There is no easy answer to the meaning of life–even when you believe in God.

The book of Ecclesiastes seeks to answer the question: “”What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?”” The book’s central character is Qoheleth, who wants to understand the meaning of life as far as he possibly can with the tools of his own empirical observation and reason. He struggles to reconcile the beautiful world that we love and enjoy with the baffling world of injustice, suffering, and death. Qoheleth circles around an abyss of nihilism and pessimism. He lives with unanswered questions. Yet he remains a believer.

Old Testament scholar Christopher J. H. Wright invites you to join Qoheleth on a journey through wisdom literature from centuries ago, because the message of Ecclesiastes can be strangely reassuring as we put our faith to the test in today’s post-modern era. There will be disorienting twists and turns and the occasional complete impasse as complex topics are discussed, like:

• The meaning of life
• Mysteries of time and injustice
• Ambiguities of work, politics, worship, and wealth

Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes won’t answer your questions about the meaning of life, but it will ultimately help you live in the tension of God’s gifts in Genesis 1-2 and the fallen world of Genesis 3–and still go on trusting in the sovereign goodness of God.

Critic Reviews

‘Chris Wright is not only a brilliant scholar but also a great communicator. He is one of those rare speakers, thinkers and authors who can straddle the academic and the accessible without compromising either one. His multiple expositions of biblical books are a gift and this one does not disappoint. Ecclesiastes speaks to our day in exceptionally powerful ways but, as with life, it is not always easy to understand. Chris helps the reader to track ‘the Preacher’s’ journey as he wrestles with the enigmas of life. The lay Christian and the preacher will find this book a wonderful resource, as will anyone struggling with the meaning of life. It is hard not to recommend it too much!’ — Rev Dr Craig G. Bartholomew, Director, Kirby Laing Centre for Public Theology in Cambridge

‘For me, Ecclesiastes is the book in the Bible I least understand, and yet Chris Wright is one of the expositors I most respect in the world. What a gift, then, this book is, to me and to many! Here we find an explanation of this strange and compelling portion of Scripture that simultaneously clarifies the meaning of the text and casts a vision for us today of what it means to live by this eternal wisdom.’ — John Dickson (PhD Ancient History), author and historian, Jean Kvamme Distinguished Professor, Wheaton College, Illinois

‘In Hearing the Message of Ecclesiastes, Chris Wright invites readers to navigate the twists and turns of Qoheleth’s journey in Ecclesiastes, and he proves himself a wise and helpful guide to those who take up the invitation. Chris introduces Qoheleth as a person of faith who knows God and what the world is supposed to be like and yet one who personally feels the inscrutability and pain of lived experience. Chris rightly believes and aptly demonstrates that the experience of Qoheleth and the message of the book is surprisingly relevant for many today who find themselves asking difficult questions about faith and life.’ — Dave Beldman, associate professor of biblical studies at the Missional Training Center in Arizona

‘This reflection on Ecclesiastes is another gift by Christopher Wright to the church. With his trademark skill, Wright offers readers a clear exposition of a challenging biblical book that is full of practical insights informed by solid scholarship and broad life experience. Theologically sensitive and pastoral in tone, this volume is a wonderful guide into engaging the complexities of life with faith in God.’ — M. Daniel Carroll R. (Rodas), PhD, Scripture Press Ministries Professor of Biblical Studies and Pedagogy, Wheaton College and Graduate School