The Vanity of Happiness

Introduction

Prayer for Charlie Kirk’s family and our nation…

Subject: Eccles 1:13-15… Life under the sun is an unhappy business.

Chasing happiness is as pointless as trying to make a crooked stick straight or counting apples in an empty basket.

Body

Happiness is not found in the pursuit of happiness. Trying to make yourself happy doesn’t make you happy.

Exposition: Education, Indulgence, Discipline, Success

Knowledge won’t make you happy. Education doesn’t bring happiness.

Popular opinion: More knowledge makes life better. Solomon says, “Not really” (Eccles 1:18). The more you know, the more you’re responsible for.

Illustration: I don’t want to know how hot dogs are made.

Knowledge is a good thing. But it’s not the path to happiness.

Indulgence won’t make you happy. Entertainment doesn’t bring happiness.

Eccles 2:1-3… Solomon had everything: houses, vineyards, gardens, parks, pools, servants, money, stuff, singers and entertainers, and romantic partners. Eccles 2:10-11… Solomon had everything but gained nothing.

Popular opinion: You only live once… You can’t be happy until you get what you want… Solomon says, “I have everything I want, but I feel like I have nothing.” The more you have, the more you want. // Has anyone ever turned down a raise?

Illustration: According to National Library of Medicine article, boredom is at an all-time high despite the prevalence of entertainment… We are afraid (not happy) to put down our phones and be alone with our thoughts.

Discipline won’t make you happy (Eccles 2:13-14, 16-17). Rules don’t bring happiness.

Eccles 2:13-14, 16-17… At the end of it all, death comes to both the wise and the fool // the rule-breaker and the rule-keeper // the prodigal and the pious. No matter how good you are, you can’t be good enough to escape death.

Illustration: I grew up in a very legalistic church… It becomes less about being good and more about looking good.

Success won’t make you happy (Eccles 2:18-19… Eccles 2:20-21… Eccles 2:22-23). Wealth doesn’t bring happiness.

The more you have, the more you have to worry about. The more you have, the more you can lose… The best kind of boat is whatever kind your friend has!

Success is a good thing. But it’s not the path to happiness.

Application: Gaining knowledge, enjoying the good things in life, exercising self-control, and being successful… these are good things. But good things cannot be the source of our happiness. Happiness doesn’t come from the gift but the Giver (Eccles 2:24-26).

Happiness is found in contentment, and contentment is found in Jesus.

Exposition

1 Tim 6:6-8… Godliness with contentment is great gain.

Solomon says, “I have everything but have gained nothing.” Paul says, “I have nothing but Jesus and have gained everything.”

Application: How to Cultivate Contentment

Pray for it… Prov 30:7-9…

Accept your limitations.

Be thankful.