Eccl 1:13 (NIV) I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! With Solomon’s resources, he was able to try all those things that humans try so they can be happy. He had more money, possessions, positions, power, prestige, popularity, pleasure, and accomplishments than anyone. He already tried it all out. There is no need for you or your friends to waste your time. Solomon is in God’s Book to help you see it is all useless.

Eccl 1:14 (NIV) I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. From Solomon’s perspective much of what he says in the book of Ecclesiastes is a lie. It was what he believed; but, he believed it because he had departed from God and His truths. This is what is waiting for you and your friends, if you start out well like Solomon and then neglect your relationship with God. Typically your relationship with God gets crowded out.

Eccl 1:16 (NIV) I thought to myself, “Look, I have grown and increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.” Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind. Because Solomon allowed his wives to corrupt him, he was doing all this research outside the truths of God. He wasn’t researching God’s wisdom; He was researching the wisdom of his body, the world, and the devil. And, this was what they gave him!

Solomon said: Eccl 1:18 (NIV) For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.

Jesus said: John 8:32 (NIV) Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Who do you believe? Jesus is talking about you having knowledge, understanding, and wisdom through a relationship with God. The reason Solomon was in so much pain and confusion was because he had left God and went against the truths God had given him. He was smart enough to know that things weren’t working out for him. So, at the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon states his final conclusion:

Eccl 12:13-14 (NIV) Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Are you willing to allow Solomon do all the research for you on what you would get if you didn’t resist your body, the world, and the devil with God’s truth?

Eccl 2:1 (NIV) I thought in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.” But that also proved to be meaningless. Just in case you or your friends aren’t convinced, Solomon continued to try to find meaning, happiness, and satisfaction for his life without God. So, he gave pleasure a try. You can imagine that he was able to try it all. He had more money, possessions, positions, power, prestige, popularity, pleasure, and accomplishment than anyone on the planet. So, you can be sure he tried it all.

Eccl 2:2 (NIV) “Laughter,” I said, “is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?” You and your friends can party, tell jokes, and laugh at each other’s stories, but, the end of the party leaves you empty without God giving you the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23).

Eccl 2:3 (NIV) I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives. The Bible has a truth that will help you replace wine with the Holy Spirit: Eph 5:18 (NIV) Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery (excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures). Instead, be filled with the Spirit. This verse speaks creation truth into you that protects you from these kinds of things.

Eccl 2:4-6 (NIV) I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. With his incredible wisdom and resources, you can imagine that he was able to try accomplishing the very best. No doubt they impressed everyone except Solomon; he was still empty. He had removed God from his heart and mind; that left a God-sized hole that nothing could fill.

Eccl 2:7 (NIV) I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. Have you ever bought something that really made you happy for awhile? How long did it take for the “happiness” to wear off? Have you ever done something that made you happy? How long did that last? Jesus’ truth says: Mat 6:33 (NIV) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these THINGS will be given to you as well.

Eccl 2:8 (NIV) I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well--the delights of the heart of man. With Solomon’s wisdom and wealth, he no doubt bought the best. And, he was able to get the most. He had all the time he needed to make sure he researched the known world for amassing all the delights of the heart of man.

Gal 5:22-23 (NIV) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. This is what would have met Solomon’s needs; and, this is what will meet your needs. When you put God first and seek Him, His kingdom and His righteousness, all these THINGS will be given to you as well. He just wants you to put Him up as your priority.

Eccl 2:10-11 (NIV) I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor. Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. He didn’t leave you or your friends with much to try. You could be convinced and go all out with Jesus.

Jesus speaks this creation truth into you: Mat 16:26 (NIV) What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? This Scripture can fill your heart with this truth and empower you to be able to resist those things Solomon was being drawn to. Jesus isn’t trying to reason with you, that would push you into human reasoning and effort. He is speaking this power into your heart and mind.