September 1
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ECCLESIASTES 2
I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity. 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man. – Ecclesiastes 2:1-8
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ECCLESIASTES 2 THE VANITY OF THE PLEASURES OF LIFE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Are we truly content when we get the pleasures that we obsess about?
Or do we crave more after having attained all these desires?
Do we chase happiness as if it will do us some good?
Do those moments of gladness satiate us long enough?
Why do humans pursue the pleasures of life as if it truly matters?
We acquire things that we think will make us complete or happier
And yet, we still feel empty inside after getting all these material things
Isn’t it all vanity, to chase treasures that will not last till eternity?
Would all our possessions benefit us at the end of our lives?
Could we take these things that gave us delight when we die?
What is the essence of life if we just pursue that which gives us pleasure?
Isn’t it pointless to live for what will disintegrate and not last forever?
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the author consider the pleasures of life pointless?
• Do you agree with his viewpoint on the vanity of the pleasures of life?