In searching for wisdom Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 1:16-18: 16 I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. 18 For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. ... the conclusion ... much study is a wearies the body ... (Ecclesiastes 12:12)
Look at the five things that Solomon was searching for and what was the outcome.
1. Searching for Pleasure: Ecclesiastes 2:1-2 ... this is vanity. I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless. 2 “Laughter,” I said, “is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?”3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.
2. Searching for Prosperity: Ecclesiastes 2:4-6 4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees
3. Searching for Property: Ecclesiastes 2:7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.
4. Searching for Possessions: Ecclesiastes 2:8 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem as well—the delights of a man’s heart.
5. Searching for Power: Ecclesiastes 2:9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me
Look how many times Solomon says I in Ecclesiastes chapter 2 - at least 24 times! When we focus too much on ourself it will bring destruction. We develop a bad attitude and become jaded about life. This not only affects ourselves, but also those around us.
Is life all about us or about God and His purposes?
Have a good Godly day.
