I came to hate all my hard work here on earth, for I must leave to others everything I have earned. And who can tell whether my successors will be wise or foolish? Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun. How meaningless! So I gave up in despair, questioning the value of all my hard work in this world. (Ecclesiastes 2:18–20)
How very many there are who appear to be suave, stable, and successful but who, down inside, are dreadfully frustrated! The term “frustrated” comes from a Latin term frustra, which means “in vain.” In other words, one who is “frustrated” feels that all he does is void of purpose. Despite great effort and constant pursuit, the frustrated individual fails to realise his dreams. A sense of helplessness evolves into hopelessness . . . even though great pains are taken to hide the awful truth. Few are those who peel off their masks and admit how greatly they struggle. When they do, however, our admiration for them is enhanced. Vulnerability is a rare but much-respected trait.
It is this quality, perhaps more than any other, that causes us to appreciate Solomon. We don’t have to possess great insight. We aren’t forced to guess what is rumbling around inside his head. He tells us. He is absolutely transparent. Without hesitation he has admitted his frustration.
- He was unable to find satisfaction in intellectual pursuits.
- He found laughter and pleasure nothing short of maddening.
- He turned to wine, women, and song, only to enter into greater boredom.
- He tried personal projects, pools, and well-scented parks . . . again, no satisfaction!
- He attempted to be fulfilled with harems of beautiful concubines, hundreds of wives, and fine singers—zero.
- He then began to collect exquisite gems and priceless pieces of jewellery and art, but nothing satisfied. Nothing!
King Solomon was fed up with devices to fill up his day. But he just kept driving. And what did he find? More miles of bad road. New pursuits, same conclusion. And best of all, he doesn’t hide the truth. Solomon may be frustrated and bored, but he’s no hypocrite.
Since Solomon was still in possession of his mental faculties, he decided to put his mind to work. If all the sensual delights and practical projects wouldn’t produce lasting happiness, maybe a change in direction would.
“So I turned . . .” (Eccl. 2:12 NASB); in other words, “I decided to turn in another direction, to pursue several things I’d not yet explored.” The new direction led him into three comparisons. He would compare wisdom with foolishness (2:13–17), the immediate with the ultimate (2:18–21), and daily work with evening relief (2:22–23). Want a hint? These things didn’t satisfy any more than his previous pursuits.
