1. A live dog is better than a dead lion (1-10)

'Under the sun' is repeated many times in this book. This means that the writer is looking at the world from a human point of view. When one sees death as the final end, he can have no eternal perspective. Death is the common destiny of all. So life 'under the sun' is meaningless. However, there are three truths about life under the sun: (i) It is better to be alive than dead--a live dog is better than a dead lion; (ii) do what you do with a joyful heart; (iii) do whatever you do with all your might.

2. The race is not to the swift (11-18)

But there is something else. Success and happiness do not necessarily come to the man who has human advantages. God is in control of life, and he rules the world. God's wisdom is better than human strength, even if the wise man is not recognized. God gives wisdom to those who fear him and look at the world from his point of view.

Application: Lord, give me wisdom; help me to do with all my might what my hand finds to do.
One Word: The race is not to the swift