Episodes
Monday Jun 06, 2016
Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26 Chasing the Wind, Solomon's Experience
Monday Jun 06, 2016
Monday Jun 06, 2016
Chasing the Wind: Solomon's Experience
Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26
The Irony of Wisdom (1:12-18)
• Solomon states that he pursued wisdom
– A task given to all humanity by God
• But he found the job to be a grievous
– Unlike the ancient philosophers who stated that seeking wisdom was the highest calling
• The more wisdom he had, the less meaningful life was seen to be
– Wisdom brings knowledge of problems
– But, also the knowledge that many problems cannot be solved
• Therefore wisdom actually produced vexation for Solomon
Solomon’s Pursuits (v. 2:1-11)
• He chased pleasure (v. 1-3)
• He toiled to build great estates and wealth (v. 4-10)
• And he found temporary enjoyment in these things
• But they did not truly fulfill him (v. 11)
Solomon’s Wisdom (2:12-17)
• So he turned his attention to gaining wisdom
– And found that it was better than folly
• Folly: Human behavior apart from God
• Wisdom seeks truth/light
– And thus seeks God
– But also finds the truth that the fate of the wise is the same as the foolish: Death!
Solomon’s Legacy (2:18-26)
• He realized that all his hard work would be left to others after his death
- And they may not act so wisely with it
• So he concluded that enjoying the fruit of one’s labor is wisdom (v. 24-25)
- A true gift from God
• Thus, pleasing God is what produces lasting joy (v. 26)
So What?
• Are we seeking fulfillment in our relationship with God?
• Or are we, like Solomon did for a time, seeking it in pleasure or toiling for wealth that will not last?
Meditation Verse: Ecc. 2:26
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