"Whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure...Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done...And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun." {Ecclesiastes 2:10,11}

A wise man said long ago, "Those who will not learn from the mistakes of the past, are doom to repeat them in the present." I believe this is what God is telling us in Romans 15:4, "For whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning... Brethren, we need with much fervency to study the lessons of the past!

Solomon was the final king of the united kingdom and the son of David. When Solomon was chosen by God, he was very young. The Lord appeared to him in a dream. He was told to request anything he wanted from God. What would you request? A Long life? Death of your enemies? Solomon requested WISDOM.

"...An understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil..."{1 Kings 3:9}

This greatly pleased God. In return, God gave him the wisdom he sought, plus all the things he did not ask for! We read that no man before him, nor after, would have the wisdom he now would possess! How could he miss being a good king to God's people!

Solomon tried it all. Riches, power, women, building great houses, and all the things his wealth, power and position gave him the means to attain. Yet, when one reads the book of Ecclesiastes quite carefully, Solomon's conclusions are quite revealing! He was living for only the life here and all it has to offer. To repeat the message of Solomon-"all is vanity and vexation of spirit."

Solomon grabbed all the gusto-but it did not bring him true happiness. Why? He left God out of the equation! "...Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil..." {Ecclesiastes 12:13,14}

Today the cycle continues. Even for many members of the body of Christ. More prosperity, more materials, less happiness and little time for God. Where is the heart? Matthew 6:19-21

Solomon found no pleasure or profit in this old world. He tried it all and it brought no lasting joy or meaning to life. Will we fare better than he did if we try that route too?