"There is no doubt that the book contains a good deal of sobering truths about life, but they are mentioned to contrast with other truths that demonstrate what life can be like when God intervenes. This is not a life devoid of pain, suffering, and confusion over what God is doing (Wright, “The Riddle of the Sphinx,” 334). Indeed, Ecclesiastes is quite clear in stating that we can't fully know the mind of God (Whybray, Ecclesiastes, 29-30). Statements about the limitations of human understanding are common (see Eccl. 1:18; 3:11). The writer is prodding us to realize that no matter how exciting our life may be, it is ultimately meaningless apart from God." - David Moore; Dr. Daniel L. Akin