1. He knows he will die (9:1–4)
discloses only as much as his perfect wisdom dictates and holds all men accountable. Those who refuse to take God and his word seriously are doomed to lives of the severest vanity.
Outline
The book chronicles Solomon's investigations and conclusions regarding man's lifework, which combines all of his activity and its potential outcomes including limited satisfaction. The role of wisdom in experiencing success surfaces repeatedly, particularly when Solomon must acknowledge that God has not revealed all of the details. This leads Solomon to the conclusion that the primary issues of life after the Edenic fall involve divine blessings to be enjoyed and the divine judgment for which all must prepare.
I. Introduction (1:1–11)
A. Title (1:1)
B. Poem—A Life of Activity That Appears Wearisome (1:2–11) II. Solomon's Investigation (1:12–6:9)
A. Introduction—The King and His Investigation (1:12–18)
B. Investigation of Pleasure-Seeking (2:1–11) C. Investigation of Wisdom and Folly (2:12–17) D. Investigation of Labor and Rewards (2:18–6:9)
1. One has to leave them to another (2:18–26) 2. One cannot find the right time to act (3:1–4:6) 3. One often must work alone (4:7–16) 4. One can easily lose all he acquires (5:1–6:9) III. Solomon's Conclusions (6:10–12:8)
A. Introduction—The Problem of Not Knowing (6:10–12)
B. Man Cannot Always Find Out Which Route Is the Most Successful
for Him to Take Because His Wisdom Is Limited (7:1–8:17)
1. On prosperity and adversity (7:1–14) 2. On justice and wickedness (7:15–24) 3. On women and folly (7:25–29) 4. On the wise man and the king (8:1–17) C. Man Does Not Know What Will Come After Him (9:1–11:6)
1. He knows he will die (9:1–4) 2. He has no knowledge in the grave (9:5–10)