The Preacher (Solomon) Searches for Meaning in Life Have you ever asked these questions to yourself? “Who am I?” “Where did I come from?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I going?” Solomon, the wisest human being who lived in his time searched for meaning in his life.

The Preacher (Solomon) Searches for Meaning in Life Is your life meaningful? What is your purpose in life? In the book of Ecclesiastes, we are given the personal experiences and observations of someone who had the power, riches, and opportunity to have or pursue anything that he desired. As an American, you have the same opportunity to pursue life, liberty, and pursue whatever makes you happy.

Let’s See What Solomon Discovered Life on Earth is Futile

Solomon Discovered Life on Earth is Futile “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, Vanity of Vanities! All is vanity!” (1:2) “Vanity or Vanities” is used 32X in the book. It means “emptiness, something transitory and unsatisfactory”. Life from an earthly perspective (“under the sun” 27X) is futile because it is like grasping for the wind (1:14).

Solomon Discovered Life on Earth is Futile You cannot hold on to what you have and you are left empty in the end. Why did Solomon say that? How is that helpful to us or anyone? Solomon gives reasons for his conclusions which we can observe even today (3,000 years after he wrote it).

What Did Solomon Discover Life on Earth is Futile – –Nature Never Changes

Nature Never Changes (Eccl. 1:4-7) People live and die but the earth remains. (1:4; 12:7) Why? Because the consequences of sin is death while the earth will remain until the second coming of Christ. (Genesis 2:16-17; 8:22; Romans 5:12; 6:23; 2 Peter 3:10)

Nature Never Changes (Eccl. 1:4-7) We see the sun rise and set everyday like it always has (1:5). (Song Sunrise, Sunset- “Swiftly fly the years One season following another Laden with happiness and tears” We know from observation that if the wind blows from the north it will get cooler. (1:6; Job 37:9) Rivers run into the sea, it evaporates into the air, the clouds bring forth rain which returns back to the rivers in a perpetual cycle (1:7).

What Did Solomon Discover Life on Earth is Futile – –Nature Never Changes – –Nothing Satisfies Us

Nothing Satisfies Us (1:3, 8) Solomon built houses, planted vineyards, made gardens, parks and planted fruit trees but he considered it a waste of time (2:4-5). Why? Because there was no profit under the sun because you have to leave it to someone else (2:11, 17-20). We are just like little children who think that we will be happy with the latest toy on the market. But we get bored with it and we have got to have something new.

Nothing Satisfies Us (1:3, 8) NEWSFLASH: “There is nothing new under the sun” (1:9) There is nothing new on earth that will totally satisfy you and make you happy. But you may say “I’m very happy with my house, vehicle, computer, game,” or whatever possession you can think of. The problem is that you will die and will have to give it to someone else.

What Did Solomon Discover Life on Earth is Futile – –Nature Never Changes – –Nothing Satisfies Us – –Human Wisdom is Folly

Seeking after Human Wisdom is Folly (1:13-18) God had given great wisdom to Solomon in answer to prayer (1 Kings 3:9-12). He used that God given wisdom and made up his mind to know human wisdom, madness, and folly (1:17). Seeking after the philosophies of men left him with greater burdens, cares, and pains. (1:18)

Seeking after Human Wisdom is Folly (1:13-18) We are bombarded daily with humanistic, hedonistic, and godless philosophies of men that keep people focused on life “under the sun” which can influence us to be worldly also (Colossians 2:8). As a result, many do not know or care why they are here and never think about where are they going to spend eternity.

Seeking after Human Wisdom is Folly (1:13-18) Here is Solomon’s testimony: “I have seen all the works which have been done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after wind” (1:14). The wisdom of the world is foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3:19)!

Conclusion What is your purpose in life? Why are you here? Where are you going? What Solomon discovered about life is what you and I need to understand. Life without God will not satisfy you but life with Him will be joyful (Eccl. 2:24-26). The whole purpose of man is to fear Him and keep His commands because He will bring every act into judgment (Eccl. 12:13-14).

Conclusion Life under the sun without the Son will leave you burned without any mercy or relief.