Vanity of Mirth Ecclesiastes 2:1-3

Genesis 22:1 (Hebrews 11:17) – Abraham was tested “I will test you” (2:1) Testing is a good thing Genesis 22:1 (Hebrews 11:17) – Abraham was tested Psalm 7:9 God tests hearts and minds 2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, test all things

James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7 – tested faith, as we deal with life “I will test you” (2:1) Testing is a good thing James 1:3, 1 Peter 1:7 – tested faith, as we deal with life 1 John 4:1 – test the spirits To test ourselves does NOT mean we engage in sinful conduct or unnecessary temptation

I will test you with mirth (2:1) Mirth – amusement, sensory pleasures. Things that produce happiness and pleasure Not necessarily, sinful or sensual (though that is the appeal of many) Solomon was examining worldly pleasures here – see 2:10

I will test you with mirth (2:1) The Bible and pleasure James 4:1, 3 ἡδονή, (hēdonē) – unrestrained pleasures Luke 8:14, cares and pleasures of this world Titus 3:3, our former conduct Proverbs 21:17, He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.

I will test you with mirth (2:1) We live in a pleasure driven society Seen in our homes, our spare time, hobbies, vacations, etc. Recreation is a very lucrative business today 2 Timothy 3:4, Hebrews 11:25, lovers of pleasure rather than God

I will test you with mirth (2:1) Be reminded, pleasure is not wrong. Even Solomon realized this, Ecclesiastes 2:24, 3:12-13 Rest and recreation can be good – rejuvenate, relax the mind, but it must have its limits Solomon in his quest, used moderation Don’t let it choke out God’s word

Laughter is good medicine Proverbs 17:22 Ecclesiastes 3:4 I said of laughter (2:2) Laughter is good medicine Proverbs 17:22 Ecclesiastes 3:4 There is laughter and joy in good things (cf. Philippians 4:4) Also laughter in evil things – much of today’s entertainment. BUT is such really funny?

Consider excess in laughter and joy of this world’s ways I said of laughter (2:2) Consider excess in laughter and joy of this world’s ways How many become obsessed with laughter and entertainment? Does it rob us of precious time to serve God?

Madness…what does it accomplish? I said of laughter (2:2) Madness…what does it accomplish? Proverbs 14:13, Even in laughter the heart may sorrow, and the end of mirth may be grief Ecclesiastes 7:3, sorrow is better than laughter… James 4:9, let your laughter be turned to mourning… Repent!

Gratification with wine (2:3) Wine – here, related to mirth and laughter. Many turn to alcohol seeking pleasure and escape. How many begin with casual intents, only to become ruined or addicted? Solomon’s conclusion – this too is vanity, even in moderation

How do you deal with laughter and mirth?