Ecclesiastes
Chapter 2
Solomon travels down many roads in search for peace and purpose.
The book of Ecclesiastes shows the emptiness and disappointment of life when God is left out.
Read 2:1-10
He first tries "Pleasure." 2:1-2 Scripture As Solomon discovers that education is not the solution for significance, he turns to pleasure. This is on the other extreme. Eat, live, and be merry...for tomorrow we die.
"This is all there is so do it up to the limit." "We only
go around once in life so make the most of it." "Do deny yourself any pleasure;
if it feels good just do it." All the senselessness we hear today were spoken by
Solomon.
Then he tries "Alcohol 2:3 Scripture Solomon tried to become an alcoholic, but it didn't work and it did not bring any happiness.
Next was "Great building projects and vineyards." 2:4 Scripture Solomon built the Temple that was planned and designed by his father David. He was happy building the Temple.
I created beautiful parks with exotic trees 2:5-6 Scripture
Accumulated many possessions, including human slaves 2:7a Scripture Solomon had the wealth to get anything he wanted, and he did.
Herds and flocks 2:7b Scripture
Silver and gold 2:8a Scripture
Gifted musicians 2:8b Scripture
His reputation grew great, he totally indulged himself with every pleasure imaginable.
King Solomon concluded all was vanity and striving after the wind, there was no profit under the sun.
Apart from God, life is meaningless. Think about it! A person is born, grows up and gets into a daily routine. He gets out of bed, dresses, eats, brushes his teeth, goes to school or work, comes home, eats, goes to sleep and does the same thing day after day, year after year. Finally he drops dead and goes back to dust
Finish reading the rest of the chapter...
He concludes that everything is useless and empty. Everyone must eventually die. Solomon realizes that in most instances the achievements of good men are left to fools.
In verse 24 he tells us to be content with what you have, and enjoy your work!
Principle: The things of life, the details of life cannot bring happiness. If you chase happiness in things, you are going to become a slave to the details of life. Instead, be a master over the things, the details of life.