I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind.
There are minor differences between this verse and verse 3.
What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?
Vese 14 is related to John 3:8 ”The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Verse 3 is more closely aligned with Galatians 6:7 “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Then there is Galatians 6:8 “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”
God sowed His Spirit into mankind by faith in Jesus Christ with purpose. The connection between Ecclesiastes 1:3 and 1:14 is seeking. One is everything we desire in life to make us feel fulfilled and the other is seeking to fulfill God’s purpose.
This takes us right back to obedience of faith and the testing of our faith in which we want to see some results for our effort. If we do not see the expected results we begin to have doubts about our ability to hear God and understand His commands. That is human nature.
If we look at the parable of the sower that person sows seed everywhere. Nothing is said about the sower standing and waiting to see if the seed takes root, is watered, is nurtured or even harvested. Faith only asks us to do what we are called to do.
Will he call any one of us to change our task? He might call us to do other things but that is God’s prerogative.
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
Notice that the needs of the saints are not identified here, just that they exist. Verse 13 identifies that God will be glorified. Insisting on seeing results for our efforts is a form of seeking glory for ourselves and takes us right back to Ecclesiastes 1:14 in chasing after the Spirit.
We can ride the wind but we cannot catch it. Mount up like eagles.