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The Bible quite often emphasizes its main point by using a common Hebrew superlative. We see this in Song of Songs which literally means “the loveliest of songs.” We see it with the description of Jesus being the “King of Kings” and “Lord of Lords.” We also read it when the innermost part of the temple is described as being the “Holy of Holies.” There are things that are true and then there are things that are the truest.
The book of Ecclesiastes opens with this same superlative immediately in verse 2. Life itself is “vanity of vanities.” It is the ultimate in absurd emptiness. However, it is extremely important to define the use of the word vanity in this context. Many have speculated that Ecclesiastes describes life as meaningless but that is not totally accurate. It certainly would not be consistent with the rest of Scripture to call our lives completely meaningless.
Vanity is translated from the Hebrew word hâbal. Its definition means emptiness, vapor, or to be led astray. In this sense, we can understand that investing in life itself only leads to an empty path that is quickly passing away. You can’t take your money. You can’t take your possessions. Life is fragile and you are finite. The word vanity occurs 38 times in this book and it paints a picture that is consistent with life experiences.
Solomon was granted great wisdom by God. To use the same superlative we have discussed, he could be described among mortals as the “wisest of wise.” But this wisdom came with a price. He not only experienced the joys of wisdom, but he also began to understand the source of all pain and suffering.
In many ways, he experienced the same revelation that occurred with Adam and Eve when they sinned and discovered the knowledge of good and evil. This is the desire of humanity. We want to increase in wisdom in knowledge though we don’t understand the frightening reality that awaits on the other side. Solomon expresses this thought at the end of chapter 1.
Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.
Ecclesiastes 1:18 NASB
His expectation of increasing his knowledge and wisdom was complete satisfaction. Though he definitely found positive aspects of this increase, he was sorely disappointed with the overall results. The phrase here in Ecclesiastes contrasts with the book of Proverbs which describes wisdom as providing joy and fulfillment. This is the double-edged sword that Solomon experienced. Life experiences validate what both of these books teach. Knowledge can bring both joy and increasing pain.
There have been times in my life I have prayed for God to show me the needs around me. I have prayed that He would give me more of His heart. Sometimes He answers those prayers by directing my attention to the latest news headline in which the gravity of pure evil becomes even more of a reality.
The temptation is to resist this deep pain and anguish. We may initially respond by wishing we could jump back into our ignorant mindset. But God has placed burdens on us because we, as His children, have been transformed by His Holy Spirit. We know the meaning of life. We feast on living bread and living water in the divine nature of Jesus Christ and we live for a Kingdom that transcends this world.
So, let us continue to embrace wisdom while knowing and understanding that pain and suffering will come. To intentionally embrace those without an answer is absurdity and vanity. To embrace them with Jesus is exactly what we’ve been called to do.