Ecclesiastes, Book of

An Old Testament book of wisdom. Some scholars believe the author was Solomon, writing in his old age. Ecclesiastes 1:1 and 1:12 say the writer was the son of David and king over Israel. The word ecclesiastes means “preacher.” The writer called himself “the Preacher” and said he had tested out many things and found these activities meaningless. He tried pleasure and found it to be vanity, or emptiness. He saw that wisdom was better than foolishness. The Preacher also gave some wise advice. He said people should enjoy their work, go to God’s house, keep their promises to God, and be trustworthy.