The temporary pleasures

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THE TEMPORARY PLEASURES

“I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 2:1 NLT).

What pleasures was Solomon referring to? The Word affirms that there is nothing new under the sun. We still go through the same battles and the same temporary pleasures that existed and continue to exist on earth. Today I want to share some temporary pleasures that Solomon mentions in the book of Ecclesiastes. Let’s see:

1. Materialism

“I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees” (Ecclesiastes 2:4-5 NLT).

There is nothing wrong with having a mansion, beautiful vineyards, fruitful gardens, and parks, instead it is all a blessing. The problem occurs when we start to look for happiness and safety in these things. Many people have had mansions and valuable possessions, nevertheless, it didn’t bring meaning to their lives.

2. Wealth

“I collected great sums of silver and gold, the treasure of many kings and provinces. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire!” (Ecclesiastes 2:8 NLT).

Here we see that Solomon had wealth, treasures, musicians, and even beautiful women. He had everything a man could desire, either way, he still understood that everything was temporary, therefore, it was meaningless to hold onto it. Many seek meaning in obtaining everything their heart desires and once they reach it they realize it doesn’t satisfy them.

3. Power

“So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors” (Ecclesiastes 2:9-10 NLT).

King Solomon was the wisest and most powerful man that ever lived in Jerusalem. He had the power to access everything he wished and he never denied himself any pleasures. However, he still realized that it was meaningless to have all the power in the world, in fact, he compared all of this to the wind.

The Bible says, “But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 NLT).

The only pleasure that can forever satisfy us is God’s presence. In Him we find the happiness, the fullness and satisfaction we long for. The only thing that will bring meaning to our life is to live for someone who is eternal and always faithful, and that is God.

“I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” But I found that this, too, was meaningless” (Ecclesiastes 2:1 NLT).

Think about it:

What temporary pleasures have you tried to satisfy your soul with?
Is it worth giving your life up for something that is not eternal?