Drink Devotional Method: The Vanity of Earthly Pursuits (Ecclesiastes 2)

Today, we turn to Ecclesiastes chapter 2, where Solomon continues his search for meaning in all that the world offers. Let us read and reflect on his solemn conclusion about the vanity of earthly pursuits.

D – Devotional Reading

Ecclesiastes 2 (KJV)

1 I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity.
2 I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?
3 I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
4 I made me great works; I builded me houses; I planted me vineyards:
5 I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all kind of fruits:
6 I made me pools of water, to water therewith the wood that bringeth forth trees:
7 I got me servants and maidens, and had servants born in my house; also I had great possessions of great and small cattle above all that were in Jerusalem before me:
8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.
9 So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me.
10 And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour.
11 Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun.
12 And I turned myself to behold wisdom, and madness, and folly: for what can the man do that cometh after the king? even that which hath been already done.
13 Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
14 The wise man's eyes are in his head; but the fool walketh in darkness: and I myself perceived also that one event happeneth to them all.
15 Then said I in my heart, As it happeneth to the fool, so it happeneth even to me; and why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, that this also is vanity.
16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.
17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.
21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.
22 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?
23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.
24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.
25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?
26 For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.

R – Reflection

As I journey through Solomon’s words, I sense the ache of a man who once tasted every pleasure and success the world could offer. His pursuit of mirth, his massive accomplishments, and his accumulation of wealth—all seemed like promising sources of joy. But in the end, he declared it all vanity and vexation of spirit. I find myself relating at times—pouring energy into work, goals, and enjoyment, only to be left unsatisfied. The soul’s deepest longing cannot be filled by what is temporary. When I chase after fulfillment apart from God, I end up empty, just like Solomon. His confession reminds us that life under the sun is meaningless unless it is lived in reverence to the One above it.

I – Instruction

The key lesson here is that life gains true meaning only when centered on God. Earthly wisdom, labor, wealth, and pleasure may offer momentary satisfaction, but they cannot deliver lasting peace. God alone brings enduring purpose. This chapter teaches me not to idolize success or enjoyment but to see them as fleeting gifts—not ultimate ends. We are reminded to store treasures not on earth but in heaven, where meaning and reward are eternal.

N – Now Live It

Today, I will evaluate how I spend my energy, money, and time. Am I seeking fulfillment in work, entertainment, or recognition? I must pause and surrender these pursuits to God, asking Him to redirect my focus to what truly matters. I choose to pursue joy in obedience to Him, to labor with eternity in mind, and to live not for applause, but for His approval. Whether in laughter or labor, I will remember that all is vain without God at the center.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Lord God, I come before You, recognizing how easily I become entangled in worldly pursuits. Forgive me for chasing after what fades and forgetting the eternal riches found in You. Teach me to enjoy life’s blessings without idolizing them. Let my work be for Your glory, and my joy rooted in Your presence. Help me to live each day with heaven in view, knowing that without You, all is vanity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You may also read our Ecclesiastes 1 Devotional.

🌿 About the DRINK Devotional Method

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ. Each letter in DRINK stands for a step while doing your silent moment with scripture:

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (preferably at least 1 chapter).

• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown to you to day.

• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you're just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

You may also read my Daily Devotions here.

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