Toiling In Vain: Finding Purpose Beyond the Frustration of Work

Introduction

Good morning, church. As we continue our journey through Ecclesiastes, we arrive at a passage that confronts us with a sobering reality: the futility of labor when disconnected from God’s eternal purpose. The Teacher, Qoheleth, wrestles with the same questions that haunt many of us today: Why do we work so hard? What’s the point if everything we build is left to someone else?

Today, we’ll examine Ecclesiastes 2:18–26 to see how the Teacher moves from despair over the vanity of toil to a glimmer of hope in finding joy through God’s provision and purpose.

Ecclesiastes 2:18-26

Ecclesiastes 2:18–26 NIV

18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? 23 All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless. 24 A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

The Futility of Labor Under the Sun

Qoheleth begins with a bitter realization: all his labor, his wisdom, and his achievements will ultimately be left to someone else.

Worse yet, he cannot control whether that person will be wise or foolish.

His response is raw: “I hated all my labor” (v. 18).

The Problem of Legacy

This passage highlights a universal struggle: the desire for our work to outlast us.

We build careers, families, and projects hoping to leave a mark.

Yet the Qoheleth reminds us that death is the great equalizer, erasing distinctions between wise and foolish, rich and poor.

Qoheleth’s lament intensifies in verses 22–23: “What has a man for all his labor and striving of heart?”

His days are filled with sorrow, his nights restless with anxiety.

Even the most accomplished among us cannot escape this burden.

It’s a grim picture of what happens when we invest in work purely for personal gain or legacy.

Modern Reflections

How often do we mirror this mindset?

We toil in our jobs, sacrificing time, health, and relationships for promotions or recognition.

Yet, when work becomes an end in itself, we find it unsatisfying, fleeting, and, as the Teacher says, “vanity.”or meaningless

The Gift of Joy from God

Ecclesiastes 2:24 CSB

24 There is nothing better for a person than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work. I have seen that even this is from God’s hand,

Amid this bleak outlook, Qoheleth shifts gears: “There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil.

This also, I saw, is from the hand of God” (v. 24).

Work as a Gift

Rather than abandoning work, Qoheleth calls us to reframe it.

Work is not inherently futile; it becomes meaningful when seen as a gift from God.

The joy we find in our labor—no matter how simple or ordinary—is a grace that flows from God’s hand.

God’s sovereignty is central to this perspective. Verse 26 reminds us that it is God who gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him.

Conversely, the sinner’s toil becomes a fruitless gathering for others.

The contrast here invites us to live in alignment with God’s purposes, trusting His provision and timing.

Modern Application

This shift challenges us to view our work differently. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a parent, or a student, or retired, your labor is an opportunity to steward God’s gifts for His glory. It’s not about what we achieve or leave behind but about how we honor God in the process.

Finding Meaning in God’s Purpose

Qoheleth’s reflections compel us to ask: What makes work truly meaningful?

The answer lies in surrendering our ambitions to God and allowing Him to define our purpose.

Practical Steps

Work with Excellence, Not Anxiety: Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” This mindset frees us from the burden of proving ourselves.

Colossians 3:23 NIV

23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Invest in Eternal Impact: While earthly achievements fade, the impact we make for God’s kingdom endures. Matthew 6:19–20 reminds us to store treasures in heaven, not on earth.

Matthew 6:19–20 NIV

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Embrace Rest and Contentment: Work should not consume our lives. Psalm 127:2 says, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest... for He gives to His beloved sleep.”

Trust God to provide as you honor Him in your labor.

Psalm 127:2 NIV

2 In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Next Steps: Toiling with Hope

Qoheleth’s journey in this passage is ours as well: from despair over life’s seeming futility to hope in God’s provision and purpose. When we see work as a gift and joy as a byproduct of God’s grace, we find a new perspective.

So, let us not toil in vain but work with hearts aligned to God’s will. In every task—big or small—may we seek to glorify Him, trusting that He gives meaning to all we do.

Questions for Further Reflection

What motivates you most in your work? Is it aligned with God’s purpose for your life? How can you practice finding joy in your daily tasks, even in challenging seasons? In what ways can your work contribute to God’s kingdom rather than just personal gain?

May the Lord guide us as we seek His purpose in our labor and rest in His provision. Amen.

Bibliography

Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991.

Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003.

Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.

Questions for Further Discussion

What is the primary message Qoheleth conveys about the futility of labor in Ecclesiastes 2:18-26?

How does the idea of finding joy in work reflect the character of God as described in Ecclesiastes?

In what ways can recognizing work as a gift from God change your perspective on your daily tasks?

What are some practical steps you can take to ensure your work aligns with God's purposes?

How does Qoheleth's view of legacy challenge modern attitudes toward success and achievement?

YouTube Description

Title: Toiling in Vain – Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 | Finding Purpose in Work

Description: What’s the purpose of all our hard work if it simply fades away after we’re gone? In this message, part of our series Ecclesiastes: The Quest for Meaning, we explore Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 and the futility of labor without God. The Teacher reminds us of the reality of death and the uncertainty of what will happen to the fruits of our labor.

But there’s hope! When we view work as a gift from God, entrusted to us for His glory, we find joy and purpose in even the simplest tasks. Join us as we discover how surrendering to God’s plan transforms our labor from vanity to fulfillment.

📖 Key Text: Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 ✨ Theme: Work without God’s purpose feels meaningless. 🌟 Application: Embrace work as a gift to steward for God’s glory.

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Sermon Notes

Toiling in Vain – Ecclesiastes 2:18-26

Key Passage: Ecclesiastes 2:18-26 Theme: Work without God’s purpose feels meaningless. Big Idea: True joy in labor comes when we recognize it as a gift from God, entrusted to us for His glory.

Main Points

The Frustration of Labor (vv. 18-20):

Qoheleth laments the futility of working hard only to leave the results to others who may misuse them. Reflects the fleeting nature of human achievement when disconnected from God.

The Burden of Inheritance (vv. 21-23):

Hard work and skill often result in leaving wealth to someone who did not earn it. This reality causes anxiety and despair, showing the limits of earthly accomplishments.

The Gift of Joy in Work (vv. 24-26):

Despite the futility, there is hope: God gives joy to those who please Him. Recognizing work as a divine gift reframes our efforts from vanity to purpose.

Takeaways

Work is not inherently meaningless; it is made meaningful when viewed as part of God's design. The ultimate satisfaction comes from living in alignment with God's will, finding joy in His provision rather than our achievements.

Questions for Further Discussion

What is the primary message Qoheleth conveys about the futility of labor in Ecclesiastes 2:18-26? How does the idea of finding joy in work reflect the character of God as described in Ecclesiastes? In what ways can recognizing work as a gift from God change your perspective on your daily tasks? What are some practical steps you can take to ensure your work aligns with God's purposes? How does Qoheleth's view of legacy challenge modern attitudes toward success and achievement?

Bibliography

Hubbard, David A., and Lloyd J. Ogilvie. Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. Vol. 16 of The Preacher’s Commentary Series. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc, 1991. Moore, David G., and Daniel L. Akin. Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Edited by Max Anders. Vol. 14. Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2003. Lohfink, Norbert. A Continental Commentary: Qoheleth. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2003.

📖 Next Steps: Reflect on how your work can serve as worship and consider how you might better align your daily efforts with God’s eternal purposes.

Bible Study: Toiling in Vain – Ecclesiastes 2:18-26

Objective: This 3–4-day study explores the meaning of labor and legacy through the lens of Ecclesiastes 2:18-26. It encourages reflection on the biblical view of work, legacy, and joy, helping participants apply the sermon’s themes to their lives while preparing for next week’s message.

Day 1: The Frustration of Labor

Read: Ecclesiastes 2:18-20 Key Focus: Reflect on the futility of labor disconnected from eternal purpose.

Reflection Questions:

Why does Qoheleth find labor frustrating in this passage? Have you ever felt the futility of working hard without satisfaction? How does that resonate with Qoheleth’s perspective?

Word Study:

“Hate” (שָׂנֵא – śānē’): In verse 18, Qoheleth uses a strong word for hate, expressing profound aversion or rejection. This reflects his emotional turmoil over labor that lacks lasting meaning. How might this deepen your understanding of the passage?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to reveal areas in your work where you might be seeking satisfaction apart from Him.

Day 2: The Burden of Legacy

Read: Ecclesiastes 2:21-23 Key Focus: Consider the anxiety and futility that can arise from focusing solely on earthly achievements.

Reflection Questions:

What concerns does Qoheleth express about leaving his wealth to others? How does this challenge modern perspectives on success and inheritance?

Word Study:

“Toil” (עָמָל – ‘āmāl): Often translated as “labor” or “trouble,” this word conveys the sense of exhausting effort and hardship. How does understanding this word enhance your view of the text?

Application: Write down one or two ways you can focus on building a legacy that aligns with God’s purposes rather than just material success.

Day 3: The Gift of Joy in Work

Read: Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 Key Focus: Recognize the role of God’s grace in bringing joy and meaning to our work.

Reflection Questions:

According to Qoheleth, how does God transform work from vanity to joy? What are practical ways to experience God’s gift of joy in your daily tasks?

Word Study:

“Joy” (שִׂמְחָה – śimḥāh): This Hebrew word denotes gladness, contentment, and the sense of delight that comes from God. Reflect on how this joy differs from fleeting happiness tied to accomplishments.

Prayer Focus: Thank God for the gift of work and ask for His guidance to find joy in serving Him through your labor.

Day 4: Bridging Work and Worship

Read: Colossians 3:23-24 Key Focus: Connect Qoheleth’s reflections on work with New Testament teachings on labor and worship.

Reflection Questions:

How does Colossians 3:23-24 provide a Christ-centered perspective on work? What steps can you take to approach your work as an act of worship this week?

Application Challenge:

Identify one specific area in your work (whether professional, at home, or ministry) where you can intentionally invite God’s presence. Write down a prayer or declaration to guide you.

Wrap-Up Reflection:

Over the past few days, how has your perspective on work changed? Share your thoughts with a family member, friend, or your Bible study group.

Looking Ahead: Next week’s sermon continues with Ecclesiastes 3:1-15, focusing on the rhythms of life and God’s sovereignty. Take time to read the passage in preparation, noting how Qoheleth’s observations about time complement his reflections on work.

Memory Verse: “So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?” – Ecclesiastes 3:22