1. Oppression and toil (1-8)

The Teacher looks at the tears of the oppressed and concludes that it is better to be dead than alive; and better yet not to have been born. Indeed, suffering without Jesus produces bitterness; suffering with Jesus produces endurance and Christ-like character (Romans 5:3-5). When man's hard work and his desire to achieve something come from envy of his neighbor, it is meaningless. Man was created to live and work for the glory of God. How meaningless it is for a man without God and without an heir to toil for wealth!

2. Loneliness (9-16)

God made people to live in community. When a person lives and works alone, he becomes selfish. When he falls down, there is no one to help him up. Only fellowship based on God's love can really solve the problem of loneliness (Jn 15:15; 16:32).

Application: Lord, help me to live for your glory and serve the body of Christ of which I am a part.
One Word: Suffer with Jesus