The NET Bible translates Ecclesiastes 1:14 in striking but despairing words: I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man on earth, and I concluded: Everything he has accomplished is futile – like chasing the wind! The phrase “chasing the wind” is a masterful metaphor from the pen of King Solomon. He uses this expression to create a sense of futility and hopelessness in the mind of his reader. One author reviews the entire verse and quantifies Solomon’s thoughts as “a graphic picture of effort expended with no results gained since no one can catch wind by running after it” (Glenn). What could possibly be more depressing?
Solomon probably wrote his wisdom book in the latter half of his life (12:1), at a time when, “He did not follow the Lord completely” (1 Kings 11:6). His work, which includes two main sections, has four parts. The opening words of 1:1-2 provide the startling entrance into the book with the well-known statement, “All is vanity,” or as Walt Kaiser translates, “Everything is temporary.” Then, the first major section (1:3 – 6:9) develops around Solomon’s initial question: “What advantage does man have in all his work which he does under the sun?” The second major section (6:10 – 12:7) revolves around the question: “Who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?” This question highlights two looming concerns in every man’s heart: the certainty of death and the uncertainty of what could happen in the afterlife. Finally, the book closes (12:8-14) by bringing both concerns to their ultimate resolution, and he shares it with those seeking wisdom—I have reached this conclusion: Fear God and keep his commandments, because this is the whole duty of man. For God will evaluate every deed including every secret thing, whether good or evil (12:13–14).
It is within the first major section of Ecclesiastes (1:3 – 6:9) that Solomon employs his striking
expression “chasing the wind” —not once, but nine times! Let me give you a sampling: “all achievements and possessions are ultimately profitless – like chasing the wind” (2:11); “all the benefits of wisdom are futile – like chasing the wind” (2:17); and “continual longing is futile – like chasing the wind” (6:9). These quotations reflect Solomon’s uneasiness with life’s purpose. What a paradox: the wisest of men is thinking like the most cynical of men.
However, Solomon’s thoughts display an important truth. In 2:25 he speaks from his own experience: “No one can eat and drink or experience joy apart from God.” Here is the evocative reality of life: both the good gifts of life and their enjoyment are from God alone. In chapter 5, Solomon graphically reveals what life is like without the Lord: “in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness” (v. 7); “one will never be satisfied with money” (v. 10); “wealth may be lost through bad luck” (v. 14); and, “just as man came from his mother’s womb, naked he will return as he came” (v. 15). Yet, Solomon concludes these thoughts of emptiness with this truth: only God gives “riches and wealth” and empowers man to enjoy them, such is “the gift of God” (v. 19).
Let me conclude with Solomon’s foundational pillars in Ecclesiastes (1:3 – 6:9) which should mark our routine of life. First, human life is more than what one can see or touch in the moment. There is a supernatural, sovereign element to all that man is and does. If man does not acknowledge God as this Sovereign One, then life is empty and will be like one “chasing the wind.” Second, because life is more than a horizontal expression, man should live and act with the joy that God is using his life far beyond what the present moment may reveal. What a great way to live! Solomon expressed it this way: “God has made everything fit beautifully in its appropriate time … so that people cannot discover what God has ordained” (3:11). So, when man views his life and life-experiences from God’s perspective, his futile-life-outlook will be reversed. Instead of “chasing the wind,” he will “find enjoyment in his toil [as a] gift of God” (5:19).