THE DISAPPOINTMENTS OF LIFE Ecclesiastes 1:14 I. Introduction. A. Many people find life a disappointing experience: Eccl. 1:14. B. Consider how many turn to thrills, visit physicians, etc. C. Some: use legal drugs, societal solutions; others illegal means(as drugs). D. Solomon found disappointing experiences: Eccl. 1:17. II. Body. A. Life is a weariness to many people: 1:8. 1. Physical does not offer profit: 1:3. 2. Perhaps way it should be! 3. But--difficult to handle. 4. Look for the best: be prepared to deal with the worst. 5. Everyone faces & experiences this weariness. B. Pleasure is a disappointment: 2:1-2. 1. Temporarily removes weariness. 2. Man tires easily: seeks something else. 3. If devote: I Timothy 5:6. 4. But continual pursuit--produces weariness-- brings disappointment. C. Great works of the hands offer no lasting hope or satisfaction: 2:11. 1. They soon decay. 2. Someone will build something greater! 3. Peter said: I Peter 3:10. 4. Note: 2:22-23. D. Earthly wisdom, in the end, is a disappointment: 2:16. 1. Constantly changing(often opposite of what was before). 2. No insurance against evil; no guarantee of being right. 3. Paul said: I Corinthians 1:20-21. E. Evil often wins over good in this life: 3:16. 1. Read the newspaper! 2. The god of this world: II Cor. 4:4. 3. Note: 7:15. 4. In the end:3:17. F. Wealth is a severe disappointments; realized only at end of life: 5:15. 1. May help, temporarily, to deal with disappointment! 2. If accumulate --spend time & effort trying to keep it. 3. Note: 6:2. 4. Rejoice in what one has: 5:19. G. One can only try in this life--we do not know the outcomes of this life: 11:6. 1. One may be rich, poor, in-between, etc. 2. Health or illness; joy or sorrow. 3. All the experiences of man may be lot. 4. Know will die--but not how, when, etc. 5. Can make one bitter or stronger: up to individual. H. There are many days of darkness in the days of "light" for humans: 11:8. 1. The "light" helps to deal with "darkness". 2. Need God's help at all times. 3. Need encouragement of a righteous family. 4. Need support of other Christians. 5. Need to be faithful: Rev. 2:10. III. Conclusion. A. Solomon's decision about life: Eccl. 2:17. B. However, he realized: Eccl. 3:11-12.