What do you give the man who has everything? Great question. What do you give the man who has the ability to buy himself anything is heart desires? In the case of Solomon, the answer would be, "Absolutely nothing." This guy was the consummate consumer, filling his home and his life with all the material things money could buy. He had palaces, vineyards and orchards, as well as musicians to entertain him and concubines to pleasure him. He had no shortage of friends and admirers. Other kings envied him. His people looked up to him. And on top of all his material possessions and royal closets filled with expensive robes and hand-crafted sandals, he had been blessed by God with unsurpassed wisdom. So, Solomon put his wisdom to use, trying to determine the true source of meaning in life. His life became one grand experiment, with him in the role of scientist, investigating and examining every possible source of significance and meaning. He explored the boundaries of physical pleasure. He tested the hypothesis that more is better. He researched the effects of wine on human emotions. He experimented with everything from personal improvement through education to legacy-building through construction. But nothing seemed to float his boat. And in Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, he's going to chronicle all his exploits and deliver his less-than-satisfactory conclusion when all was said and done: All was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. Sad words that deliver a powerful message we all need to hear.
