The Teacher studied and applied wisdom to learn all that he could under the heavens. We need wisdom and knowledge, but these alone cannot solve all the problems of life. For example, God has allowed all mankind to be burdened by sin and death so that we might turn to him. Only God can take away this burden through Jesus (Mt 11:28-30). Moreover, though the Teacher became wiser than anyone else, more wisdom led to more sorrow. More knowledge led to more grief. Wisdom and knowledge, like chasing the wind, are limited and fleeting.

When wisdom and knowledge had come up empty and vain, the Teacher turned to pleasure. Pleasure, wine, folly, and even laughter could not give him meaning and purpose in life.

The Teacher set his mind on great projects. He built buildings, planted great vineyards and gardens, and amassed great wealth. He denied himself nothing, but he continued to be guided by wisdom. Yet for all the Teacher had accomplished and accumulated, he concluded that nothing was gained in the end. These things cannot save our souls nor give us eternal life.


Application: Father, wisdom, knowledge, pleasure, and accomplishments are gifts from you but are also limited and cannot save me from death. Help me not to chase those things but draw me to you.
One Word: Do not chase after the wind