From “Under the sun” to “Under the Son”

October 23, 2025• byMatt Ousdahl

If you’ve ever tried to read Ecclesiastes like a collection of inspirational quotes, you probably bumped into this whopper:

“A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything.” (Ecc. 10:19)

Um… what? This verse proves exactly why Ecclesiastes should alway be read in context. It’s not a book of fortune-cookie suggestions; it’s the unfortunate findings of a man (Solomon) observing life “under the sun”—life as it looks when you limit your perspective to what you can see, touch, and count. And through that broken lens, the wisest man on earth kept arriving at one word: “meaningless.”

But Ecclesiastes doesn’t leave us in despair. It moves us from starting “under the sun” to living under the Son. I suggest that there are three “aha” eye-openers that pull the whole book into focus.

1) Perspective: Change your lens

Solomon uses the phrase “under the sun” 29 times! It seems to be his way of saying, “I’m evaluating life without factoring God into the equation.” No wonder he repeatedly concludes, “Meaningless! Meaningless!” (37 times).

C. S. Lewis famously wrote, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” That’s Ecclesiastes in a sentence. The ache you feel isn’t an error; it’s a homing beacon.

Romans 8:19-21 reminds us that the satisfaction we crave isn’t available under the SUN. Instead, we find it when we start living under the SON.

Try this: When you find yourself craving satisfaction, don’t necessarily change your circumstances—change your perspective. Ask, “How would I interpret this moment if Jesus really is Lord here?” How can you interpret the natural world using the supernatural language of your soul?

2) Pursuit: Don’t chase happiness—chase Jesus.

Satan wants you to chase happiness. Why? Because he knows that it will lead you to the “wonderful” land of nowhere!

While Ecclesiastes contains some incredible nuggets of wisdom…

“Better to be criticized by a wise person than praised by a fool.” (7:5)
“If the ax is dull… sharpen the blade.” (10:10)
“Whoever watches the clouds will not reap.” (11:4)

It also says this: “It’s better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2) Who doesn’t love a good funeral, am-I-right?! Here’s why…all sunshine makes a desert. God uses sorrow to strengthen us. If you make “being happy” the plan, you’ll keep outrunning the very growth your soul needs.

Here’s the hidden “Ah-ha!”: Happiness is a byproduct, not a destination. You don’t find joy by chasing joy; you find joy by abiding in Jesus.

“Seek first the kingdom… and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)
“Remain in my love… that my joy may be in you and your joy may be full.” (John 15:9–11)

Try this: Before you reach for your phone, reach for Jesus (Word, prayer, quiet). In order to calibrate your heart and pursuit each day, let the things that really matter be the first thing you do every morning.

3) Paradox: Real freedom is found in being mastered

I know that doesn’t make logical sense – that’s why its called a paradox. We chase money, pleasure, knowledge, and success because we think they’ll secure freedom—to do what we want, when we want. Jesus, though, turns logic on it’s head. He says freedom doesn’t come from being master-less; it comes from having the right master–Him!

In John 10, He calls Himself the Gate and the Shepherd:

“Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and find good pasture… I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:9–10)

That’s the liberty Solomon couldn’t buy: a rich and satisfying life that flows from trusting, fearing, and obeying God.

And that’s exactly where Ecclesiastes lands:

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments.” (Ecc. 12:13)

Not meaninglessness—but true meaning! Meaning is discovered in reverence and obedience to the Shepherd.

Try this: Name one area where you’re resisting Jesus’ leadership (money, sexuality, forgiveness, control). Submit it to Him today. Freedom follows surrender.

How to live “under the Son” this week

Reframe one disappointment. Ask: “What might God be teaching me through this?”
Practice getting into God’s Word + prayer before work or screens. At least fifteen minutes is a recommended starting point.
Obey God. Don’t wait to feel it. Do the next right thing. You likely already know what that thing is.
Invite wisdom. “Better to be criticized by a wise person…” (7:5) Ask a trusted friend, “Where do you see me living under the sun?”