
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. —Ecclesiastes 1:2
Intro: Solomon’s life illustrates great potential, generous blessings, and unfortunate failures. As the son of King David and Bathsheba, he became king during Israel’s golden age. God appeared to him in a dream and offered anything. Solomon asked for wisdom to lead the people, and God granted him wisdom, wealth, and honor (1 Kings 3:5-14). He built the beautiful temple in Jerusalem, expanded Israel’s borders, and wrote 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs (1 Kings 4:32). He also created a fleet of ships and developed a prosperous economy. However, Solomon’s heart turned away from God. Despite his wisdom, he sought meaning in wealth, pleasure, knowledge, and power, but found it all to be “vanity and striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14). His reflections in Ecclesiastes warn about the dangers of discontentment and emphasize finding satisfaction in God alone. Solomon’s story teaches us that true contentment does not come from self improvement, material gain, or superficial relationships. It comes from trusting God with who we are and what we have, leading us to peace and satisfaction (Ecc 6:7-9).
Big Idea: At the heart of contentment is
1. Am I content with what God has told me?
- a. “Fear God and keep his commandments” (Ecc 12:13-14)
- b. The Hebrew word for “fear” used in Ecclesiastes is יָרֵא (yare) implies emotions from terror to profound respect and worship. In its context it is an intentional act.
- c. Despite having direct revelations from God, Solomon ignored divine wisdom.
- d. Solomon chose to experiment with life’s pleasures and philosophies.
- e. Solomon’s failure to trust God’s Word led to spiritual confusion and moral compromise. (1 Kings 11:9-10)
Discontentment thrives when we question
- f. “Did God actually say…?” (Gen 3:1)
Trusting Scripture leads to
God’s Word equips us to
2. Am I content with what God has given me?
- a. “I denied myself nothing my eyes desired” (Ecc 2:10-11)
- b. Solomon’s immense wealth brought him no lasting satisfaction. (“He who loves money will not be satisfied” Ecc 5:10-12)
- c. Solomon built palaces, amassed treasures, and indulged in every luxury imaginable, yet his heart remained restless.
Wealth can buy
- d. “There is nothing on earth that I desire besides you” Psalm 73:25-26
- e. A time for everything (Ecc 3:1-8)
- f. Contentment grows when you embrace where God has placed you. (“Find their satisfaction” Ecc 5:18-20)
The key to contentment is not getting what you want but
3. Am I content with who God has put in my life?
- a. Solomon’s many wives (700) and concubines (300) ultimately led his heart astray from God (1 Kings 11:1-4)
- b. Instead of cherishing godly relationships, Solomon sought quantity over quality, leading to relational and spiritual ruin.
Contentment grows in our relationships when we focus on
- c. Two are better than one/Enjoy life with the wife whom you love (Ecc 4:9-12; 9:9)
The strongest relationships are
- d. Discontentment in relationships often stems from unrealistic expectations or selfish desires. James 4:1-2
- e. Even challenging relationships can be tools for our growth and sanctification.
The people God places in our lives are
Small Group Questions
What did God teach you through this passage and message? Share the work of God in your heart with the group.
What questions did this passage and sermon raise in your mind?
How has trusting in God’s Word helped you discern between what is fleeting and what is eternal?
How often do you compare yourself to others, and how has that affected your contentment?
How can we stop focusing on what we lack and focus on what God has already given?
Why is focusing on quality Godly relationships important? Share about how those relationships have helped you and how others can build them.