What does a man gain?

Each generation raises the question of the point and purpose of life just as Solomon asked “What shall a man gain for all of his toil?” Two world views are expressed in the book of Ecclesiastes. One view recognizes that God is the authority over all things, and the second view declares that the sum of all things in this life is vanity. The views contrasts a life lived in submission to God and a life lived in selfish pursuit.

Solomon begins with the assertion that all is vanity, meaningless, and without purpose. The cycles of life are like vapor; life is like smoke and from the perspective of this earth man gains nothing in a life outside of submission to the Lord. All things move and change and yet basically stay the same throughout all generations, and without Christ the changing cycles of life are a burden upon all men. The experiences of life are full of labor and weariness bringing additional toil even in basic enjoyment. Outside of Christ there is no purpose in this life its pleasure, memory, or labor; however, in Christ the labors and toil for holiness and the church in this life are not in vain and will be remembered by God Himself for all eternity.