THE HATREDS OF SOLOMON Ecclesiastes 2:17-18 I. Introduction. A. There are many who come to end of life wondering if life has been wasted(unfulfilled). B. Find done little that is satisfying. C. Led Judas to suicide. D. Such people close earthly sojourn hating life-- themselves--others--consumed in bitterness. E. Even Solomon said: Eccl. 2:17-18. 1. Hated: To dislike greatly; a strong feeling of dislike or aversion. 2. Vanity(hebel): Transitory, frail, unsatisfying (Literally: breath). 3. The things Solomon wanted and pursued did not satisfy a person's needs! II. Body. A. Solomon "hated life." 1. "Work"..."grievous." a. Life became burdensome to him. b. "Under the sun" offered no proper solution. c. There is ultimately one common fate to rich or poor; wise or foolish; ruler or slave: death. d. Leaves life: soon forgotten. e. Yet--I Kings 10:23-25. f. Should that not make one happy? 2. Is man, in fact, burdened with life? Is there no true happiness in this life? a. Job stated: 14:1-2. b. There are those who hate themselves; hate others; hate life itself. c. No wonder some hate if all there is to life are the sorrows/pains of a human. d. For the disciple: I Peter 3:10-12. 3. Life cannot explain the questions of man: only God has the answers. B. Solomon "hated all my labor." 1. Why? Leave to someone else. a. Could not hold onto to his own creations. b. Note: 2:23. c. Rehoboam was the heir! d. Jesus asked: Luke 12:20. 2. Solomon's labor produced: 2:4-10. a. "...my portion from all my labor..." b. A heathen queen's appraisal: I Kings 10:1-7(Note: Eccl. 2:21). c. Fame exists to this day: but where is Solomon? 3. Produces sorrow:in getting, in keeping, in parting. a. Unless one learns the source, the reason for behaving, and the proper use. b. Remember: Luke 12:21. 4. What, then, can one leave to others? a. Wealth--but soon consumed. b. Memory of righteousness. c. A good name. d. Awe, respect, & fondness. e. Many of things should be "giving" in this life. f. Note: Proverbs 31:28-29. C. Solomon's experiences taught him the ultimate duty of man. 1. Think of what he did! 2. Think of what he accomplished! 3. Yet--in all of it--no real satisfaction. 4. "Is that all there is?" 5. Thought of what you are accomplishing? How useful? To self...to others? 6. Solomon knew better--did not do better-- therefore--hated life & labor. ("I hate myself when I do those things?") III. Conclusion. A. Paul's inspired answer to Solomon's bitter reaction: Colossians 3:23-24. B. Solomon concludes: Eccl. 12:13.-jy