12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I set my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under heaven; this burdensome task God has given to the sons of man, by which they may be exercised. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind. 15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, And what is lacking cannot be numbered. 16 I communed with my heart, saying, “Look, I have attained greatness, and have gained more wisdom than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My heart has understood great wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I set my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is grasping for the wind. 18 For in much wisdom is much grief, And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.
Ecclesiastes 1:12-18
The conclusion of chapter 1 deals with the meaninglessness of purely, human wisdom. While human wisdom is greater than foolishness, it too is limited. Solomon was given great wisdom. Yet, the wisdom he had did not help to ease his frustrations when viewing the paradoxical nature of life. Instead, His wisdom only made the futility and madness of life on this planet more plainly seen and easily discerned.
What is the point of all this? The world’s knowledge, the world’s pleasure, and the world’s prominence will never bring true satisfaction and will only lead one to a meaningless existence. Solomon tried it all and every time was left with one thought—“all is vanity.”
The only hope we have is Jesus Christ. If you are not a Christian, trust Jesus as your Savior today. Call upon Him and ask Him to forgive you and save you. Believe that He died and rose again for you and trust Him to reconcile you.
The world’s goods and delights can never fulfill your deepest longings. Only Jesus can do that! Trust Him today.
Believers, we ought to spend our time pursuing Jesus. While we must live in this world, let’s not be too at home here. We are called to a higher plane of living and being. Seek godliness and Christlikeness instead of this worlds allures.
Tony French
mrtonyfrench 