The Vanity of Pleasue and Possessions

OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to repent of any dependence of pleasures or possessions for their purpose and trust in God to provide their purpose.}

PQ:

What avenues are addressed in these verses that Solomon pursued purpose?

UW: Avenues

TS: Let us examine a few avenues Solomon sought purpose through, now.

Solomon addressed the avenue of pleasure. [vv. 1-3]

Notice the breakdown of things relating to pleasure that Solomon sought to pursue purpose in:

Laughter

This didn’t profit anything— he considered it to be “madness” not providing any substantial relief or resolution to the pursuit of purpose in this life.

Wine

Notice, though, that he was not completely consumed by or intoxicated with wine, “my mind still guiding me with wisdom”

One person extended this to refer to “all the pleasure-giving luxuries of life.” (Duane A. Garrett, 1007)

Folly

“…refers to parties, frivolity, and self-indulgence.” (Garrett, 1007)

To this, Akin commented, “In my opinion Solomon did both (live a life of self-control and a life of drunkenness). I think he says he tried wisdom and follow- he tried every angle- and he came away empty.” (Akin, Ecc. 2:11)

Notice the purpose of which Solomon is engaging these pleasurable experiences:

“…until I could see what is good for people to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.” (v. 3b)

“Many people turn to pleasure, if not for the ultimate meaning, then for distraction from lack of meaning.” (Akin, Ecc. 2:1-11)

Thought for us: Pleasurable experiences are incapable of providing any real sense of meaning or purpose to our lives. Any pursuit of pleasure to seek out purpose will prove to be void and futile.

Solomon addressed the avenue of possessions. [vv. 4-11]

Notice the breakdown of possessions that Solomon pursued to find purpose:

Achievements and things obtaining:

Houses

Vineyards

for myself

Gardens

Parks

for myself

Reservoirs

for myself

Male and female Servants

Slaves

Livestock

Herds

Flocks

Silver and gold

The treasure of kings and provinces

Male and female singers

for myself

Many concubines

He did not restrain himself regarding the desires of his flesh:

“All that my eyes desired, I did not deny them. I did not refuse myself any pleasure, for I took pleasure in all my struggles. This was my reward for all my struggles.” (verse 10)

His conclusion?

“When I considered all that I had accomplished and what I had labored to achieve, I found everything to be futile and a pursuit of the wind There was nothing to be gained under the sun.”

Look at the resemblance of this passage and Ecc. 1:3 “3 What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun?”

Akin wrote reflecting on the perspective of which Solomon penned the words, “If this cursed world is all there is, then there is no profit to all our activity because nothing changes under the sun. Solomon told us we are trapped in a monotonous prison where nothing changes, and then we die.” (Akin, Ecc. 2:1-11)

Thought for us: All of the possessions and things to be obtained in this life are incapable of providing any real sense of purpose or meaning in life. Any pursuit of possessions or things to be obtained to seek out purpose will prove void and futile, a pursuit of the wind.

Conclusive Thoughts:

What is our hope then?

Think of the songwriter who beautifully wrote the song, Give me Jesus:

In the morning

When I rise,

Give me Jesus...

Give me Jesus,

You can have all this world,

Just give me Jesus...

When I am alone,

Give me Jesus...

When I come to die,

Oh, When I come to die,

Give me Jesus...

Reflective Questions:

[1] Are you searching for purpose outside of God?

[2] Can you recall a time in your life when your pursuit for purpose was caught up in worldly things (or this life)?

[3] Have you experienced frustration and brokenness in your pursuit of purpose in worldly things? [Psalm 51:16-17]

[4] How can you begin pursuing purpose in God today?

[5] How can you help someone else begin pursuing purpose in God today?

Consulted Resources:

[1] Duane A. Garrett, “Ecclesiastes,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017).

[2] Daniel L. Akin and Jonathan Akin, Exalting Jesus in Ecclesiastes (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2016), Ec 1:3–11.

[3] A. R. Fausset, A Commentary, Critical, Experimental, and Practical, on the Old and New Testaments: Job–Isaiah, vol. III (London; Glasgow: William Collins, Sons, & Company, Limited, n.d.).

[4] James M. Freeman and Harold J. Chadwick, Manners & Customs of the Bible (North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1998).

[5] Victor Harold Matthews, Mark W. Chavalas, and John H. Walton, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament, electronic ed. (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2000).

[6] Michael A. Eaton, Ecclesiastes: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 18, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1983).

[7] James Parks, Wordplay in the Bible (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2021).

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