Flourishing and Frustrated

The end of Ecclesiastes chapter six brings us half-way thru Solomon's documentary on the pursuit of fulfillment. Israel's king continues last week's examination of wealth and happiness. In chapter five we considered the relationship between riches and greed: he who loves money (greed; covetousness) will not be satisfied with money. In this passage, Solomon examines having wealth and enjoying wealth. Just because you have it, doesn't mean you get to enjoy it! The conclusion is the same in either case: vanity. You think these things will fill you up, but if you aren't wise, you'll end up empty. Here is the prologue to Solomon's point: wealth and honor and days of life and many offspring may not last and won't guarantee satisfaction. The belly is never full for long, no matter who you are. At the end of the day, you are powerless to argue or altar God's sovereign plan. Solomon's search has now identified three evils that frustrate fulfillment under the sun: i.) Heisted. The rich man gets plundered (vv.1-6); ii.) Hungry. The full man grows hungry again (vv.7-9); iii.) Helpless. No man under the sun really knows what is good (vv.10-12).