Ecclesiastes 2:1–11 “Testing by Pleasure”

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:      

• Simple Gospel – United Pursuit
• Run To The Father – Cody Carnes
• Abide – Dwell Songs ft. Aaron Williams

Resources for Family Worship (with Children)

• JOY for Kids! (Fruit of the Spirit) – 5 Minute Family Devotional | Kids Bible Story – Lesson for Younger Kids
• Joy by Bibleproject – Lesson for Older Kids
• I Am a C-H-R-I-S-T-I-A-N Song Lyrics – Song for Kids
• Praise Him all ye little children | BF KIDS | Sunday School song | Bible songs for kids | Kids songs – Song for Kids
• Forever Love, Forever God | Cross Culture Thailand VBS Music Video | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth are located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The Teacher says that he tried various things “to test” himself (v. 1) to discover where true satisfaction might be found. To state the conclusion first, this too turned out to be meaningless. None of these things provided genuine satisfaction; they offered only temporary pleasure (v. 2).

He even indulged in wine (v. 3), because he wanted to know what kind of pleasure drunkenness might bring. He undertook massive construction projects and devoted himself to cultivating vineyards and various fruit trees (vv. 4–6). He acquired male and female servants and raised livestock (v. 7). He imported treasures from many nations. He kept countless singers and concubines (v. 8). As a result, he became the most incredible power in history and was known as a wise king (v. 9).

He obtained everything a human being could desire and enjoyed every pleasure he wanted. All of it was gained through his own labor and was something he could rightly take pride in (v. 10). Yet when he looked back, it seemed as though his entire life had been spent grasping after the wind (v. 11). Nothing gave more than momentary joy; nothing was able to provide lasting satisfaction.

Meditation:

In 2017, during an interview at New York Fashion Week, actor Jim Carrey once said about the fame, wealth, and privilege he was enjoying, “There is no meaning in this.” When someone who has experienced abundance says, “I’ve tried it, and it’s not that meaningful,” those who have never had such experiences can feel quietly offended. Even if it is empty and fleeting, they want to experience it at least once. To those who lack such things, these words can sound like the idle confession of someone who already has everything. In reality, the things people commonly pursue—pleasure, wealth, honor, achievement, knowledge, and the like—do provide a sense of satisfaction, security, and convenience. That is why those who do not have them tend to envy those who do.

The reason the Teacher says that, even after enjoying such things, they were meaningless, is not because they are unnecessary. Rather, it is because ultimate satisfaction and joy cannot be found in them. He is confessing that ultimate satisfaction and joy cannot be discovered in things “under the sun.” They can only be found “above the sun,” that is, in God. What we gain on this earth is nothing more than a sedative that temporarily quenches our thirst. Every sedative carries the risk of addiction. A sedative is something to be used briefly, not a medicine meant to heal. When misused in that way, it eventually leads to addiction and destruction.

Therefore, the greatest foolishness is trying to obtain ultimate satisfaction and joy from something one can achieve in life. Such people eventually taste the bitter flavor of emptiness and end up confessing, “Everything was meaningless.” True wisdom in life is to receive complete joy, rest, and satisfaction from God, and to humbly accept and enjoy the day’s portion of labor and contentment that is given each day. A person with this mindset does not seek satisfaction in the work itself or its results because they have already received sufficient satisfaction.

Prayer:

Lord, even as we say that we have found satisfaction in You, there remains within us a desire to seek even greater satisfaction in the things of this world. We often deceive ourselves into thinking that if we have more, we will enjoy ourselves more. So, we press ourselves even more deeply into Your embrace. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: The things of this world can make us happy for a moment, but only God can give us deep, lasting joy and rest.

• For Preschool-Elementary:
  • What is something you really like to have or do that makes you happy for a little while?
  • When you feel bored or unhappy after playing or watching something, who can help you feel better?
  • What is one way we can remember God when we are having fun or when we feel empty?
    
• Youth:
  • What is something people your age often think will make them happy—but doesn’t last very long?
  • Why do you think the Bible says that things “under the sun” cannot fully satisfy us?
  • What is one small way you can look to God—not achievements or possessions—for rest or joy this week?