Ecclesiastes 2:1-26
Q.1. What range of experiences did Solomon pursue? What did he make of pleasure, wine, and laughter? How fulfilling were all these pursuits? – (Ecc.2:1-11)
In his quest to gain insight into life and because he had unlimited resources at his disposal, Solomon did not deny himself any pleasures available to man. However, all the while, he restrained himself, and claimed that he kept his feet on the ground (Ecc.2:1-3 c.f. Prov.25:1-2). His life wasn’t all pleasure. Solomon also beautified his surroundings with parks, gardens, ponds, and animals. He collected untold treasure, choirs, and women for pleasure (Ecc.2:4-8). He – became great and increased more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also stood by me (Ecc.2:9). However, it failed to satisfy him – … and he concluded – behold all was vanity and striving after wind and there was no profit under the sun (Ecc.2:11).
Q.2. Why did Solomon throw off restraints for a season? What end is there for the wise and the foolish? What was Solomon’s conclusion about being wise? – (Ecc.2:12-17)
Solomon pursued madness and folly, simply because he had nothing else to do. However, he realized that the end result of indulgence with wisdom, or indulgence with foolishness, ended up about the same. Therefore, the whole exercise was pointless (Ecc.2:12-15). He saw little difference between the remembrance of a fool and of a wise man – So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind (Ecc.2:17). All his advantages and experiences were of no lasting value.
Q.3. What were Solomon’s thoughts about leaving his legacy? Was he at peace? How can a man be at peace with his lot in life? – (Ecc.2:18-26)
Solomon also contemplated what would happen to all his wealth and achievements. He recognized that it would be left to someone else – 19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labour for which I have laboured by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity. 20 Therefore I completely despaired of all the fruit of my labour for which I had laboured under the sun (Ecc.2:19-20 c.f. 1 Tim.6:7). All his exhausting efforts in accumulating and protecting his gains caused him to not be able to sleep. (Ecc.2:23). Solomon concluded that person the most to be envied was the one who enjoyed the fruit of his labours – 24 There is nothing better for a man than to eat and drink and tell himself that his labour is good. This also I have seen that it is from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat and who can have enjoyment without Him? (Ecc.2:24-25). The lesson is that the greatest blessings are gained by submitting to the sovereignty of God.