#2 An Expert in Fog (Ecclesiastes 1:12-18)

Notes

In this second sermon in the Ecclesiastes series, Phil Brown explores the limits and frustrations of human wisdom. Solomon, the ultimate seeker with unmatched resources and intellect, pursues a comprehensive understanding of life "under the sun" only to discover that greater knowledge brings greater sorrow, and all striving after ultimate meaning ends in vanity—like chasing the wind. Drawing on philosophy, culture, everyday life, and the gospel, the message honestly confronts our modern obsession with education, self-improvement, and expertise while pointing to Jesus Christ as the true Wisdom from God who cuts through the fog and gives lasting meaning.

"12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and a striving after wind. 

15  What is crooked cannot be made straight, 

and what is lacking cannot be counted. 

16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. 

18  For in much wisdom is much vexation, 

and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow" (Ec 1:12–18).