READ: Luke 12:16-21
“I made me great works; I builded me houses… Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun” – Ecclesiastes 2:4, 11
Attempting great things for yourself when you are not rich towards God will only lead to a sudden shock on the day of Judgement. Life on this earth is only the beginning of your real life. Life continues in eternity. Focusing only on earthly achievements is a big mistake. The rich fool found out to his amazement that God withdraws people without notice.
Solomon built many things, houses, vineyards, orchards, pools, gardens and farms. Solomon built a temple and achieved earthly fame and wealth that no one ever has. He had no restrictions and acquired more wives than any known person. His great achievements brought him to the conclusion that everything achieved on this earth is useless and worthless. “All is vanity!” he said.
So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. Ecclesiastes 2:4-11
Solomon attempted great things for himself but was disillusioned and disappointed. Why bother to build great works, which will be declared useless at the end of your life?