The Joy Given Only by God

Ecclesiastes documents Solomon’s life. He instructs his audience through his documented life experiences as he sought meaning and satisfaction apart from God in different ways. In Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, we see Solomon search for meaning in pleasure itself as he unabatedly chases laughter, work, and nature. He also amasses slaves, flocks, wealth, singers and concubines in hitherto untold measures. These all proved vain. So, Solomon turns to something else. In our passage today, Solomon turns to the value of living wisely and working hard with an emphasis on drawing enjoyment from them. Therein lies the problem: joy only comes from God.

Two Points

1. The joy Solomon lost. (Ecclesiastes 2:12-23)
2. The joy only given by God. (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26)