Vanity: A Study in EcclesiastesSample

What does it say?

Solomon observed that pleasures, possessions, wisdom, and hard work are futile without God. True wisdom, knowledge, and joy come only from the hand of God.

What does it mean?

Solomon had everything that anyone could ever hope to have. Yet when he considered it all, he realized that his fate would be the same as that of a foolish man. Death would come to both, and all he had worked for would be left behind. Without God, a person has only the satisfaction of the immediate moment, and even that holds no lasting value. However, God gives those who live to please Him satisfaction in their work because it is accompanied by wisdom, knowledge, and joy. When work has an eternal purpose, it gives lasting satisfaction. Only what is done for and through God provides meaning.

How should I respond?

What things have you been working hard to possess and enjoy? From what are you trying to gain satisfaction: the perfect career, a dream home, or a big bank account? Contentment based on such things rises and falls as possessions and accomplishments come and go. Complete satisfaction results from desiring the same things God desires and living to please Him (Psalm 37:4). What personal desire needs to bend to God’s desires? What pursuit is He prompting you to stop? Our society may tell you to live for the moment, but the wisdom of God urges us to live for eternity.