Ecclesiastes 4-6: Futility of the oppressed, emptiness of religion, and the joylessness of riches

Solomon turns his attention from the futility of his own life to the emptiness of the lives of others. He first looks at the oppressed (through the lens of corrupt courtrooms) and finds no benefit or upside to their trials. There are 3 aspects:
1. oppression and exploitation
2. pain and sorrow of the innocent
3. callousness and unconcern from those who chose not to bring comfort.
He then moves to those in the marketplace, and finds that the only true balance between 'hard work and no life', and, 'laziness and no comfort' is to live the life of a solitary man.
However, if one can find a partner, then 2 are stronger than 1 -- and 3 would be ideal.
He then looks at those in the palace, and presents 2 truths. The instability of political power and the fickleness of popularity.
He is not ultimately cynical, however. He does advocate doing one's best--simply because it does make life more comfortable.
Chapter 5 takes Solomon to the temple where he presents the vanity of religious ceremony. He finds a glimmer of hope, in that, although mindless offerings and meaningless sacrifices are 'chasing the wind', if one gives God the proper honor and glory due Him, there is purpose in acknowledging him.
He makes three instructions:
1. Don't rob God.
2. Don't rob others.
3. Don't rob yourself.
In Chapter 6, Solomon presents a curse found 'under the sun' (which, again, is the euphemism for life without God). It is that, even though God may grant someone the opportunity for wealth, he does not give that person a change to enjoy it. Either they work too hard -- or they lose it (it is taken away) or they die. Once again -- the ultimate end.
Solomon has covered the monotonous cycles of life and the futility of wealth. These cycles trap all of us.
The good new? 1 John 2:17 "...he who does the will of God abides forever."
Jesus broke into time and disrupted all of these cycles. He broke the chains of death, and provides purpose for everything He calls us to do.