The book of Ecclesiastes tells us that “all is vanity.” But if God providentially guides all things, then doesn’t he give meaning to everything in this world? The book of Ecclesiastes is enigmatic. It’s puzzling. It’s puzzling because it tells us that much of life is vanity, a chasing after wind. It says this from the second verse of the book: “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless’” ( Ecclesiastes 1:2 2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; vanity of vanities, all is vanity. NIV). But God’s providence tells us that everything in life is meaningful. So, what gives? This is a sharp email question from David in Brookville, Pennsylvania. “Hello, Pastor John! I have read a quarter of your new book, ‘Providence.’ The avalanche of scriptural evidence to prove that nothing is random, nothing is without purpose, nothing is pointless, and nothing is meaningless is truly overwhelming. My question is regarding Ecclesiastes. If providence proves that nothing is random or meaningless, why does Ecclesiastes repeatedly say just about everything in the drama of human life is meaningless? How do you reconcile this?” Read or listen to this interview at our website: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/where-is-providence-in-the-vanity-of-ecclesiastes Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes: https://www.desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john