Chapter
one of Ecclesiastes describes the vanity of labor and learning.
The first half of chapter two describes the vanity of luxury. Solomon
tried mirth, which is laughter and merriment (v.1-2). He tried
wine (v.3), houses (v.4), vineyards (v.4), gardens (v.5), orchards
(v.5), pools (v.6), servants (v.7), cattle (v.7), treasures (v.8) and
music (v.8). He found that they were all �vanity and vexation of
spirit� (v.11).
How
many times have we thought that having just a little more of the things
of this world might bring us happiness? Yet, Solomon had more
than we could ever imagine and still did not find peace or joy. Why
do possessions not bring happiness? What should our attitude
be toward the things of this world? How can we go about finding
true happiness?
You might
find it helpful to take the Contentment
Quiz with today's portion.