Solomon began his reign with a visit from the Lord that blessed him with great wisdom, riches, and fame beyond imagination. With peace all around, Solomon was situated to pursue a life like no other, and enjoy the fruit therefrom that none had ever experienced.

So, why then, did he begin the book written in his old age as follows…

Ecclesiastes 1:2 Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

It’s all empty, Solomon wrote. My life is empty and worthless. As he looked back on all of his accomplishments, which were many and exceedingly great, He said they amounted to nothing.

One would initially conclude that ol’ Solomon must have been suffering from some dementia. After all, he had it all, wealth, women, and world-wide fame. People came from all parts of the world just to take in the opulence of his great kingdom. Dignitaries left in awe and amazement.
None were so great as Solomon.

But Solomon was an empty shell.

What happened to take Solomon from the heights of blessing, to the depths of despair?

Reading through Solomon’s biography, it doesn’t take long to discover what motivated the man. Solomon was on a life quest to fulfill his every desire. He built every grandiose building he could think of; he created the most elaborate gardens ever conceived; he had the greatest army, and security force, the most exotic foods to eat, and every woman his eyes desired.

Solomon pursued every craving that came into his heart. He became driven to have more, to taste more, and see more than any man who ever lived. Solomon’s cravings became his demons; always hounding him, and never giving him true peace.

When Solomon finally stopped to consider the glorious kingdom that he had built, age had deceptively caught up with him, stealing his vitality, and his ability to see clearly and navigate freely. Instead of bringing him comfort, all of his accomplishments became an indictment against him, reminders that his life had been spent chasing after one thing only…himself.

Solomon learned the hard way that true satisfaction and happiness are never the result of selfish pursuits. One will never find joy by chasing after it. Happiness will never be found by those who seek it.

True joy, peace, and fulfillment are the reward of giving, not taking. As we give our lives away in meeting the needs of others, then we are blessed with happiness and satisfaction.

It’s too bad that it took so long for Solomon to learn that lesson. May we learn from his mistake.