DAVID FINKBEINER
OUTLINE
Introduction
I. Prologue (1:1-2)
II. The Profitless Cycle of Life (1:3-11)
III. The Search for Meaning (1:12–2:26)
A. The Investigator and His Investigation (1:12-13a)
B. Summary Reflections (1:13b-18)
C. The Search Itself (2:1-11)
D. Death’s Impact on the Search (2:12-23)
E. A Breath of Fresh Air (2:24-26)
IV. Examples of Futility under the Sun (3:1–6:12)
A. Futility in Light of Time and Eternity (3:1-15)
1. The Rhythms of Life (3:1-8)
2. Assessing the Rhythms of Life (3:9-15)
B. Futility in Injustice/Oppression (3:16–4:3)
C. Futility in Labor under the Sun (4:4-12)
D. Futility in Advancement (4:13-16)
E. Futility in Improper Worship (5:1-7)
F. Futility in Governmental Dealings (5:8-9)
G. Futility in Amassing Wealth (5:10–6:9)
H. Concluding Reflections on Futility under the Sun (6:10-12)
V. Wisdom: A Taste of Proverbs (7:1–8:1)
A. Things to Value in Life—But Not Too Much (7:1-14)
B. An Extended Reflection on Wisdom and Righteousness (7:15–8:1)
VI. Life’s Frustrations (8:2-17)
A. Frustrations Dealing with the King (8:2-9)
B. Frustrations Dealing with Injustice (8:10-15)
C. Frustrations in Not Knowing God’s Plan (8:16-17)
VII. Life’s Common Destiny (9:1-12)
VIII. More Wisdom: Its Limits, Benefits, Observations, and Advice (9:13–11:6)
IX. Advice to the Young: On Youth, Old Age, and Impending Death (11:7–12:7)
A. On Youth (11:7-10)
B. On Old Age and Impending Death (12:1-7)
X. Epilogue (12:8-14)