The Book of Ecclesiastes reveals Solomon’s effort to evaluate the world. Having great wealth, power and wisdom, Solomon set out to test life. He used his keen mind in a search for the best life has to offer. He tried to discover how to maximize happiness and minimize sorrow. He sought to understand the world and wanted to unravel its mysteries and discover the meaning of all its workings, both good and evil (Ecclesiastes 1:12-13, 16-17).
Solomon experienced this with his own life. He tried every kind of pleasure — the best food and drink, the best music and entertainment, the finest material goods, the most beautiful women. He took on great challenges and tried to improve everything around him. Solomon pursued happiness in every conceivable way (2:1, 3-10).
Solomon, it seems, pursued happiness with as much zest, gusto and vigor as any man. Certainly, if anyone was ever both wise enough and wealthy enough to succeed, it was Solomon. The Bible states that Solomon’s glory — his riches, possessions and honor — was unexcelled (Ecclesiastes 2:9).
No king has ever had more personal resources for the pursuit of happiness than Solomon. Yet, he failed. Whatever he tried, wherever he looked, he found frustration and futility. He discovered that pleasure, possessions or any endeavor would not bring lasting happiness (Ecclesiastes 2:11). He pursued happiness but found vexation, disappointment and emptiness. He ended his great quest, lamentably, hating life (Ecclesiastes 2:15-23). Let us notice what Solomon discovered.
Solomon discovered the vanity of Life! Solomon’s failure to find bliss was not a personal one. He failed because of the very nature of life. It is a world at war with itself — a world of order and disorder in continuous conflict — and there is no defense against its evils (Ecclesiastes 1:14-15). He saw oppression, the failure of riches, the failure of righteousness and the climax of every life being death.
Solomon discovered the compensations of life! Although Solomon was deeply disappointed by what he discovered about life, he concluded that life is better than death. And, in spite of all our suffering, virtually everyone chooses life over death (9:4-6; 11:7-8). Furthermore, God has given us compensations to ease our sorrows. He has made the simple, common experiences of life the most reliable resources of happiness. It is also good to know and remember that true survival comes from obedience to the Lord (7:18).
Solomon discovered the accountability of life! It behooves us all to keep the future in mind as we live our lives. Solomon warned the young to look ahead and not forget that age catches up with us all. Do not live selfishly and for the moment because (although it cannot be seen) our spirit goes upward to be judged by how we have lived (11:9-10; 12:13-14).
Solomon is not pessimistic about life; he is realistic. We will not find a utopia in this life. This, however, is the perfect training ground for eternity. This life brings struggles, trials and difficulties which must be met with obedience to the Word of God. Obedience to God can give meaning to life and bring eternal life.
You can become a Christian by believing that Jesus Christ is God’s Son (John 8:24), repenting of your sins (Acts 3:19), confessing your faith in Christ as God’s Son (Romans 10:9-10) and being baptized (immersed in water) for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38). Will you let us assist you in obtaining the abundant life?
