The search for fulfillment and purpose in this life will either be accomplished in Jesus Christ or lead the seeker to empty places. Solomon had enormous resources at his disposal to conduct a methodical search for fulfillment in all areas of human life, and having searched the results were vexation and sorrow.
Solomon pursued hedonism, moralism, and labor in order to find satisfaction. He purposely set aside his upbringing and convictions in the pursuit of these things. The pursuit of laughter, wine, art, pleasure and sexual enjoyment was declared to be foolishness, empty and unsatisfying. However, his pursuit of wisdom, while slightly better in itself, caused him to hate life as he saw that death would come for the wise man just as it would come for the fool. As Solomon expended himself in work and toil he saw that other would benefit from his labor, and this was a sorrow.
Pleasure is good when it comes from the Lord, righteousness is good when directed to the Lord out of reverence, and work is good as a creation ordinance. But, one who loves the world and the things in the world shows that there is no love of the Father in him. Only the Son of God can satisfy the heart in this life. |
