FORM

CONTENT

Investigation

Evaluation

A. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1:1-11

Initiation of the Discourse: All creation is immutable and impenetrable.

B. PARTIAL INTROUDCTIONS

1:12-15

Limitation of the work of man to be able to change God’s work.

1:16-18

Limitation of the wisdom of man to be able to understand God’s work

C. TESTIMONY OF SALOMON: FRUSTRATRED LIFE

2:1-11

Investigation of the life of Solomon: His work is limited, “I can, but I do not understand.”

2:12-23

Evaluation of the work of Solomon: His wisdom is limited, “I understand, but I can’t.”

2:24-26 – Recommendation:

 Enjoy the benefits from God and be pure or right with God.

D. THESIS: SOUVEREIGNTY OF GOD

3:1-15

The work of God is immutable and impenetrable: He has foreordained it all!

6:10-12

The wisdom of God is immutable and impenetrable: He has conceived it all!

C’. APPLICATION: FRUSTRATION OF THE LIFE OF MAN

3:16-6:9

Investigation of the life of man: His work is deficient. Therefore, he must have a good and appropriate conduct.

7:1-11:6

Evaluation of the life of man: His wisdom is deficient. Therefore, he must have a good and appropriate conduct.

(11:7-8 –  Recommendations:

Enjoy the benefits of life and be pure or be right with God.)

B’. PARTIAL CONCLUSIONS

11:7-12:1a (12:1-3) –

Poem on youth: Ability without wisdom.

12:1b-7 –

Poem on old age: Wisdom without ability.

A’. GENERAL CONCLUSION

12:8-14

Fear God and keep His commandments!