Solomon through the eyes of Solomon
2 Chronicles 9:22 – So Solomon became richer and wiser than any other kings on the earth.
In the first 9 chapters of 2 Chronicles, you read about the work, the wisdom, the fame, the fortune of King Solomon. The anointed son of David seemingly had it all. If we are just left with this writing, Solomon’s life would be the picture of a thriving individual. You skim the surface, the facade of his life, and he was an amazing leader with an amazing life.
But, in Ecclesiastes, Solomon transparently writes the details of his life. The water under the surface was tumultuous. He searched for something to fill the hole in his life that wealth, fame, and wisdom could not fill. The wisest man on earth couldn’t figure out how to capture contentment, so he repeatedly calls life “meaningless, like chasing the wind.”
And so it is with us. Life on the surface of the water may appear smooth. However, if you were to look in the depths of the sea, the water is rough. People are rarely as they present themselves. Real struggles, problems, doubts, and fears exist under the surface. We hide ourselves from the public to protect any perceived shortcomings. In this constant battle of self-protection, we never find contentment. Nothing feels the hole, the gap in our life.
Solomon ends his autobiography in Ecclesiastes with a call to humanity.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 – Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.
Interesting ending to his autobiography. Interesting way to fill the gap. Fear God and keep his commandments. This certainly doesn’t sound like a way to find joy or contentment. What could drive Solomon to this conclusion?
The search to fill the hole, the gap, the meaning for one’s life ends in one place, the hands of God. Solomon’s ending statement does not tell the whole story. Thankfully, God left the Bible, the story of all stories, that shows us the way.
Don’t depend on the stories that you have heard, the opinions of the public, random verses or quotes from scripture, or the church that you attend to understand the story. Discover the Bible for yourself.
Impact others. Live generously.