My interpretation (from NIV version, corrections and clarifications welcome)
Executive Abstract:
Pursuit of Knowledge and Wisdom alone may not provide sustenance.1 Some may labor to achieve much only to give up the fruit of their efforts to others whom god favors. Empire building may provide only transient satisfaction.2 It is a wise person who recognizes the bounty of enough and takes pleasure in that which life has provided.3,4 A group may be stronger than an individual in the pursuit of survival and prosperity.4
Select extracts, 1-4;
1:17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. 18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
2:24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,
2:26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.
3:12-13,3:22 {Enjoy your activities, understanding that you may play a key role in the larger scheme of things}
4:6 {Simplicity, know when enough is enough}
4:6 Better one handful with tranquillity than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind
4:9-12 {Team power} |
