The VANITY of PLEASURE and WORLDLY HAPPINESS
July 9
Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes Chapters 1-3
The VANITY of PLEASURE and WORLDLY HAPPINESS
"Whatever my eyes desired I did
not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, for my heart
rejoiced in all my labor; and this was my reward from all my labor. Then I
looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had
toiled; and indeed, all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no
profit under the sun." (Eccl 2:10-11)
King Solomon
had everything that any man or woman could dream of having in this world. Not
only did he have godly wisdom but God also granted to him both riches and honor
(1 Kings 3:12-13; 2 Chron. 1:11-12). In fact, he had everything that this world
could offer him, incl. pleasure, laughter, wine, wisdom, houses, gardens,
money, possessions, music, and servants. He also had about 700 wives and 300
concubines. However, he soon realized that they were all in vain (Eccl. 2:11).
He understood that lasting satisfaction does not come from possessing tangible
things like money, material goods, projects, entertainment and work.
Solomon also
understood that pleasure is vain (2:1–3), as are human accomplishments
(2:4–11). Houses, gardens, reservoirs, a house full of servants, herds and
flocks, silver and gold, professional musicians for entertainment—all fail to
yield satisfaction. Solomon’s kingly office afforded him anything he wanted,
but he always wanted more and did not get the satisfaction that he wanted.
Let us
understand that happiness in our lives do not arise not from the situation in
which we are placed or from the worldly pleasures that we have. It is only through Jesus Christ that
lasting joy can be attained!
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:9-11)
