Text: Ecclesiastes 1:2-11
All is Vanity
- Futility of wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18; 2:12-17)
- Futility of pleasures (Ecclesiastes 2:1-3, 10-11)
- Futility of possessions (Ecclesiastes 2:4-11)
- Futility of labor (Ecclesiastes 2:18-26)
Yet These Things Can Have Profit
- Profit of wisdom (Proverbs 3:13-18)
- Profit of pleasures (Ecclesiastes 11:9-10)
- Profit of possessions (Proverbs 10:15,22)
- Profit of labor (Proverbs 14:23)
Is the Wise Man Contradicting Himself?
- No — Scripture always harmonized with Scripture (John 10:35)
- Difference between profitability & futility is purpose (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
Our Pursuits Must Be According to Our Purpose
- Pursuit of wisdom — seek God’s wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-7), look in the right place to find truth which leads to wisdom (Proverbs 23:23), as wisdom is the application of knowledge, seek to obey God (James 1:22)
- Pursuit of pleasures — enjoy life, but remember that we will be held accountable (Ecclesiastes 11:9), limit ourselves to wholesome things (Philippians 4:8), must not neglect our responsibilities (spiritual, family, work, etc.)
- Pursuit of possessions — remember where blessings come from (James 1:17), use blessings to glory of God (1 Timothy 6:18), do not develop the love of money (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
- Pursuit of labor — work hard (Ecclesiastes 9:10) as for the Lord (Colossians 3:23); with fruit of our labors provide for ourselves & our families (2 Thessalonians 3:7-10; 1 Timothy 5:8), help those in need (Ephesians 4:28), give back to the Lord (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)
Read the article: Finding Purpose Amidst the Vanity of Life
