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How can pleasures have meaning?: Ecclesiastes 2.1–11 (Day 105)

Our daily reflections follow the M'Cheyne Bible reading plan, designed for those who want to read the whole Bible in one year. Each reflection focuses on one of the chapters from that day's readings. Darllenwch rhain yn Gymraeg.

Pray

Pray

Lord, prepare me to receive your word. Clear my mind and warm my heart. Assure me of your loving purposes for me, and speak into my life today.

Reflect

Daily Reflection: Ecclesiastes 2

Ecclesiastes 2 explores the ways people try to fill their lives, in pursuit of pleasure or possessions. The lifestyle of pursuing pleasure is called hedonism. The Preacher describes experimenting with a hedonistic lifestyle by laughing and drinking wine, but comes to the conclusion that it is madness. He pleases himself by planting vineyards and gardens and increasing his possessions such as silver and gold – but ultimately he comes to the conclusion that it is all 'vanity and chasing after the wind' (verse 11).

Part of this is because these possessions and sensations are ultimately fleeting, and will not give long-term fulfilment and satisfaction. Further to this, the author emphasises the self-centredness of these pursuits by repeating the phrase 'for myself'. When we live selfishly we can never fill the need all of us have to share our experiences with others. On the other hand, if we sacrifice our time to work ridiculously hard for those who live after us, we don’t know whether or not our work will be squandered by them.

However, towards the end of the chapter, the author examines a different view of pleasurable activities. If we eat and drink not only to please ourselves but as a way of participating in God’s gift of life and happiness to us, we are communing with him. Who can find true enjoyment in life without God? the author asks. Being in community with God is a joy that will never end.

Pray

Pray

Lord, please help me to experience your joy, and receive your gifts of happiness and fulfilment without making them the centre of my life.


This reflection was written by Hannah Stevens who is part of Bible society's Publishing team

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