GREAT READ

Looking for a great read for the summer? How about the book of Ecclesiastes? It is written by Solomon, who is considered to be the wisest and wealthiest man who ever lived. Read it in The Message paraphrase; it is really powerful.

Here is a basic outline. Read it slowly; allow it to raise questions; ponder it. It just may end up being a great summer of learning.

• The search for meaning - Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 6:10-12

• The importance of finding meaning - Ecclesiastes 3:18-22; 2:12-16; 9:1-12; 8:16-17

• Meaninglessness of human pursuits - Ecclesiastes 1:12-18; 2:1-11; 2:17-26; 4:1-16; 5:1-20; 6:1-9; 7:13-14; 8:2-15; 9:13-18

• The value of wisdom - Ecclesiastes 12:9-10; 7:7-12; 7:19-26; 10:1-11:6; 12:11-12; 7:1-6; 7:15-18; 7:27-29; 8:1

• Life's true meaning - Ecclesiastes 3:1-17; 11:7-12:8; 12:13-14