The Preacher goes looking for a righteous person on earth and comes back empty-handed. Be righteous, he says, but not so righteous you destroy yourself with your own piety. Be wise, but know that wisdom has a wall you cannot climb over. One man in a thousand might pass muster; among women Qoheleth found none, a line that has scandalized readers for centuries and says more about fallen humanity than about any particular gender. God made mankind upright, but they have sought out many schemes.

The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ecclesiastes 7:15–29.

To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit ourredeemerstl.org.

What does a man gain from all his toil under the sun? Solomon asked that question three thousand years ago, and it still cuts. Ecclesiastes is the Bible's most unflinching book about work, wealth, wisdom, and the ache nothing in this life can fill. It is also one of the most pastoral, because the Preacher tells the truth about death, time, and meaning without leaving the reader in despair. Pastor Booe and guest pastors from across the Synod study it verse by verse, following Solomon's argument to where it finally lands: fear God and keep His commandments.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.

Ecclesiastes 7:15–29: Fishing for Righteousness, But the Nets are Empty