1. Who knows the explanation of things? (1-8)

The Preacher observed 'things under the sun.' He saw the wisdom of doing what must be done in a timely and proper way, regardless of one's personal feelings. Kings must be respected and obeyed. Wise men know their limits. Wickedness makes men who practice it like prisoners of war.

2. It will go better for a God-fearing man (9-17)

The author looked for a way out of the chains of sin. He looked for justice under the sun. He saw the wicked go unpunished and prosper, the righteous suffer. He tried to know everything under the sun, but he could not understand what he learned, for he only discovered the injustice of life. So he applied his mind to know wisdom (16). 'Then I saw all that God has done' (17). There is no justice 'under the sun' but there is justice in God. When we do not see life from God's eternal perspective, we can find no meaning in life. So true wisdom comes from God.

Application: Lord, teach me your way, and let me see what you have done.
One Word: Fear God and seek his wisdom