welcome to happiness isnt........
 
 
 
 

~Ten Proven Ways to Fail at Finding Happiness~

These are lessons learned from the richest and wisest man who ever walked the face of the earth - Solomon.
(Eccl 2:3 NIV) 
"I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly--my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives."

  # 1. Drinking   "cheering myself with wine"(Ecc. 2:3 )  
                    Although drinking itself is not a sin, it will not lead to happiness. 
 The scriptures specifically tell us not to be drunk with wine , but  also tells us it's okay to take a little wine for the stomach's sake (1 Tim 5:23). Whenever alcohol is taken as replacement for what God provides, it becomes a sin.     (Eph 5:18 NIV)  "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." 
  

 #2.  Only fun stuff  "embracing folly"(Ecc. 2:3) 
           Toys will not bring happiness - no matter how big, expensive or how many ! 
We are told in the scriptures to not lay up treasures for our selves on earth, but to lay up treasures in heaven.  (Matt 6:19-20) "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." 

#3.  A big house "built houses" (Ecc 2:4-6) 
          If you are not happy in the house you are in now, no matter how small, you won't be happy in a bigger one.  (Prov 24:3 NIV)  By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 
 

#4.  Public works projects. "gardens and parks" (Ecc 2:5) 
         No matter how many committees we get on or how many projects we complete for the community, they will not bring happiness.  If the work we do is not chosen by God for us, then it has no part of lasting happiness.(John 15:16 NIV)  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 

#5.  Business expansion.  "bought male and female slaves." (Ecc. 2:7-8) 
         We can have many employess working for us, or under our authority, but that will not bring happiness.  In fact, that comes with trials all its own!  

#6.  Investments.  "Owned more herds and flocks" (Ecc.2:7-8). 
         Although setting aside for the future is good, expecting what we put aside to bring our happiness, will only dissappoint us.  

#7.  Money.  "Amassed silver and gold"  (Ecc. 2:7-8). 
        He had more money than any one on earth will ever have, and at the end of his life realized that he had still not found happiness.  

(Heb 13:5 NIV)  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."
(1 Tim 6:10 NIV)  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
 

#8.  Fine arts programs.  "Acquired men and women singers and a harem" (Ecc. 2:7-8)  . We can become very cultured and attend the finest operas or Broadway play, or see and even purchase valuable painting...but the happiness found in them is quickly fleeting.  

#9.  Women  (or men, for you women).   "wives and concubines" (Ecc 2:7-8). 
          Happiness will never be found in another human being-- even if there is sexual satisfaction and companionship.  Loneliness is possible even in a crowd (Solomon had over 1000 wives and concubines).  

#10.  Fame. "became greater by far than anyone" (Ecc 2:9). 
          Looking for the attention of the masses will bring only that- attention.  It will never bring true happiness.   Solomon was known by everyone, yet was a  very miserable man.  
  

Solomon looks back on his life and gives us words of wisdom, after having all 
the things the world tells us are the key to happiness. 
 He now knows where happiness can be found. 

 

(Eccl 9:10 NIV) 
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.
 
(Eccl 9:9 NIV) 
Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun-- all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.
(Eccl 12:13 NIV) 
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
 
So, where are you looking for happiness??
 
I love getting mail!
 
want to see more?
 
Come to my home

 
The
 


Hit Counter

  The Christian Counter

The Christian Counter