08/22/2007
Ecclesiastes 2:18-19a, 24
I hated all the
things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who
comes after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool.
A man can do nothing
better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too,
I see, is from the hand of God, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?
These words are from King Solomon. Those who know the scriptures will tell you that Solomon was the greatest king of Israel, and possibly the entire world. Though he did not rule the world, he had wealth and wisdom beyond compare. Remember that the Queen of Egypt came to see Solomon and declared that his greatness had been understated.
But here we have a man that God had blessed greatly. When asked what he wanted most by God, Solomon answered “wisdom”. For this, God also added to him wealth and greatness. Solomon built the first Temple in Jerusalem. Then he built great palaces for himself.
But in his aging years, he looked back at it all; many times he says it is just “chasing after the wind.” In one sense we see a man who is disheartened by failing to find what he thought he wanted. When he got it, it proved to be meaningless in the bigger scheme of things.
What then did Solomon conclude was the root of happiness? First, the phrase “eat and drink” is a metaphor for enjoying the companionship of family and friends, usually around a meal. And secondly, to find satisfaction in ones’ work. I pity the person who utterly hates their work. To have an occupation for which one has a passion is a blessing.
We know we cannot take our wealth with us. And our health is certainly going to fail. What will last, is our legacy.
Are you focusing your efforts on what will truly bring enjoyment in this lifetime?
Jeff Justus
Cleff Publishing
www.cleffpublishing.com
©2007 Cleff Publishing, all rights reserved.
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