solomon's a true joy!!

[Vanessa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This books brings some good insights about Ecclesiastes, however, it is overfilled with random stories about random people just to make a point. This book could have been much shorter and still useful. I understand Tommy was trying to apply passages to people’s lives but when every verse he explains uses a story, it’s a bit too much. Also some things are repeated too many times( like his favourite ice cream).

For someone reading this in 2026, I found a lot of the references and comments to be outdated and at times borderline inappropriate. For example, let’s take the story given about the man who committed suicide because his life didn’t go according to his plan and he couldn’t control it, and from a young age he was separating his peas and his carrots, trying to “control things”… what if this person had OCD? Or some sort of mental health disorders? Tommy calls him a fool for ending his life in his 20s, just to make a point about not being able to control life. But he sounds insensitive to what could have been going on in this young man’s life. No explanation is given and so we’re to take that because this man separated his vegetables as a kid it means he killed himself because his life didn’t go according to his plan. I felt quite disturbed by the lack of empathy Tommy displayed in sharing this story.

Or what about the story of the boy who died in a car accident because he was not wearing his seatbelt? “He was dead at 18, trapped underneath a car with a belly full of beer. What do you say to that Solomon? Stupid, that’s what he says” p.114
Where is the empathy for the family of this boy? Why use tragedies to make a points? There was no need to write a whole page describing this very specific story in detail just to make the point that if we make stupid decisions we may end our life before it’s time.

At the end of his book, Tommy lets us know he doesn’t read much else than the Bible and commentaries. I think his book is proof of that. I hope that since writing this book Tommy has read a few mental health books and world history books.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never read the book of Ecclesiastes...I was honestly intimidated by it. Then my men's group picked this book to work through as we studied Ecclesiastes. First off, if you haven't read Ecclesiastes, you're missing out.

By God's grace, Tommy Nelson walks through Ecclesiastes in a way that is clear, entertaining, and easy to understand. A very helpful tool for studying a wonderful book of the Bible.

[Brucie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely required reading, after the book of Ecclesiastes in The Bible. Clear and simple acknowledgment, from one of the wisest men ever, that Almighty God is in control, people can not understand everything about God, and our life on earth can have picnic moments but adversity is certain and prosperity is fleeting.

True explanation of life on earth.

[Aaron Eldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study of Ecclesiastes that helps put one of the books of wisdom into tangible terms for todays world. Highly recommend for anyone who is looking for help understanding the book of Ecclesiastes.

[Chris Lunn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it and great study/insight on Ecclesiastes.

[Patti Keblusek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought Provoking

I know what the author was saying is true, however, some of it is very hard to take. Much more so in the beginning. I enjoyed his sense of humor.

[J.A. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it to be one of the best studies on Ecclesiastes. Pastor Nelson has such a way of explaining things that makes it understandable and relatable.

[Ronnie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight!

Tommy Nelson gives good insight into some would be dark and depressing words and shows us the light shining out of these difficult scriptures.

[Tonja, · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I must admit there were many times that I disagreed with his examples and analysis. No big deal, I just wrote my thoughts in the margin.

[Jd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book that reminds me to enjoy my life and know God. Want to be better at marriage? Know God. Raise your kids right? Know God. Always timely advice

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second time I’ve read this study. It’s excellent. Easy to read and understand. If you are wanting a deeper dive into the book of Ecclesiastes, this is the book for you.

[Daneen Krygsheld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Video/bible study with community group. Loved learning about Ecclesiastes!

[JAD · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful, accessible, and practical resource that walks expositionally through Ecclesiastes.

[Brooke Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tommy Nelson’s book A Life Well Lived walks the reader through the book of Ecclesiastes in an easy-to-read manner. Nelson’s tone is conversational as if you were sitting with him having coffee discussing King Solomon and the meaning of life.

Nelson divides the book of Ecclesiastes into seven chapters and then goes line-by-line explaining the text. He uses many biblical and modern day examples to illustrate his points.

Nelson definitely says some things that make you think.
• “There is no happiness in life without God.” (page 38).

• “Have you ever considered that one of God’s great mercies toward you is that He restricts the
amount of money you make?” (page 80)

• “There is no greater blessing than wisdom.” (page 115)

This book emphasizes the importance of spending time in God’s Word, meditating on it, and memorizing it. I appreciate the reminder that my time here on earth is limited and to prioritize spending time with God. “Man’s highest purpose is not simply to enjoy life, but rather to know God.” (page 98)

I enjoyed Chapter 6 “When Bad is Better.” It reminds me that trials have a purpose of refining us. “Trials purify you. Trials show you what you are…Trials perfect you…Trials make you go to Christ.” (page 94)

Nelson does a good job of distilling complex ideas into easy-to-understand language. I recommend this book to anyone who is frustrated with life and is looking for answers.

[Lara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was supposed to be reading this for a group study thing, but...I'm not going to finish it. I've read up to the fourth chapter or so, but I don't feel like Nelson is terribly insightful about Ecclesiastes, and some of the things he says are just...so ridiculous. Or sloppy. Or overly dramatic. I feel like throwing the book down in either disgust or a fit of laughter every time I pick it up. So I'm just going to concede defeat on this one.

[Vijay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The editing for the first couple of chapters of the book requires some work, but it was interesting enough for me to keep going and as one gets a hang of Tommy's writing style, it is an inspirational read. I loved the encouragement one gets from A Life Well Lived- and I intend on reading it at least once a year.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an easy read. Tommy Nelson writes like he teaches in person.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry, but thought-provoking about what the popularly-quoted book means.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good study in the Book of Ecclesiastes.

[Fran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical

Common sense look at Ecclesiastes. Many ministry illustrations are used.
Recommended for anyone interested in the meaning of life.
Good.