The book of Ecclesiastes is so important because it shows us that ultimate meaning and lasting satisfaction cannot be found ‘under the sun.’ That phrase is used some 30 times throughout the book and it describes a view of life that is strictly earth bound. Solomon, the writer of Ecclesiastes, uses this phrase to make his argument that life under the sun is ‘vanity,’ or a wisp of smoke. Our lives cannot be understood if our gaze goes no further than the sun. By his own admission, Solomon had set out on a quest to find meaning in things such as wisdom and knowledge, pleasure and thrill seeking, work and career, wealth and possessions. He tells us in chapter 2 that no matter how hard he tried, he could not think his way into life, he could not feel his way into life, he could not work his way into life, and he could not collect his way into life. He comes to the conclusion that apart from God, no one can have true and lasting enjoyment. Only God infuses life with meaning and ultimate purpose. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at what Solomon goes on to say next here in chapter 3.