“They have it so good! If I only had more… (fill in the blank), then I’d be happy.” Does that sound familiar? Maybe you’ve said something like this before. Our 21st Century American minds are incredibly materialistic. For instance, when you get a surprise bonus at work, where does your mind immediately go to? Is it a vehicle, a project around the house, or a vacation? We tend to think more money means more happiness. But this idea couldn’t be further from the truth. How do I know? Because God said so in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11.
Remember, Solomon is on a quest for the meaning of life. In this passage, he described his test of pleasure and self-indulgence. As we examine this section, we need to keep in mind that Solomon’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 trillion dollars in today’s currency. According to Forbes.com, that’s wealthier than Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, and Bill Gates combined! Solomon had it all. He was the richest man to ever walk the earth. However, those riches didn’t provide meaning and satisfaction. The truth is the pleasures of this world cannot provide the meaning of life.
Solomon used his wealth to experience all this world had to offer. He tried substances. He cheered his body with wine and planted great vineyards. He tried to find meaning in great accomplishments. In verses 4-8, we have a list of all his amazing works. He built houses and made great gardens with pools and trees. Solomon had servants and livestock. He gathered silver and gold and many treasures. He entertained himself with singers, dancers, and mistresses (700 wives & 300 concubines). Solomon held nothing back from providing himself with fun, entertainment, and pleasure. In verse 10 he says, “Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure…” King Solomon had everything he wanted. Surely this was satisfying, right? Not even close.
In verse 11, we see Solomon’s conclusion to the test of self-indulgence, “Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.” You can have all that this world offers, and it will prove empty! You’ll probably never be as rich as Solomon, so take his word for it – the pleasures of this world are vanity. They will never satisfy your soul. Pleasure, fun, and happiness are not the meaning of life.
The pleasures of this world cannot provide satisfaction and meaning. Alcohol, drugs, and foolishness cannot provide meaning and happiness. Money, possessions, and sex cannot provide meaning and happiness. Only God provides true satisfaction and meaning. King David stated in Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” The meaning of life is only found in the Creator of life. And by His goodness and grace, He offers eternal joy to those who call upon Him in faith.