Theme - The author assumes the role of a sage at the head of a college, or congregation of inquiring students, and presents a series of discourses and observations on the problems of life. In reality, the book is a dramatic biography of the author, with extracts drawn from his own weaknesses and failures, interspersed with profound aphorisms.

Isolated statements in the book are agnostic in sentiment, but they appear as the author's presentation of the other side of the question under debate, and are, in the ultimate, an argument against agnosticism. The writer recognizes a supreme personal Deity, accepts the Genesis story of creation and the fall of man under sin, affirms the fundamentals of the Mosaic law, and emphasizes the duty of reverential worship of God. He stresses a man's duty to fear God, to obey the divine laws, and to do justice to his fellow man. Man's privilege to enjoy in a temperate, decent, and legitimate manner, the good things of life is fundamental in the philosophy of the author. All life is of God, and he who fears God will faithfully serve God and humanity, utilizing life for his future eternal security.

Outline - The book may be conveniently considered in four divisions: I. Statement and Proof of the Theme that All Life is Vanity (1:1-3:22) II. The Theme Unfolded in the Light of Human Sufferings (4:1-10:20) III. Ways and Means of Overcoming the Vanities of Life by Supreme Recognition of God and His Laws (11:1-12:12) IV. The Sublime Conclusion (12:13,14)