The Vanity of Youth

Introduction:

Have you ever thought about how much emphasis we put on looking youthful? We spend thousands of dollars on beauty products and constantly stare at ourselves in the mirror. We want that new weight loss program that will give us the bodies of our dreams, with as little effort as possible. I’ve seen some people so desperate to look young in their old age that plastic surgery has left them with a permanent smile! I would love to see these people get mad just to see if they could frown!

The reason we all do this is because we know that the end is coming. We know that with old age eventually comes death. We want to remain immortal. We want to regain the fountain of youth.

Well, Solomon has a few words to say about this as well. To the young, he warns them not to take for granted their youth. He reminds them that they will be held accountable to God for how they live and will one day age just like the rest of mankind has done. Let’s take a listen to this wise, old sage one more time before we get to his conclusion of the matter.

Read text. Pray.

1. Live with the End in Mind (11:7-10)

A. Life is Better than Death (11:7-8)

B. Enjoy the Life You Have (11:9a)

C. Consider the Judgment to Come (11:9b)

2. Celebrate Youth While You Can (11:10-12:8)

v. 2 -

sun and light darkened - youth is the time of dawning light vs. old age which is twilight’s gloom

v.3

guardians of the house tremble - limbs begin to shake in old age

women who grind are few - teeth begin to fall out or wear out

ones who watch through the windows see dimly - eyes fail

v.4

doors shut = words are few

sound at the mill fades - can’t hear

rise at the sound of a bird - get up early, can’t sleep

v. 5

afraid of heights - fear of falling - things that were regularly a part of life become dangerous

almond tree blossoms - while leaves speak of graying of the hair

grasshopper - no spring in your step

v. 6

gold bowl, pitcher (jar), wheel at the citern = water receptacles - water is the symbol of life

Conclusion:

Well, we may get sad after reading all of these descriptions of old age, but what Solomon intends to do is

Well, we may get sad after reading all of these descriptions of old age, but what Solomon intends to do is remind us that life is passing away. Don’t put all of your hopes and dreams on this life. Remember that there is a better home that awaits us. There is a better body that awaits us, praise God! In fact, our best life is yet to come!

But while we remain on this earth, we should rejoice in the life that we have. Enjoy what God has blessed you with and who God has given you to enjoy this life with - your friends, your family, your wife.

In fact, our best life is yet to come! But while we remain on this

But keep in mind as you enjoy this life that there is a judgment to come. So as you live this life, make the best decision you can ever make. Choose eternal life in Christ. Come to Jesus and receive the living water that only he can give. Though a man may die, if he has Christ, he will live.