Ecc2:1-11 Ambition (2/4)
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# Ambition ## Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 ### The Meaning of Life (2/4) [Caleb George](https://unsplash.com/photos/URmkfvtK3Qw "caption") --- 1. *Sat am:* **Introduction** to Ecclesiastes 1. *Sat pm:* Is there
meaning in **Ambition** + **Money**? [(ch2,5)](# "ref") 1. *Sun am:* What is **Wisdom**? [(ch1)](# "ref") 1. *Sun pm:* What is the **Fate** of mankind? [(ch9)](# "ref") 1. *Mon am:* What is the meaning of **Life**? [(ch12)](# "ref") >>> + adjust **schedule**: + return to **ch1** tomorrow **am** + tonight combine **ch2+5** + Sol's **experiments** + what do people **do** to find meaning? + **try** each one out + still with **wisdom** + to find its **result** --- # What are my
**goals** in life? [###](#/outline "secret") >>> + **career** goals (e.g., doctor) + **relationship** / family / kids + **career** goals for **kids** (e.g., doctor) + **retire** and be **happy** + is that **all** there is to life? --- [1](# "ref") I said in my heart, “Come now,
I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.”
But behold, this also was vanity. [2](# "ref") I said of laughter, “It is mad,”
and of pleasure, “What use is it?”
[1](# "ref") 我 心 裡 說 : 來 罷 , 我 以 喜 樂 試 試 你 ,
你 好 享 福 ! 誰 知 , 這 也 是 虛 空 。
[2](# "ref") 我 指 嬉 笑 說 : 這 是 狂 妄 。
論 喜 樂 說 : 有 何 功 效 呢 ?
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:1-2 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/8)](# "ref") --- [3](# "ref") I searched with my heart
how to cheer my body with wine
-- my heart still guiding me with wisdom --
and how to lay hold on folly,
till I might see what was good for the children of man
to do under heaven during the few days of their life.
我 心 裡 察 究 , 如 何 用 酒 使 我 肉 體 舒 暢 ,
我 心 卻 仍 以 智 慧 引 導 我 ;
又 如 何 持 住 愚 昧 , 等 我 看 明 世 人 ,
在 天 下 一 生 當 行 何 事 為 美 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:3 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/8)](# "ref") --- [4](# "ref") I made great works.
I built houses and planted vineyards for myself.
[5](# "ref") I made myself gardens and parks,
and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees.
[6](# "ref") I made myself pools from which to water
the forest of growing trees.
我 為 自 己 動 大 工 程 ,
建 造 房 屋 , 栽 種 葡 萄 園 ,
[5](# "ref") 修 造 園 囿 , 在 其 中 栽 種 各 樣 果 木 樹 ;
[6](# "ref") 挖 造 水 池 , 用 以 澆 灌 嫩 小 的 樹 木 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:4-6 (ESV/CUV) (p.3/8)](# "ref") --- [7](# "ref") I bought male and female slaves,
and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks,
more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem.
我 買 了 僕 婢 , 也 有 生 在 家 中 的 僕 婢 ;
又 有 許 多 牛 群 羊 群 ,
勝 過 以 前 在 耶 路 撒 冷 眾 人 所 有 的 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:7 (ESV/CUV) (p.4/8)](# "ref") --- [8](# "ref") I also gathered for myself silver and gold
and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women,
and many concubines, the delight of the sons of man.
我 又 為 自 己 積 蓄 金 銀 和 君 王 的 財 寶 ,
並 各 省 的 財 寶 ;
又 得 唱 歌 的 男 女 和 世 人 所 喜 愛 的 物 ,
並 許 多 的 妃 嬪 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:8 (ESV/CUV) (p.5/8)](# "ref") --- [9](# "ref") So I became great and surpassed all
who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me.
這 樣 , 我 就 日 見 昌 盛 ,
勝 過 以 前 在 耶 路 撒 冷 的 眾 人 。
我 的 智 慧 仍 然 存 留 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:9 (ESV/CUV) (p.6/8)](# "ref") --- [10](# "ref") And whatever my eyes desired
I did not keep from them.
I kept my heart from no pleasure,
for my heart found pleasure in all my toil,
and this was my reward for all my toil.
凡 我 眼 所 求 的 , 我 沒 有 留 下 不 給 他 的 ;
我 心 所 樂 的 , 我 沒 有 禁 止 不 享 受 的 ;
因 我 的 心 為 我 一 切 所 勞 碌 的 快 樂 ,
這 就 是 我 從 勞 碌 中 所 得 的 分 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:10 (ESV/CUV) (p.7/8)](# "ref") --- [11](# "ref") Then I considered all that my hands had done
and the toil I had expended in doing it,
and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind,
and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.
後 來 , 我 察 看 我 手 所 經 營 的 一 切 事
和 我 勞 碌 所 成 的 功 。
誰 知 都 是 虛 空 , 都 是 捕 風 ;
在 日 光 之 下 毫 無 益 處 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:11 (ESV/CUV) (p.8/8)](# "ref") --- ## Ambition [(Ecc2)](# "ref") 1. **Pleasure** [(v1-3)](# "ref") 1. **Projects** [(v4-6)](# "ref") 1. **Possessions** [(v7-9)](# "ref") >>> + 3 aspects of what Sol **tried** + **search** for meaning, lasting **value** --- I said in my heart, “Come now,
I will **test** you with **pleasure**; enjoy yourself.”
But behold, this also was **vanity**.
我 心 裡 說 : 來 罷 , 我 以 喜 樂 試 試 你 ,
你 好 享 福 ! 誰 知 , 這 也 是 虛 空 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:1 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref") [Kelsey Chance](https://unsplash.com/photos/tAH2cA_BL5g "caption") >>> + **test**: kept **wisdom** with him + an **experiment**, not **indulgence** + "life is **short**", so **maximise** enjoyment + spend **youth** earning **money** + then spend **money** to regain **youth** + why not just live for **today**? --- I said of laughter, “It is **mad**,”
and of pleasure, “What **use** is it?”
我 指 嬉 笑 說 : 這 是 狂 妄 。
論 喜 樂 說 : 有 何 功 效 呢 ?
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:2 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref") [Kelsey Chance](https://unsplash.com/photos/tAH2cA_BL5g "caption") >>> + we use **entertainment** to **distract** ourselves + but doesn't make **problems** go away + e.g., **cruise** comedian: + leave your **troubles** at the dock + they'll **still** be there when you return + e.g., **video games**, bar/drinking + **"retail therapy"** (mall) + not that they are **bad** + but if we all **die** anyway, + what **use** is pleasure? --- Look carefully then how you **walk**,
not as unwise but as **wise**,
[16](# "ref") making the best use of the **time**,
because the **days** are evil.
你 們 要 謹 慎 行 事 ,
不 要 像 愚 昧 人 , 當 像 智 慧 人 。
[16](# "ref") 要 愛 惜 光 陰 , 因 為 現 今 的 世 代 邪 惡 。
[Ephesians 以弗所書 5:15-16 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref") >>> + NT also acknowledges the days are **evil** + the **era** we live in + **injustice** in the world + **futility** of our short lives + but don't **give up** + or **indulge** in what feels good --- [17](# "ref") Therefore do not be **foolish**, but
understand what the **will of the Lord** is.
[17](# "ref") 不 要 作 糊 塗 人 , 要 明 白 主 的 旨 意 如 何 。
[Ephesians 以弗所書 5:17 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref") >>> + short **time** on earth means all the **more** + must pursue God's **will** + seek **wisdom** that comes from God + only He sees the eternal picture --- # Is it wrong to pursue **happiness**? >>> + Eccl also says it is a **blessing** + to be **content** and find **joy** in work + but is happiness the **goal**? + if **not**, what is? --- ## Ambition [(Ecc2)](# "ref") 1. Pleasure [(v1-3)](# "ref") 1. **Projects** [(v4-6)](# "ref") 1. Possessions [(v7-9)](# "ref") >>> + Sol tried pursuit of **happiness** + what about **building** things? --- [4](# "ref") I made great **works**.
I built **houses** and planted vineyards for myself.
[5](# "ref") I made myself **gardens** and parks,
and planted in them all kinds of fruit **trees**.
[6](# "ref") I made myself **pools** from which to water
the forest of growing trees.
我 為 自 己 動 大 工 程 ,
建 造 房 屋 , 栽 種 葡 萄 園 ,
[5](# "ref") 修 造 園 囿 , 在 其 中 栽 種 各 樣 果 木 樹 ;
[6](# "ref") 挖 造 水 池 , 用 以 澆 灌 嫩 小 的 樹 木 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:4-6 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") [Julian Böck](https://unsplash.com/photos/agS-BtrQZrs "caption") >>> + had **resources** + **peace** + **palace** for himself + another for **judgment** + another for Pharoah's **daughter** + **temple** for God: historically **famed** --- Then I considered all that my **hands** had done
and the **toil** I had expended in doing it,
and behold, all was **vanity** and a striving after **wind**,
and there was nothing to be gained **under the sun**.
後 來 , 我 察 看 我 手 所 經 營 的 一 切 事
和 我 勞 碌 所 成 的 功 。
誰 知 都 是 虛 空 , 都 是 捕 風 ;
在 日 光 之 下 毫 無 益 處 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:11 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") [Ian Espinosa](https://unsplash.com/photos/oXo6IvDnkqc "caption") >>> + ch2b: all goes to **heir** + will he **appreciate** it? + will it **harm** him? + will anyone **remember** legacy? + in **this** life, only **fleeting** reward: --- My heart found pleasure in all my **toil**,
and this was my **reward** for all my toil.
我 的 心 為 我 一 切 所 勞 碌 的 快 樂 ,
這 就 是 我 從 勞 碌 中 所 得 的 分 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:10 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") >>> + echoed in **ch5** (passage on **money**): --- [19](# "ref") Everyone also to whom God has given
**wealth** and possessions and power to **enjoy** them,
and to **accept** his lot and **rejoice** in his toil
-- this is the **gift** of God.
[19](# "ref") 神 賜 人 資 財 豐 富 , 使 他 能 以 吃 用 ,
能 取 自 己 的 分 , 在 他 勞 碌 中 喜 樂 ,
這 乃 是 神 的 恩 賜 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 5:19 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref") [Piha Beach, NZ. Tim Marshall](https://unsplash.com/photos/Wa-gS5R58gA "caption") >>> + sounds nice, similar to **secular** self-help + be **content**, **enjoy** what you have + **gift** / blessing from God + continue in **v20**: --- [20](# "ref") For he will not much **remember**
the days of his life because
God keeps him **occupied** with joy in his heart.
[20](# "ref") 他 不 多 思 念 自 己 一 生 的 年 日 ,
因 為 神 應 他 的 心 使 他 喜 樂 。
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 5:20 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref") [Piha Beach, NZ. Tim Marshall](https://unsplash.com/photos/Wa-gS5R58gA "caption") >>> + so is that **all** we have to look forward to? + **distract** ourselves with + being **busy** + staying **content** + and don't **think** about how **useless** it is? + what give us **job satisfaction**? + depends on who we're **working** for: + ourselves, **corporation**, family expectations + do we have a **higher** calling? + serve a greater **Master**: --- Well done, **good** and **faithful** servant.
You have been faithful over a **little**;
I will set you over **much**.
Enter into the **joy** of your master!
好 , 你 這 又 良 善 又 忠 心 的 僕 人 ,
你 在 不 多 的 事 上 有 忠 心 ,
我 要 把 許 多 事 派 你 管 理 ;
可 以 進 來 享 受 你 主 人 的 快 樂 。
[Matthew 馬太福音 25:21 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") [Steven Van Loy, Biarritz, France](https://unsplash.com/photos/oUhSla4L_98 "caption") >>> + parable of **talents** (Mt25) + our **Creator** is our **Master** + He defines our **purpose** + defines **success** / job well done + our **reward** is to enter into His **joy** + Father well-**pleased** with us + **relationship**, not prizes + e.g., JJ: daddy why don't you **smile** more? --- # Have I had the **satisfaction** of
a "job well done"? >>> + e.g., friend who (when single) did **running** + 60-80km 2-3x/wk, Vancouver-Langley + measure **progress** + set **goals** + attain them + but **greater** satisfaction is: + enter into **joy** of Heavenly **Father** + not based on own **efforts** + but Jesus' **forgiveness** --- ## Ambition [(Ecc2)](# "ref") 1. Pleasure [(v1-3)](# "ref") 1. Projects [(v4-6)](# "ref") 1. **Possessions** [(v7-9)](# "ref") >>> + easy to get **jealous** of what others have + latest **phone**, car, job title + **commercials** don't sell a **product** + sell a **lifestyle** + drink this **beer** and you'll be + **surfing** in Hawaii with beautiful women! + **Sol** had the means to buy + **everything** his heart desired: --- [7](# "ref") I had also great **possessions** of herds and flocks,
more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. [8](# "ref") I also gathered for myself **silver** and **gold**
and the **treasure** of kings and provinces.
[7](# "ref") 我 ... 又 有 許 多 牛 群 羊 群 ,
勝 過 以 前 在 耶 路 撒 冷 眾 人 所 有 的 。
[8](# "ref") 我 又 為 自 己 積 蓄 金 銀 和 君 王 的 財 寶 ,
並 各 省 的 財 寶 ;
[Ecclesiastes 傳道書 2:7,8 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") [NegativeSpace.co/money](https://www.pexels.com/photo/working-business-money-coins-34204/ "caption") >>> + e.g., JJ too many **toys** + as number of **toys** increases, + **enjoyment** of them decreases + I have toys, too! Only get more **expensive** + earn **income**: feel **entitled** to buy toys + **my** money to spend as I wish + forgot **all** I have is by God's **providence** + even ability to **think**, work + in Luke 12, a man felt **cheated** + by brother, over **inheritance** + asked Jesus to **arbitrate** + Jesus **replied**: --- Take care, and be on your **guard**
against all **covetousness**,
for one's **life** does not consist in
the abundance of his **possessions**.
你 們 要 謹 慎 自 守 , 免 去 一 切 的 貪 心 ,
因 為 人 的 生 命 不 在 乎 家 道 豐 富 。
[Luke 路加福音 12:15 (ESV/CUV)](# "ref") >>> + You are worth **more** than just your bank account! + e.g., aging retired **father**: + **duty** to provide for kids, but + kids see him as **"bank of daddy"** + he sees **himself** that way, too! + use **money** to exert influence + do as I **say**, or + I exclude you from my **will**! + our Heavenly Father **treasures** you as His child + not for what you can **give** to Him + you are more **valuable** than your possessions + but we are **richly** blessed + **wealthy** compared to most of world + **how** should we live? --- [17](# "ref") As for the **rich** in this present age,
charge them not to be **haughty**, nor to
set their **hopes** on the uncertainty of riches, but on **God**, who richly **provides** us
with everything to **enjoy**.
[17](# "ref") 你 要 囑 咐 那 些 今 世 富 足 的 人 ,
不 要 自 高 , 也 不 要 倚 靠 無 定 的 錢 財 ;
只 要 倚 靠 那 厚 賜 百 物 給 我 們 享 受 的 神 。
[1 Timothy 提摩太前書 6:17 (ESV/CUV) (p.1/2)](# "ref") >>> + watch out for **pride** + don't **rely** on money as **safety net** + ch5: money can **disappear** easily + money can **hurt** its owner + our real safety net is our **Father** + **generous** and **gracious** + **blesses** us so we can in turn **bless** others: --- [18](# "ref") They are to do **good**, to be rich in good **works**,
to be **generous** and ready to **share**, [19](# "ref") thus storing up **treasure** for themselves
as a good foundation for the **future**,
so that they make take hold of that which is **truly** life.
[18](# "ref") 又 要 囑 咐 他 們 行 善 , 在 好 事 上 富 足 ,
甘 心 施 捨 , 樂 意 供 給 人 ,
[19](# "ref") 為 自 己 積 成 美 好 的 根 基 , 預 備 將 來 ,
叫 他 們 持 定 那 真 正 的 生 命 。
[1 Timothy 提摩太前書 6:18-19 (ESV/CUV) (p.2/2)](# "ref") >>> + give as **generously** as God has given to us + (haplotes): **whole**, open heart, + sincere, not duplicitous + the real **treasure** is not in the banks + take hold of Jesus' true **life** --- # What gives me **security**? >>> + having enough **money** to pay off house? + or buy houses for **kids**? + keeping a good **job** to earn that money? + keeping a sharp **mind** / able **body** to do that job? + preserving my **health** so I can have a sharp mind? + what if all of that were to **disappear**? --- ## 1. What are my **goals** in life? ## 2. Is it wrong to pursue **happiness**? [(Eph5:15-17)](# "ref") ## 3. Have I had the **satisfaction** of a "job well done"? [(Mt25:21)](# "ref") ## 4. What gives me **security**? [(1Tim6:17-19)](# "ref")