The writer traditionally attributed to the book of Ecclesiastes is Solomon. Keep in mind, he was one of the wealthiest kings Israel ever knew. Whatever he wanted, he could have. He truly had it all. Solomon tried everything this world had to offer—wine, women, and wealth—yet he came to a sobering conclusion: there is more to life than what this world provides.

1. There’s more to life than searching for wisdom (Ecclesiastes 1:14–18) – “And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith. I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. That which is crooked cannot be made straight: and that which is wanting cannot be numbered. I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”

2. There’s more to life than riches (Ecclesiastes 5:10–12) – “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes? The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.”

It takes money to live, but we were never meant to live for money. Contentment is God’s design for His people.

Paul reminds us: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (1 Timothy 6:6–8)

Are you content?

Solomon gives us wise insight into what truly matters. When life is lived apart from God, even the greatest achievements leave us empty. But when life is lived with Him, the journey has meaning, peace, and purpose.

Enjoy the journey.

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese