Widely regarded as pessimistic in tone, the book of
Ecclesiastes presents unique difficulties for preaching and
teaching. Ecclesiastes seems to declare that no matter what
a person does, in the end life is as fleeting and meaningless
as vapor. What edifying value could this book have for
parishioners and students? Wendell Bowes, in Half Empty,
expertly answers this question. In this interpretive guide,
Dr. Bowes demonstrates how effectively the message
of Ecclesiastes complements the optimism of wisdom
books such as Proverbs by questioning that optimism and
underlining what is most important in life.
Like its companion volume, Half Full, on Proverbs, Half
Empty includes sermon starters, presentation ideas, sermon
title suggestions, and a substantial reference list.
