The Plumbline

To be satisfied with a little, is the greatest wisdom; and he that increases his riches, increases his cares; but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble finds it not. (Akhenaton) I said to myself, “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life.” Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure. I even found great pleasure in hard work, a reward for all my labors. But as I looked at everything I had worked so hard to accomplish, it was all so meaningless—like chasing the wind. There was nothing really worthwhile anywhere. (Ecclesiastes 2:1, 10-11) Solomon begins by giving us a litany of 'things' he had tried in order to find 'happiness' or 'meaning' in life. Wine, good times, massive treasures, huge homes, grand parkways, herds and flocks - nothing measured up. All was 'so meaningless' and did not fulfill his dreams or wishes. It was like chasing the wind. The greatest 'pleasure' in life is not found...