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If you could have anything you wished, what would it be? Popularity? Money? Happiness? Long ago, King Solomon conducted a test to see what brings ultimate pleasure. We read about it in Ecclesiastes 2. Using his God-given wisdom, he tested comedy, wine, sex, and wealth. Here are some of his words: After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world. I also tried to find meaning by building huge homes for myself and by planting beautiful vineyards. I made gardens and parks, filling them with all kinds of fruit trees. I also owned large herds and flocks. I collected great sums of silver and gold. I hired wonderful singers, both men and women, and had many beautiful concubines. I had everything a man could desire. So I became greater than all who had lived in Jerusalem before me, and my wisdom never failed me. Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless–like chasing the wind.” Solomon concludes his search with these words: We should give God His rightful place in our lives because God will bring every deed into judgment, even every hidden thing, whether it is good or bad.
