Ecc 1:1-14 – The Question of Materialism
Jan 11, 2026 • Dr. G. Wayne Luna
In the opening section of Ecclesiastes, Solomon proposes a specific question, "What does a main gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?" In other words, what permanent profit goes a man have from his life's work? The question is what role does materialism play in finding and satisfaction, meaning, and purpose, and joy in life?
In other words, if you could have anything in this life, would it make for true joy and happiness? Solomon invites us to see his conclusion on the matter when he says, "I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after the wind."