Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 2

The content of this chapter, put bluntly, is depressing. It speaks of the futility of life. Solomon describes in detail how complete his life was from a secular perspective. Verse 6 tells us of an irrigation system he intelligently engineered to water his grove. In Verse 7, we see that he had a multitude of servants under his ownership. Verse 8 talks about the riches he had obtained, and the quality of entertainment he possessed. He was surpassed by no one in terms of wisdom, wealth and might.

Yet, in Verses 10-16, it dawned upon him that everything was vanity. His intelligence, riches, and strength all came to nothing at the end of the day. He goes so far as to say: ‘Therefore I hated life… for all is vanity and grasping for the wind’ in Verse 17.

There is a lot for us to accomplish in this world. An elevated social status, lucrative career opportunities, academic glory. The list goes on and runs long. However, each time we feel the urge to devote ourselves to these pursuits, let us keep the example of Solomon close to mind. Despite our best efforts, we will probably never achieve what Solomon had accomplished, perhaps not even in 2 lifetimes. Yet, he himself conceded that all he had done came to naught.

If this was all there is to life, we are indeed pitiable. By the grace of God, this is not the case.

1 Peter 2:11 – “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,”

We are strangers in this foreign land that is the world. We live on Earth with the hope of going home to Christ. If our eyes are not transfixed on what is everlasting, worldly pleasures will seduce us away to what is ultimately empty.

There is nothing in this world that can fill the God-shaped hole in our hearts. Therefore, as we live our lives today, let us think: What is it that we seek?

Matthew 6:21 – “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”