The phrase “chasing the wind” appears several times in the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. It’s an idiomatic expression that conveys the meaninglessness and futility of certain pursuits in life.
1. The context of Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes was likely written by King Solomon later in his life. The book contains his philosophical reflections on the meaning of life and the best way to live. A key theme that runs throughout Ecclesiastes is that much of human endeavor is “vanity” or futile when looked at from an earthly perspective apart from God.
The author describes various aspects of human achievement – wisdom, pleasure, work, wealth – and concludes that these things in themselves do not provide lasting meaning or satisfaction. The phrase “chasing after the wind” epitomizes this idea that certain pursuits are vain, empty, and fleeting.
2. How “chasing the wind” is used in Ecclesiastes
The phrase “chasing the wind” appears in the following verses in Ecclesiastes:
Ecclesiastes 1:14
I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 1:17
And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:11
Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
Ecclesiastes 2:17
So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 2:26
For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:4
Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man’s envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:6
Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 4:16
There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 6:9
Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.
In each case, the phrase is used to indicate that the endeavor being described will ultimately fail to provide lasting fulfillment. It is like trying to catch the wind – an impossible task that is meaningless and fruitless.
3. The meaning behind “chasing the wind”
Based on the context of Ecclesiastes, here are some key truths that the phrase “chasing the wind” is meant to convey:
- Life under the sun – from an earthly perspective alone – is fleeting and unsatisfying.
- Material possessions, achievements, pleasures do not give lasting meaning.
- Work is good, but working primarily for worldly gain is futile.
- Wisdom has value, but human wisdom alone cannot figure out life’s meaning.
- Apart from God, everything seems meaningless and like “striving after wind.”
- Trying to find purpose purely through human effort is an endless pursuit.
- Joy and satisfaction only come as gifts from God’s hand.
In summary, “chasing the wind” conveys the futility of pursuing meaning and fulfillment purely through human striving. True meaning requires aligning with God’s purposes.
4. Lessons for life from “chasing the wind”
Although “chasing the wind” describes the emptiness of pursuing things without God, Ecclesiastes does contain positive teachings about how to live with meaning and joy:
- Fear God – The conclusion of Ecclesiastes is to reverently fear God and keep his commands (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). A relationship with God lends significance to everything.
- Enjoy life – Simple everyday joys are gifts from God that should be embraced (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13; 5:19-20).
- Labor faithfully – Working hard and doing good in the world matter to God. He enables these efforts to have lasting impact (Ecclesiastes 9:7-10).
- Life is short – Keeping an eternal perspective helps prioritize what’s most important (Ecclesiastes 12:1-8).
While certain pursuits under the sun may be futile, life lived under the heavens – in relationship with God – has purpose and meaning. By trusting in God’s sovereign and good plans, people can find satisfaction and make the most of the time they have been given.
5. Other biblical themes related to “chasing the wind”
The idea in Ecclesiastes of “chasing the wind” relates closely to several other key biblical themes:
- Vanity – The Hebrew word translated “vanity” in Ecclesiastes also appears in many other places in the Old Testament. It refers to the ephemeral nature of life and inability to find meaning apart from God (Psalm 39:5-6; Romans 8:20).
- Fear of the Lord – As the antidote to “vanity,” the Bible frequently highlights fearing, obeying, and trusting in the Lord (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10).
- Eternal life – The Bible contrasts the fleetingness of earthly life with the promise of eternal life through Christ (John 3:16; 1 John 5:11-12).
- Satisfaction in Christ – Real meaning and purpose are found in relationship with Jesus (John 6:35; Colossians 2:2-3).
Understanding these related biblical themes enriches the lessons from Ecclesiastes about avoiding futility by seeking God rather than “chasing the wind.”
6. Examples of “chasing the wind” today
While specifics vary by culture and period, the human tendency to “chase after the wind” in search of meaning remains constant. Some examples today include:
- Working constantly to amass riches and possessions that don’t ultimately satisfy.
- Endlessly chasing promotions, social media followers, approval from others.
- Going from relationship to relationship looking for purpose.
- Numbing pain through addictions to drugs, alcohol, pornography.
- Looking to politicians or ideologies to create utopia on earth.
- Trying to find meaning solely in pleasure, entertainment, and leisure.
These things are not necessarily bad in themselves. But they become “striving after wind” when people make them the ultimate pursuits of life rather than seeking God.
7. How to avoid “chasing the wind” through a relationship with God
The teacher of Ecclesiastes himself could not find lasting meaning apart from God. But the good news is that we can enjoy life without futility by developing a genuine relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are some practical ways to do this:
- Believe in Christ as Savior and Lord (John 3:16).
- Spend time regularly reading the Bible and praying.
- Participate actively in a church community.
- Excel in your work as serving Christ (Colossians 3:23).
- Use resources generously to help others.
- Develop meaningful relationships and family bonds.
- Find contentment rather than constantly seeking more.
- Rest in the assurance of God’s sovereignty over the world.
- Look forward to the promised hope of eternal life.
Avoiding the meaninglessness of “chasing the wind” is not about bare self-denial. It is about enjoying God’s good gifts in ways that honor Him – ways that will reap lasting rewards.
8. Trusting God’s plans rather than “chasing the wind”
One of the most important lessons from Ecclesiastes is that we don’t have to understand all of God’s plans. We may never fully grasp why certain aspects of life seem frustratingly meaningless or unfair. But we can trust that God is sovereign and wise, and that nothing can thwart His good purposes (Romans 8:28).
It is easy to be tempted to stubbornly pursue our own plans, stubbornly trying to impose our will on circumstances. But this is actually the heart of the futile “chasing after the wind” that Solomon warns against in Ecclesiastes. Lasting meaning and contentment comes when we humbly acknowledge God’s authority over our lives and rely on His strength to live each day He gives us (James 4:13-15).
The teacher of Ecclesiastes who had chased every avenue of human achievement ultimately realized that the only secure and satisfying way to live is in humble, worshipful fear of the Lord who gives meaning to all of life (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
9. Conclusion
“Chasing the wind” vividly encapsulates the theme of Ecclesiastes that futilely pursuing meaning in earthly things reaps only emptiness. While sobering, this biblical phrase also motivates people to turn from fleeting idols to embrace relationship with God. By walking with Him day by day, we can find purpose and joy that endures for eternity, even amid the frustrations and uncertainties of life under the sun. The teacher of Ecclesiastes discovered these truths after a long search – truths that all who follow after him can grasp and build their lives upon.