1. Entertainment Ecclesiastes 2:8-11

2. Vanity – emptiness, vapor Vanity of laughter and mirth (2:1-2)
All is vanity
Vanity – emptiness, vapor
Vanity of laughter and mirth (2:1-2)
Vanity of Wine and substances (2:3)
Vanity of luxury and recreation (2:4-6)
Vanity of dominion – ruling over others (2:7)
Vanity of materialism (2:7-8)

3. Solomon’s entertainment (vs. 8)
He acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men
“Musical instruments” NASB – “concubines” (cf. 2 Kings 11:1-3) The Hebrew word is disputed and used only in this text. Many interpretations (cupbearer, chests upon chests, coffers upon coffers, etc.)
Regardless, a pursuit of gratification

4. A multibillion dollar industry (trillions worldwide).
Entertainment today
A multibillion dollar industry (trillions worldwide).
People want to continually be entertained, and in various ways.
Has this affected worship and our view of the church?
People don’t stop and sit still for some serious activity.

5. Considering entertainment
NOTE: Entertainment is NOT wrong itself.
It is good and even needed – we need to “re-create” our minds and bodies. We need “down time” and time to laugh, enjoy what we have, and engage in amusement
Ecclesiastes 3:1,4, 2:24, 3:12-13, 11:9, etc.
Many feasts involved rejoicing

6. The vanity of entertainment
Is it wholesome?
Some entertainment is wrong simply for what it is –gambling, social drinking, modern dance, unwholesome movies, sensual gratification, pornography, etc.
Psalm 101:3, 119:37
Philippians 4:8 – “meditate on these things”

7. The vanity of entertainment
How does it consume my time?
Ephesians 5:16
Does it get in the way of my doing other things I could be doing?
Does it keep me from doing spiritual activities? (Attendance, times with brethren, benevolence, studies, etc.)

8. The vanity of entertainment
How does it consume my time?
Am I CONSUMED by my entertainment?
Luke 5:29-30, Mark 6:30-33, John 2:1ff – Jesus went to banquets, weddings, and even deserted places to rest. He was willing to be interrupted for good

9. The vanity of entertainment
How does it consume my resources?
Entertainment can become very expensive, very quickly
If the entertainment is wholesome, then we are justified to make provisions for it
1 Timothy 6:18, 1 Corinthians 4:2 – remember good stewardship.
Use wise judgment and moderation – 1 Corinthians 9:25

10. The vanity of entertainment
Is it causing me to neglect my duties and relationships?
Family relationships?
Societal relationships?
Spiritual relationships?
My work?

11. The vanity of entertainment
Has my entertainment become an idol?
Some are consumed by various forms of entertainment (e.g. video games, social media, television, etc.)
1 Corinthians 6:12 – I will not be brought under the power of any
1 John 5:21 – keep yourselves from idols

12. Solomon concludes his search summarizing where these things led
And such like…
Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
Solomon concludes his search summarizing where these things led
He had excelled and became great more than all before him in Jerusalem (2:9)
He maintained his wisdom – moderation, etc.
Whatever my eyes desired – did he pursue other areas not mentioned here?

13. And such like…
Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
My heart rejoiced in all my labor – he was satisfied as he engaged in the pursuit.
There is something to be said about the value of work and giving your best (Eccl. 9:10) – it is a blessing
BUT even this is not an escape from your problems and the vanity of life

14. Then I looked (examination, contemplation – 2 Corinthians 13:5)
And such like…
Ecclesiastes 2:9-11
Then I looked (examination, contemplation – 2 Corinthians 13:5)
And indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind.

15. Solomon gives the answer - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Concluding thoughts:
How tragic to spend your life pursuing real and lasting meaning, looking everywhere on earth, only to realize at the end, it is emptiness!
Even sadder, is to appear before God with nothing but your vain pursuits?
Solomon gives the answer - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

16. What are you pursuing?