Ecclesiastes 5:9-20

Finding satisfaction that lasts.

Have you ever tried something brand new, you loved it and enjoyed it! For me it was when I got my ATV. I loved it but after a while it got boring. What would I do instead? I would go inside my house for hours playing video games. The same thing happened I would spend hours playing. Then after being frustrated and tired of playing for so long I would quit the game and realize I missed out on my whole day. i had wasted my whole day playing video games. I now realize how important spending time with people and the true importance of relationships.

Solomon shares how life can be so pointless when we are stuck in the same cycle of trying to find joy and satisfaction in the wrong things. Lets open up God’s Word today, to Ecclesiastes 5 starting in verse 9. It says:

Point 1: Money does not satisfy

Ecclesiastes 5:9–12 ESV

But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields. He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

Explanation: A man that loves money is constantly wanting to work more and more to be wealthier and wealthier

Illustration: Keanu Reeves

He is somewhat of a recluse currently, but in his prime Keanu Reeves was in hit after hit, and had a bright shining star. He was a household name, but during his early days in Hollywood he realized that the partying, the fame and the fortune were nothing in the grand scheme of things. He was best friends with River Phoenix who famously overdosed in a very public way. And, Reeves' pregnant fiancé died in a car accident in the early 90s. Reeves knows heartbreak and has been very vocal about living a real life and not needing money to do so, because it really does not dictate your true happiness. It was even reported that he gave his entire Matrixsalary away! He knows there is no emotional value in money.

Sources: WallStreetJournal, UsMagazine, Standard

Application:

What faith does for Christians, money does for non-believers. They put their trust in money and depending on how much money they have in their bank account, thats how much security they have in their life.

Point 2: How we come into this world is the same way we will leave.

Ecclesiastes 5:13–15 ESV

There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. As he came from his mother’s womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand.

the human heart was made to be satisfied only by God (3:11). “Take heed and beware of covetous- ness,” warned Jesus, “for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things which he possesses” (Luke 12:15 NKJV). First the person loves money, and then he loves more money, and the disappointing pursuit has begun that can lead to all sorts of prob- lems. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim. 6:10 NKJV).

Ecclesiastes 5:16-20 (ESV)

Ecclesiastes 5:16–20 ESV

This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

Point 3: Only a Godly life can truly satisfy us.

What myths did Solomon destroy in Ecclesiastes 5:10– 20? How do these myths appear in modern society? How does believing these myths rob people of God’s blessings?

What are some of the ways you find balance in life?

What are the challenges to maintaining a healthy balance? How does your faith in God help you with that balancing act?