Ecclesiastes 2:4-11 (NKJV) says, “4I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards. 5I made myself gardens and orchards, and I planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6I made myself water pools from which to water the growing trees of the grove. 7I acquired male and female servants, and had servants born in my house. Yes, I had greater possessions of herds and flocks than all who were in Jerusalem before me. 8I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasures of kings and of the provinces. I acquired male and female singers, the delights of the sons of men, and musical instruments of all kinds.
9So I became great and excelled more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure, For my heart rejoiced in all my labor; And this was my reward from all my labor. 11Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.”

Ecclesiastes 2:17 (NASB) says, “So I hated life, for the work which had been done under the sun was grievous to me; because everything is futility and striving after wind.”

 

It may be hard to process someone saying in the Bible that they “hated life”, but their transparency speaks volumes to this generation! While a lot of people are afraid to admit this, they feel the same way! King Solomon hated life because he seen all of the works under the sun, and everything seemed such a waste of time. It wasn’t until towards the end of his life that he brought eternity in view that he understand truly what life was all about:  one’s spirit returning to God to be judged, and the right side of judgment was fearing God and keeping His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:7, 13-14). 

 

Solomon was free to admit, and even for a moment seemed proud of his accomplishments in life. From building houses to planting vineyards, he did it all! Everything he seemed to put his heart and soul into was successful. He finished what he started as he could check off the list goal after goal in which he fulfilled, and yet it all was vanity in his eyes. From the legacy he would leave behind to looking at his children in regards to how they would handle their inheritance, it all left him empty inside. Why is this? Spiritually, he had a void inside that only God could fill. 

 

Too many things that Solomon was focused were things accomplished “under the sun” and “vanity”. He was living a life of “under the sun” rather than “seated in heavenly places.” He also was left empty by so many things. When you are focusing on the wrong things and your drive is towards the wrong goals, it will leave you empty, but blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled! (Matthew 5:6) If we do not want to be left void and empty inside, then it is time we shift our perspective to a heavenly view! How can you enjoy life if you want to live without the goodness and fear of the LORD? You’re just living day-to-day with no vision or purpose. Do not hate your life or even waste it! Let today be a new day for you by drawing close to the LORD in devotion, becoming more mindful to give God the thanks and praises He deserves for the blessings He has bestowed upon your life and be seated with Christ in heavenly places. It will change your life!