Living on the Ragged Edge: Coming to Terms with Reality

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Examines the teachings of Ecclesiastes, tells how to use faith to cope with life's pressures, and explains how to set the right priorities in one's life

382 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1,1989

About the author

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Charles Swindoll has devoted over four decades to two passions: an unwavering commitment to the practical communication and application of God's Word, and an untiring devotion to seeing lives transformed by God's grace. Chuck graduated magna cum laude from Dallas Theological Seminary and has since been honored with four doctorates. For his teaching on Insight for Living, he has received the Program of the Year award and the Hall of Fame award from the National Religious Broadcasters as well as multiple book awards.


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Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 14 votes)
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14 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Excellent Bible Study on Ecclesiastes with strong applications to life today.


Ecclesiastes is a profound book in the Bible that offers valuable insights into the human condition and the meaning of life. A thorough study of this book can provide us with a deeper understanding of our purpose and the challenges we face in the modern world.


By exploring the teachings of Ecclesiastes, we can learn important lessons about the vanity of worldly pursuits, the importance of wisdom, and the need to trust in God. These lessons have direct applications to our daily lives, helping us to make better decisions, find true happiness, and navigate the difficulties that come our way.


Whether you are a seasoned Bible scholar or a new believer, an excellent Bible study on Ecclesiastes can be a life-changing experience. It can open your eyes to the timeless wisdom of the Bible and help you to grow in your faith and relationship with God.

July 15,2025
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A study of the book of Ecclesiastes reveals some profound insights. The first half of the book can be rather depressing, almost causing one to stop reading. However, it serves as a setup for the second half, which is truly worthwhile.

Some of the favorite quotes from the book include: "The good life--the one that truly satisfies--exists only when we stop wanting a better one. It is the condition of savoring what is rather than longing for what might be." This emphasizes the importance of contentment.

Another quote states, "The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." It encourages us to invest our lives in things that have eternal value.

Wisdom is described as "the God-given ability to see life with rare objectivity and to handle life with rare stability." When we operate in the sphere of God's wisdom, we can face life with calm confidence and without fear.

The book also tells us that "the time to live is now… Don't be bashful. Bite in." It urges us to seize the present moment and fully embrace life.

Before seeking the counsel of a professional, we should ensure that they are listening to the living God first and foremost.

The Bible is compared to a book that gives us "blows to the head," meaning it challenges and awakens us.

We are also warned not to engage with fools, as we will only lose.

Forgiveness is defined as "surrendering my right to hurt you for hurting me."

If our lives take an unexpected turn, we should trust God and give Him praise.

Finally, it is emphasized that "Christ alone is the way, the truth, the life. Without 'the way,' there is no going. Without 'the truth,' there is no knowing. Without 'the life,' there is no living."
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
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A bit drawn-out, but still a good book.

Especially if you are among those who feel that life is a rat-race.

The author takes us through Ecclesiastes and makes it relevant for our time.

He delves deep into the profound teachings of this ancient text, showing how its wisdom can be applied to the modern world.

The book explores themes such as the meaninglessness of life, the pursuit of wealth and pleasure, and the importance of finding true purpose.

Despite its somewhat slow pace, it offers valuable insights that can help us to better understand ourselves and our place in the world.

Whether you are a seeker of truth or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It may not provide all the answers, but it will surely make you think and inspire you to look at life from a different perspective.
July 15,2025
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Swindoll's homey style, which is all about "teaching you good stuff as you read without you realizing it," truly reaches its zenith in this exploration of the book of Ecclesiastes. He leads you through this profound text with a gentle yet engaging touch. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself absorbing valuable insights and wisdom almost不知不觉. It's as if he's having a cozy conversation with you, sharing the treasures hidden within the words of Ecclesiastes. His approach makes the reading experience not only educational but also thoroughly enjoyable. You'll be captivated from start to finish, and before you know it, you'll have gained a deeper understanding of life's meaning and purpose. This work is highly recommended for anyone seeking spiritual growth and a fresh perspective on the age-old questions of existence.

July 15,2025
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A Commentary on the Book of Ecclesiastes

The book of Ecclesiastes begins in a rather somber tone, which might initially make one hesitant. However, it is truly worth persevering with it.

Ecclesiastes is notoriously difficult to understand, but Swindoll has managed to put it all into perspective. His insights and interpretations help to解开 the mysteries and make the teachings more accessible.

This book offers an honest and raw look at LIFE as seen through the pen of Solomon. It delves deep into the nitty-gritty details of how to cope with the various challenges and uncertainties that life throws our way.

Moreover, it explores how God fits into the equation. It makes us question our own beliefs and understandings, and encourages us to seek a closer relationship with God.

In conclusion, the book of Ecclesiastes, with the help of Swindoll's commentary, provides valuable lessons and food for thought that can have a profound impact on our lives.
July 15,2025
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A Commentary on Ecclesiastes


I have recently delved into a commentary on Ecclesiastes. At first glance, I must admit that I found it a bit wordy. The author seems to go into great detail in explaining various aspects of the text, which at times can be a bit overwhelming. However, upon further examination, I realized that this attention to detail is what makes the commentary so valuable.
Another aspect that caught my attention was the illustrations. Some of them are definitely from the 80s and have a bit of a dated look to them. While this may not be a deal-breaker for some, it did make me wonder if the author could have updated them to make the commentary more visually appealing.
Overall, though, I would say that this is a good read. The author has a deep understanding of Ecclesiastes and presents his insights in a clear and engaging manner. Whether you are a scholar of the Bible or simply someone who is interested in exploring the wisdom of this ancient text, this commentary is definitely worth checking out.
July 15,2025
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This is an older book, yet it still endures for the most part.

It offers a realistic perspective on life, enabling the reader to recognize the insufficiency of seeking ultimate joy in the worldly affairs.

It serves as a reminder to the follower of Jesus that life is not a bed of roses, but the hope of an eternal existence with the Lord is indeed genuine.

The book makes use of Solomon's life experience to assist the reader in navigating through the daily realities of life and maintaining a focus on what truly matters.

By delving into Solomon's story, the reader can gain valuable insights and wisdom that can be applied to their own lives.

This helps them to stay grounded and centered in the face of challenges and distractions, and to keep their eyes fixed on the prize of eternal life with God.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of life and their relationship with God.
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