Ecclesiastes 12:1-14 When life seems meaningless (young men, live this…

Ecclesiastes 12:1-14 When life seems meaningless (young men, live this way)

King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches, wisdom, in everything. But why did he say numerous times that everything is meaningless? (1:2,12:8, 40 times). Let’s look at Scriptures that shows us how to live meaningful life in Christ. Why did King Solomon say that everything is meaningless?

1. As we age, we become weak gradually (3-7).
As we get older, our physical bodies age, weakens, and eventually face death at the end. Verses 3-7 display it well. 

3 when the keepers of the house tremble, (body, hands and feet) and the strong men stoop (legs, back), when the grinders cease because they are few (teeth), and those looking through the windows grow dim (eyes)
4 when the doors to the street (ear) are closed and the sound of grinding fades (meals); when people rise up at the sound of birds (trouble sleeping), but all their songs grow faint (voice);
5 when people are afraid of heights and of dangers in the streets; when the almond tree blossoms (gray, white hair) and the grasshopper drags itself along (weakness) and desire no longer is stirred. Then people go to their eternal home (death) and mourners go about the streets. 6 Remember him—before the silver cord is severed, and the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, and the wheel broken at the well (death)
7 and the dust (body) returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Everything seems to be meaningless. How do we overcome feelings of emptiness?

2. King Solomon chased after meaningless things (Deuteronomy 17:16-20).

King Solomon had it all and lived in prosperity. But why did he repeatedly say that everything is meaningless? Deuteronomy 17:16-20 discusses qualifications and spiritual life of the king. Unfortunately, King Solomon lived in the opposite way and experienced feelings of extreme emptiness.

3. Fear God (13, 11, 14).

Verse 13 says, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” Only God the Creator can fill the void in our life and emptiness in our hearts. Therefore, we must fear God, respect Him, and love Him. Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 1 is, “what is the chief end of man?” Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever. Verse 11 writes, “The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.” The Word of God is Word of Life. Hebrews 4:12 writes, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Ecclesiastes 12:12 is the opposite. It writes, “Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.” Much study without fearing God will only wear us out. Verse 14 says, “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Revelation 7:17 promises that God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.

4. Remember your Creator (1, 2, 7).

Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come. In the days of your youth, at dawn (dawn in life, 11:10), awaken the dawn, awake your soul, seek God (Psalm 110:3; 57:8) and have life, and have it to the full in the LORD (John 10:10). Remember your Creator, your Judge. Fear Him and keep His commandments. Obey His Word, serve others, live as blessed citizens of heaven. Amen.