151 Best Ecclesiastes Quotes (with Commentary)

Ecclesiastes is a profound book in the Bible, offering reflections on the meaning of life, the passage of time, and the human condition. The quotes found in Ecclesiastes invite readers to ponder the nature of existence, the fleetingness of worldly pursuits, and the quest for lasting significance.

Diving into these quotes can provide comfort and wisdom, encouraging individuals to seek a deeper understanding of life and to embrace the beauty found in both joy and sorrow.

Top Ecclesiastes Quotes

Ecclesiastes presents profound reflections on life, exploring themes of meaning, purpose, and the inevitabilities we face. These quotes remind us of the complexities of our human experience and encourage us to contemplate the nature of existence and the divine.

“For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”Solomon Adler

“Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”Mara Thompson

“A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.”Timothy Green

“There is nothing new under the sun. What has been will be again.”Isaac Banner

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.”Rachel Lane

“This only have I found: God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.”Hannah Fisher

“Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and striving after wind.”Daniel Marks

“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.”Samuel Clarke

“Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?”Abraham James

“He has made everything beautiful in its time; he has also set eternity in the hearts of men.”Laura Smith

Also Read: Top Trust No One Quotes (with commentary)

Ecclesiastes Quotes on the Meaning of Life

The search for meaning in life is a central theme in Ecclesiastes. These quotes highlight the quest for understanding the purpose behind our existence.

“What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted.”Matthew Brown

“In much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”Henry Wells

“I said in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.’ But behold, this also was vanity.”Julia Grey

“For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other.”James Palmer

“I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.”Victoria Hunt

“A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of birth.”Walter Landon

“It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind.”Elena Brooks

“God is in heaven, and you are on earth; therefore, let your words be few.”Charlotte King

“Man’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.”David Smith

“The conclusion of the matter; fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”Lucas Hart

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Time and Seasons

Time and the different seasons of life are essential concepts within Ecclesiastes. These quotes explore the cyclical nature of life and its events.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”Catherine Mooney

“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.”Simon Craig

“A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”Eugene Huxley

“What gain has the worker from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.”Gretchen Wells

“There is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every event under heaven.”Max Turner

“A time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.”Emily Carter

“No one can make the day last longer than twenty-four hours. The secret lies in how you spend that time.”Jordan Phillips

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.”Andy Rivers

“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.”Lily Barnett

“As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.”Sophia James

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Vanity and Human Endeavors

Ecclesiastes examines the futility of many human endeavors and the pursuit of vanity. These quotes provide insight into the fleeting nature of worldly achievements.

“Vanity of vanities! All is vanity!”Rebecca Collins

“I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.”David Greenfield

“For in much wisdom is much grief, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”Rhonda Little

“A man has no advantage over the animals, for all is vanity.”Thomas Wilkins

“What does a man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?”Jessica Tate

“The wise man dies just like the fool; both are remembered for only a moment.”Mark Anderson

“The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge; but time and chance happen to them all.”Laura Freeman

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”Andrew Black

“All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not satisfied.”Haley Ortiz

“Even the fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”Ryan Reed

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Wisdom and Knowledge

Wisdom is a central theme in Ecclesiastes, as the writer reflects on the importance and limitations of human understanding. These quotes explore the value of wisdom and knowledge.

“Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”Jacob White

“For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.”Olivia Mills

“Wisdom makes the heart of a man better, and the man with wisdom has a steady heart.”Fan Chen

“The wise heart will know the time and the way.”Benjamin Bright

“There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”Clark McMillan

“Better to be a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to take warning.”Victor Ellis

“The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings.”Tom Shelby

“Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun.”Lila Hudson

“I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.”Alice Dawson

“My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books, there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”Naomi Brady

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Joy and Enjoying Life

Despite its somber themes, Ecclesiastes emphasizes finding joy in life. These joyful quotes remind us to enjoy the simple pleasures that life offers.

“Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.”Lucy Davidson

“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun.”Elijah Scott

“So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot.”Tyler Barnes

“Savor life and seize joy, for it is the time you have under the sun.”Harry Church

“Delight in the goodness of the Lord, and savor every bite he offers!”Maxine Brown

“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil.”Sophie Moore

“Enjoy the good things in life, for they are indeed gifts from God.”Gary Lane

“Life is a journey; make it enjoyable by embracing every moment you can.”Gina Torres

“Mirth and laughter are our best friends amid sorrow and toil!”Joshua Cade

“Count it all joy, for in every moment lies the treasure of life.”Avery Clark

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Life’s Inevitabilities

Life is full of constants, such as death and change. These Ecclesiastes quotes delve into the realities of life’s inevitabilities.

“The living will take this to heart; the dead cannot do anything.”Marilyn Palmer

“To everything, there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven—the time to be born and the time to die.”Roger Franklin

“You cannot go against the flow of life. Embrace its changes, for they are inevitable.”Linda Fox

“All that comes is vanity; it all passes away before our eyes.”Brian Kelly

“Even youth is but vanity; we too shall age as nature decrees!”Leslie Jordan

“Death is the destiny of every man; let us live now while we can.”Henry Shields

“In death, there is no gain; live fully while you breathe!”Laura Adams

“The day of death is better than the day of birth.”Cynthia Hayes

“As we are brought into life, we are also called to leave it; cherish your time!”Peter White

“Time is fleeting; live wisely and deeply, for death comes swiftly.”Diana Fisher

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Friendship and Companionship

Friendship and companionship can enrich our lives. Ecclesiastes reflects on the value of relationships and connection.

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”Patricia Hall

“For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!”Mark Davis

“A threefold cord is not quickly broken, intertwining friendships hold strength.”Sophie Green

“Share your joys with friends; laughter is better when it is shared!”Rachel Young

“Enjoy companionship while it lasts; together we find strength!”Ashley Walker

“Kindness is a bridge; a friend who offers love becomes the strength to carry on.” Kevin Rivers

“Better is a friend who is near than a brother who is far away.”Emma Collins

“Let iron sharpen iron; be a friend who uplifts and inspires!”Travis Williams

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”Jessica Taylor

“In the laughter of friends, we find the solace we seek!”Abigail Green

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Wealth and Materialism

Wealth and material pursuits are examined critically in Ecclesiastes. These quotes reflect on the true value of possessions.

“He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income.”Tina Bailey

“Wealth is not the end; seek fulfillment in other pursuits.”Jenny Brooks

“Nothing brings joy that compares to the heart that is full.”Matthew Ross

“Riches do not last forever; enjoy your blessings while you can.”Rachel Foster

“Do not overwork to be rich; cease from your own understanding!”Jason Porter

“Wealth brings a burden; its keepers often find little joy.”Claire Adams

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.”Amy Carter

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”Brian Clarke

“As for wealth, it will surely fade, but your character endures!”Hilary Stone

“Do not toil to acquire wealth; pursue a life of meaning instead!”George Bennett

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Finding Peace and Contentment

Ecclesiastes encourages readers to find peace and contentment in life’s journey. These quotes offer wisdom on living with tranquility.

“He who is in the fear of the Lord has contentment.” Andrew Frank

“Be not hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. In the heavens, God is and you are on earth; therefore, let your words be few.”Jessica Carter

“Rest in the knowledge that God has a purpose for every season of life.”Linda Pace

“A man’s contentment is not measured by his possessions but by his heart.”Samuel Young

“In quietness and trust is your strength; seek the peace of your soul.”Henry Hunter

“Seek meaning in every moment, for in it lies tranquility.”Ava Johnson

“Contentment comes from a heart at peace with God.”Priscilla Dean

“Enjoy instinctively what life offers—the simple moments are often the sweetest!”Claire Morgan

“Do not let your heart be troubled; trust in God for steadfast peace!”James Brooks

“The quiet of the soul is a treasure; cherish it and find your way.”Benjamin Hart

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Mortality and Existence

Mortality is an undeniable reality, and Ecclesiastes brings forth its exploration. These quotes reflect the acceptance of life’s transient nature.

“A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever.”Anna Larson

“The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”Jack Harris

“In the end, we return to where we began; what matters is our journey!”Simon Wells

“There is a time to be born, and a time to die.”Ryan Walker

“What profit has a man from all his labor in which he toils under the sun?”Diana Ross

“Be mindful that life is short; enjoy its beautiful moments while you can!”Mark Benson

“Life is fleeting; focus on what truly matters!”Mahira View

“In the face of mortality, let love and kindness guide your actions.”Leslie Thomas

“The days of our lives are seventy years, or perhaps eighty if we are strong; yet their span is but toil and trouble.”Chloe Lewis

“To the wise, the day of death is better than the day of birth.”Jonathan Blake

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Fear and Reverence of God

Fear and reverence for God is a significant theme in Ecclesiastes. These quotes reflect the relationship between humanity and divinity.

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.”Daniel Morgan

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”Vera Johnson

“God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”Emily Grant

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”Oliver Brooks

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and obey his commandments!”Cindy Davis

“Our days are determined by His purpose; let us live in reverence to the Creator!”Marissa Jane

“To fear is to understand our limits; to trust is to embrace His grace.”Kyle Adams

“In reverence, we find true strength; in obedience, we find peace.”Julia Peter

“Hold the reverence of God close; it will guide you through the storms of life.”Gary Shaw

“Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up in due time!”Hannah Torres

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Reflection and Introspection

Reflection on life is a powerful theme in Ecclesiastes. These quotes encourage introspection and the evaluation of one’s life journey.

“Consider your ways, for there is wisdom in reflection!”Brandon Kane

“Look to the past with gratitude, for it shapes who you are becoming.”Chloe Miles

“The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, and reflection is born from the ashes of grief.”Hannah Fields

“Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord!”Matthew Collins

“To know oneself is the beginning of wisdom.”Sophie Gold

“Examine your heart; let it guide you to deeper understanding.”Alice Ford

“In reflection, we find purpose, and in purpose, we find meaning!”Kevin Ray

“Life is a series of choices; reflect wisely on theirs implications.”Victoria Harper

“In moments of stillness, we discover the truths of our hearts.”Travis Lane

“The process of reflection leads to growth and the blossoming of wisdom.”Kara Miles

Ecclesiastes Quotes on Hope and Spiritual Wisdom

Ecclesiastes ultimately offers hope and spiritual wisdom amid life’s uncertainties. These quotes inspire faith and provide insight.

“Hope does not disappoint us, for our hope is anchored in the Eternal.”Grace Ritchie

“Life may be fleeting, but our hope in God endures forever!”Isaiah Harper

“In the face of uncertainty, let faith be your guide and light.”Laura Bennett

“Seek wisdom, for it will guard and protect your heart and the hopes therein!”Charlie Wells

“Turn your gaze once more upon the Lord; hope is found in His presence!”Daniel Bowers

“Through the storm, hope shines bright; trust that God has a plan!”Rachel June

“With every dawn, new mercies await; embrace the hope of a new day!”Megan Lynn

“His grace is sufficient; in our weakness, we find His power made perfect!”Andrew Cook

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want, for He leads me in paths of righteousness.”Clara Brooks

“Hope can sustain the weary spirit, turning despair into joy!”Julia Greene

Final Thoughts

Ecclesiastes offers timeless wisdom through its reflections on life, meaning, and the transient nature of existence. Each quote invites contemplation on our mortality, the importance of relationships, and our relationship with the divine.

Ultimately, it encourages us to embrace the joys, challenges, and inevitable changes that life presents, reminding us to seek deeper understanding and fulfillment in our pursuits. With hope as our anchor, we can navigate life’s complexities with grace and purpose.