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! Jesus, make it real to me that 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. Make it clear to me that there is no need for me or my friends to waste our time. Let me totally understand that Solomon is in God’s Book to help me 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. Jesus, even though this is very unusual for your Bible, help me see that 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. Let this have a great impact on me; show me that this is what is waiting for me and my friends, if we start out well like Solomon and then neglect our relationship with God. Show me that typically, in that case, my relationship with God would get 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. Jesus, make it clear to me that 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 is 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.” Jesus, I believe You rather than Solomon. You are talking about me 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; protect me from that trap. 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. Jesus, I am willing to allow Solomon do all the research for me on what I will get if don’t resist my 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. Jesus help me and my friends to be convinced; help us let Solomon do all the research for us. Show me that Solomon continued to try to find meaning, happiness, and satisfaction for his life without God. So, he gave pleasure a try. Since he had more money, possessions, positions, power, prestige, popularity, pleasure, and accomplishments than anyone on the planet, I can be sure he tried it all.

Eccl 2:2 (NIV) “Laughter,” I said, “is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?” Jesus, teach me that without God giving me the fruit of the Spirit, I and my friends can party, tell jokes, and laugh at each other’s stories, but, the end of the party leaves me empty (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. Jesus, teach me that the Bible has a truth that will help me 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. Let this verse speak creation truth into me that protects me 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. Jesus, with Solomon’s incredible wisdom and resources, I can imagine that he was able to try accomplishing the very best. No doubt they impressed everyone except Solomon; show me that he was still empty. Since he had removed God from his heart and mind, help me see that, that left a God-sized hole 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. Jesus, I have bought things that really made me happy for awhile. But, it didn’t take long before the “happiness” to wore off. I have done things that made me happy. But, doing things didn’t give me lasting happiness either. Jesus, Your truth says in: Matthew 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. Jesus, with Solomon’s wisdom and wealth, no doubt he 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. Help me believe that if I tested these things, they wouldn’t turn out any better for me.

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. Jesus, make it clear to me that this is what would have met Solomon’s needs; and, this is what will meet my needs. When I put God first and seek Him, His kingdom and His righteousness, all these THINGS will be given to me as well. Show me that God just wants me to put Him up as my 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. Jesus, I am glad that Solomon didn’t leave me or my friends with much to try. I am convinced and am ready to go all out with You.

Jesus, speak this creation truth into me: 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? Let this Scripture fill my heart with this truth and empower me to be able to resist those things Solomon was being drawn to. Help me see that You aren’t trying to reason with me; show me that, that would push me into human reasoning and effort. Speak this power into my heart and mind.