Timing (Eccl 3:1-4:6)

If work has no single, unchanging purpose, perhaps it has a myriad of purposes, each meaningful in its own time. The Teacher explores this in the famous chapter beginning, “For everything there is...

Friendship (Eccl 4:7-4:16)

Perhaps relationships offer real meaning in work. The Teacher extols the value of friendships at work. “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil” (Eccl. 4:9, emphasis...

Joy (Eccl 5:1-6:9)

Find Joy in Every Task (Click to Watch) Joe T. Garcia’s is a busy restaurant and considered an icon in Fort Worth, Texas. Lanny Lancarte and his wife Jodi are part of the...

There Is No Way to Find Out What Is Good to Do (Eccl 6:10-8:17)

A life of toil amounts to a chasing after wind, for the results of work are not permanent in the world as...

There is No Way to Know What Comes Afterwards (Eccl 9:1-11:6)

Perhaps it would be possible to work out what is best to do in life if it were possible to know what...

A Poem on Youth and Old Age (Eccl 11:7-12:8)

The Teacher concludes with a poem exhorting the young to good cheer (Eccl. 11:7-12:1) and recounting the troubles of old age (Eccl...

Epilogue of Praise for the Teacher (Eccl 12:9-14)

There follows an epilogue about, rather than by, the Teacher. It praises his wisdom and repeats his admonition to fear God. It...

Conclusions to Ecclesiastes

What are we to make of this mix of good and ill, meaning and vanity, action and ignorance, which the Teacher finds in life and work? Work is a “chasing after wind,” as...

Things Keep Changing

Career Cycles

Caple is another writer who has thought a great deal about transitions, particularly as they relate to changing our career.[1] He suggests that we are in fact, continually undergoing a transition process –...

Living in the Light of the World’s Needs

Chapter 14: SoulPurpose: A Mission for Life

If you want to identify me, ask me not where I live, or what I like to eat, or how I comb...

Work in the Bible

Chapter 5: Futile Work: Struggle and Frustration

The biblical writers are very realistic in their appraisal of what work can be like as a result of the Fall. Take...

The Worth of All Work (Sermon Notes)

"Don't tell me that I am doing work of any social value like people who work in the Health Service - I...

Work Through the Whole Bible, Part 5: Psalm - Song of Songs (Devotional)

Do you wonder if God has anything to say about your work? Explore key verses from each...

Work-Life Balance (1-Hour Small Group Study)

Navigate the modern challenge of balancing work responsibilities with life's other pursuits.

Teach Seminary Students How to Preach to Workplace Christians

Work with Contentment - Lessons from Ecclesiastes When teaching seminary students to preach, it is key that future pastors learn to speak...