Meaning From The Meaningless

I just finished reading Ecclesiastes, and I'm not sure what to say. I've read it before, but this time seems to have the most impact on me. Perhaps I'm in the years that Solomon references as so difficult, and it helps put into perspective the life I live. Could I also say that Ecclesiastes is a book written by a guy having a bad day. It is the chief area of the Bible where as you read you find that his observations are sometimes the reverse of truth kind of like ancient sarcasm.

There are times when it is downright depressing to read, and other times when the truth is so poignant I had to re-read certain verses over and over. I journaled some of them with observations and many I thought I should write down, they were so important, but decided that they had been written down and were available in my Bible anytime. I suppose I'd really like to inscribe them in the pages of my heart and mind.

At the end of his reflections on all that life is about he concludes with a summary statement:

"Now all has been heard here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil."

--Ben