Ecclesiastes 2:1-11

The Vanity of Self-Indulgence -- Ecclesiastes 2:1-11: All through the book of Ecclesiastes we observe Solomon as he thought and reasoned within himself. He had looked upon and tried all the good, pleasant, and delightful things of life. He had hoped that these things would make him happy. But all that he found was that happiness is not attained in these things. "Behold, this also is vanity." No eternal good arises from sinful mirth, either to the body or mind. And to laugh at everything profits nothing.

Solomon said he sought true happiness in wine. But, he did not find it there. He was very careful in this matter as he said, "Yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom." He wanted his mind alert enough to see what was good for man "under the sun." He made great works, built houses and planted vineyards yet did not find true happiness. The orchards and trees did not satisfy his soul. He made pools of water for beauty, for fish and for irrigation. Yet, his soul was still dry and parched. All of his servants and cattle could not satisfy that longing within. Silver and gold still left him poor and bankrupt in soul. Joyful singing did not even produce peace within. Even Solomon's greatness and wisdom did not satisfy his soul. He saw whatever he wanted to see and did whatever he wanted to do. Yet he said, "Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. "