BDBD is Eccl. 6:1-2

What is it you want and desire? Why do you want and desire that? Search to the core. The fundamentals of all desires and wants are love, joy, peace, satisfaction, happiness, and contentment. So then, will that want and desire provide these fundamental core human needs?

Solomon has been considering wealth as a means to obtain the fundamental core human needs throughout the book of Ecclesiastes. A known truth is that the more wealth a person has the more access to the things of this world they have. Solomon had more wealth than any of his neighbors, peers, and generations before and after. Yet in the latter years of his life, he was left with hard questions to answer as he search the core of his soul. The wisest man of his time can to some shocking realizations.

One realization is classified as evil (1) for it is a heavy weight on many souls. God gives many wealth, possessions, and honor. Yet, God does not let these have the power for people who obtained them to enjoy them. God does not allow nor give many people the power to enjoy the wealth, possessions, and honor he gives them. Instead, someone else enjoys the wealth, possession, and honor they were given (2). Solomon declares the conclusion, “This is pointless and a painful tragedy.” It is a grievous evil.

Consider carefully what you want and desire. Will it satisfy core fundamental human needs? The ability to enjoy God’s worldly blessings is a bonus, a gift of God, not a right or guarantee. God calls the person with wealth and possessions a fool if they haven’t found the truth of how to be rich toward God.

Jesus said that God says too many, “‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:20-21)