What can we learn about priorities from Solomon's projects in Ecclesiastes 2:4? The text at a glance “I expanded my works. I built houses for myself and planted vineyards for myself” (Ecclesiastes 2:4). What Solomon did • Built multiple houses (cf. 1 Kings 7:1–12) • Laid out extensive vineyards and gardens (Ecclesiastes 2:5–6) • Oversaw monumental civic projects (1 Kings 9:15–19) • Employed vast labor forces and amassed resources to make it all happen What Solomon discovered • “Then I considered all that my hands had done… and behold, all was vanity and chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11). • The scale of the accomplishments did not deliver lasting satisfaction. • Achievements done “for myself” produced emptiness because they were disconnected from ultimate purpose. Lessons about priorities • Earthly projects are good, but temporary – “Heaven and earth will pass away” (Matthew 24:35). – Build, create, cultivate—yet remember their shelf life. • Motive matters – Solomon repeats “for myself.” Self-centered ambition shrinks the soul. – Colossians 3:23–24 reminds us to work “for the Lord, not for men.” • Stuff cannot satisfy – Possessions and prestige never reach the heart’s deepest need (1 Timothy 6:6–10). – Only fellowship with God fills the void Solomon felt (Psalm 16:11). • Wisdom calls us to seek God first – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). – Solomon’s own conclusion: “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). New Testament echoes • Jesus’ parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16–21) mirrors Solomon’s experience: barns full, soul empty. • Paul’s warning against setting hope on riches (1 Timothy 6:17) reinforces the call to eternal priorities. Putting it into practice • Hold plans loosely; hold God tightly. • Measure success by faithfulness, not by square footage or portfolio size. • Let every project—home improvement, career move, ministry endeavor—be offered to the Lord with open hands and a grateful heart. |
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