Overview:
Ecclesiastes 2:12–26
With disillusionment and despair casting ever-enlarging shadows across his path, the writer of this journal began to intensify his reactions. Intellectualism didn’t satisfy. Pleasures finally fell flat, landing with a dull thud. Laughter failed to lighten life’s load. Possessions, projects, parks, livestock, collections of precious gems, slaves, singers, and even sex did nothing to remove the monotony of existence. As life continued to cave in all around Solomon, he pondered the possibility of things changing in the next generation. “Maybe the answer lies in those who come after me,” he mused. But, as we shall see, not even that gave him any hope. The result? Twice he said it: “I hated life. . . . I hated all the fruit of my labor” (Ecclesiastes 2:17–18). Doesn’t anything work? Isn’t there any pursuit that will truly satisfy?
Message Summary:
In this message, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores the deepening disillusionment of Solomon as he continues his search for meaning “under the sun.” Having tested intellectualism, pleasure, and vast projects only to find them wanting, Solomon turns his attention to the legacy of his labor. He faces the frustrating reality that everything he has built will eventually be left to a successor who might be a fool. This realization leads to a profound “hatred of life” and labor. However, the sermon concludes with a shift in perspective—reminding us that true satisfaction is not found in what we leave behind, but in receiving each day and its rewards as a direct gift from the hand of God.
Message Key Facts:
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The Limitation of Human Wisdom: While Solomon admits that wisdom is better than folly—just as light is better than darkness—he notes that the same fate (death) ultimately befalls both the wise man and the fool (Ecclesiastes 2:13–15).
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The Futility of Legacy: One of Solomon’s deepest frustrations is the lack of control over his legacy. He realizes he must leave the fruits of his monumental labor to someone who did not work for it and who may squander it (Ecclesiastes 2:18–19).
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The Despair of Work: Solomon describes the “sorrow” and “grief” of a life spent in heavy labor where even at night the mind does not rest. Without a vertical connection to God, work becomes a source of “vanity and striving after wind.”
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The Shift to Contentment: The turning point in the passage occurs in verse 24. Solomon realizes that there is nothing better than to eat, drink, and tell oneself that their labor is good. He acknowledges that this ability to enjoy life is a sovereign “gift from the hand of God.”
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The Divine Requirement: Chuck emphasizes that apart from God, no one can truly eat or have enjoyment. God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to the person who is good in His sight, while the sinner is left with the task of gathering and collecting without lasting satisfaction (Ecclesiastes 2:26).
Message References:
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Ecclesiastes 2:13–14: The comparison of wisdom to light and folly to darkness, yet both ending in the grave.
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Ecclesiastes 2:17–18: Solomon’s admission: “I hated life… I hated all the fruit of my labor.”
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Ecclesiastes 2:24: The discovery that the enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures is a gift from God.
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Ecclesiastes 2:26: The contrast between the joy given to the righteous and the empty labor of the sinner.
