You're born. You live. You die. That just about sums up Solomon's philosophy of life. Oh, and one more thing: As long as you are alive, try and enjoy it, because that's all you get. Sounds a tad pessimistic, doesn't it? But remember, this is a man who is speaking from years of experience and a life-long commitment to finding meaning and significance in life. His life had been a quest, a persistent pursuit of that illusive and endangered species known as contentment. In Ecclesiastes 2:12-26, Solomon will delve into the frequently frustrating world of life lived on this planet. When all is said and done, the fool and the wise man end up in the same place at the end of life: Dead. It really doesn't matter how much one accomplished as compared to another. In fact, the wise man may end leaving everything he worked so hard to gain, to the poor man. It's a form of absurdity and incongruity that leaves one shaking their head in disbelief. Solomon knew that, ultimately, everything and everyone is under the divine direction of God. He is the one in control, not man. And since God determines the length of man's days on this planet, and no one gets to take what they have with them to the next life, the acquisition and accumulation of worldly goods has a temporary payoff associated with it. So, Solomon suggests that you enjoy it all while you can. It's all a vapor – here today, gone tomorrow. As long as you're alive, take advantage of each and every moment. And never forget the sobering reality that you can't take it with you.
