Ecclesiasties Chapter Two... Nothing replaces a sanctified life.

2    I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it?    

The interesting aspect of this verse is this; our society is passionate about one thing and that one thing is entertainment. We are obsessed with it. But many times the most miserable people on the planet are those who make their living at mirth. Actors, comedians and entertainers are frequently checking into rehab being treated for depression and the like. Whilst laughter is considered to be good medicine it only works when the conscience is free. For the one who has a blood washed conscience laughter can be therapeutic but for those who make a living from laughter many times the laughter that they bring to others does not help them.

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.

Solomon reminds us of those of vanity fair from Pilgrims Progress; he dabbled in vanities when he should have been instructed by his fathers prayer in Psalm 119:37 “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way”. Good and right judgment turns from vanity. Pilgrim and Faithful plugged their ears at Vanity Fair and cried aloud “turn our eyes from vanities!”

Solomon had the commandments to know what was good for the sons of men; this pursuit was completely unjustified. There is tremendous mixture in Solomon (half in the kingdom and half in the world); it will eventually cost him his good judgment. True wisdom is first pure...(James 3:17); Solomon began mixing wisdom and folly. One must not think they can behave in such a fashion and retain the favor and blessing of God. The Lord seeks those to worship Him in Spirit and in truth not mixing wisdom and vice. Solomon becomes for us an example of how mixed up one can get if they do not guard their heart diligently and make the commandments their guide. One must break all attachments to this world and seek to love and obey His commands with all their hearts. True wisdom is to flee folly and vice and to choose the fear of the Lord.