Ecclesiastes would best be described as one of the least-known books of the Bible. One likely cause of this is the book's unfortunate and peculiar name. Were it to be given a modern title, "Life Sucks" would be a particularly good suggestion. The book begins with the line, "Meaningless, meaningless says the teacher. Everything is meaningless." It then goes on to rather successfully prove that point.

Somehow, the treasures in this particular book were rediscovered in the mid 19th century when a portion of the book was set to music, and became known as "Turn! Turn! Turn!" This is how most people in modern times know the book. However, it is one of the most realistic looks at life offered in Biblical canon.

It posits that whether one is filthy rich or dirt poor, one will return to the filth and the dirt upon his death, therefore wealth is meaningless. It further states that whether one works hard or spends his life lying in the street begging for scraps, one ends up six feet under the street, and therefore work is meaningless.

This is the theme of the book. It concludes that all should enjoy whatever good they can on this sorry planet, and all should strive to love and serve God as He is in control of the entire ball of wax.

This is a particularly helpful read if one is in need of putting things in perspective. However, it is not advised that readers pick up this book if they are looking to escape. We strongly suggest a good fantasy or science fiction novel. This one is quite a heavy load of reality.