Ecclesiastes 6 Vanity of Pleasure 2 Ecclesiastes 2

Ecclesiastes (6) Vanity of Pleasure (2) Ecclesiastes 2: 1 -3

The Vanity of Wine Ecclesiastes 2: 3

Our Context • We are still examining Solomon’s pursuit of mirth (that which gives sensual pleasure and happiness) (1 -3) • He explored in his heart (mind) – research and experimentation – searching for deeper, internal reason

Our Context • With wine (3) • Hebrew word (yayin) – a word that most often has reference to fermented wine (juice of grapes) • To gratify my flesh (to stimulate my body – NASB, to give myself unto – KJV) – he was seeking gratification (as if it could give him real meaning)

Our Context • With wine (3) • While guiding my heart with wisdom – nothing indicates Solomon sought drunkenness. He partook in “moderation” and keeping his wits • How to lay hold of folly – ultimately, he describes this pursuit as foolishness

Our Context • Till I might see what was for the sons of men to do under heaven all the says of their lives (3) • Again, this was seeking something that provides TRUE and lasting satisfaction • IS Solomon in this text advocating “social drinking”? If anything, he is showing the emptiness of such

The Bible and Wine • Alcohol and drugs (including legalized marijuana) do NOT produce true happiness • To reason that such substances (or any substance – legal/ addictive or not) give your life meaning is to lie to yourself • YET is this not the tactic of advertisers of these products?

The Bible and Wine • Proverbs 31: 6 -7, give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. • Is this text justification for recreational drinking? Or is it more closely related • The WORST thing one can do to prescribed medication for pain and when depressed or in pain is depression? drink recreationally! • See vs. 4 -5 – sobriety • 1 Timothy 5: 23

The Bible and Wine • Proverbs 20: 1, Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise. • Recreational drinking often makes one a fool. It can loosen inhibitions and lead to foolish decisions and behaviors

The Bible and Wine • Proverbs 23: 20 -21, Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat; For the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, And drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. • Winebibber (heavy drinker – NASB) – one who sits long at wine

The Bible and Wine • Proverbs 23: 20 -21 • What does this say about drinking at the local tavern or to socialize? • Influence – 1 Corinthians 15: 33, Mark 9: 42 • 1 Corinthians 10: 27 -28 –our influence in the midst of unbelievers (meats offered to idols)

The Bible and Wine • Proverbs 23: 29 -35, “Who has woe? . . . • Again, context is dealing with one who lingers long at wine • It is not viewed as a commendable activity. But we see where it leads • I think of where “that one drink” often leads

Center for Disease Control, 2010 • In 2010, the CDC released the results of a study on the cost of excessive drinking • $249 BILLION in costs (72% job productivity; 11% healthcare; 10% criminal justice; 5% automobile crashes) • 40% of this cost was incurred by government (e. g. our taxes) • California was #1 with $35 BILLION, with a tax cost of $376 per resident https: //www. cdc. gov/features/costsofdrinking/index. html

The Bible and Wine • 1 Peter 4: 3, drinking parties • This would include social drinking (occasions where liquor flows freely and can lead to drunkenness) • We’ve spent enough time there!

The Bible and Wine • Be sober! • 1 Thessalonians 5: 5 -7, 1 Peter 5: 8 watch and be sober • Does drinking at ANY level contribute to our level of soberness? • Is there such a thing as “a little drunk” or “a little sober”?

The Bible and Wine • Is there doubt? • One might say, the only thing the Bible condemns is drunkenness OR It doesn’t condemn the occasional drink • TRUE, if you are looking for a specific statement! • Romans 14: 22 -23, is recreational drinking questionable? Any doubt?

The Bible and Wine • Is it necessary today? (Is there any benefit alcohol might provide that cannot be achieved without it? ) • Is recreational drinking today the same as drinking wine in Bible times? NO! • Are you willing to risk your eternity AND THAT OF OTHERS on it?

Where are you seeking to find meaning in your life? Ecclesiastes 12: 13 -14