I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit (Ecclesiastes 1:14). Solomon is the author of the book of Ecclesiastes. Verse fourteen, from chapter one, roughly states, “I have seen all the works done under the sun;” describes what he experienced. In his flesh, he works with his hands and mind to achieve and accomplish many earthly things during his life. However, the Holy Bible states Solomon accumulated wealth and possessions with all the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding received by God. He was a king that became rich that initially did not ask for it but was blessed by the Creator. Why? Solomon’s heart and desire are to have the wisdom to be a good king. To help make righteous judgments and decisions that would benefit his people. God blessed him with riches based on his approach and perspective towards the people. The Father sees his compassion for others and not things at that particular time. However, Solomon did live a godly way as a king but later lived ungodly as a man. He obtained many wives and other gods that did not benefit him spiritually. The downfall to wealth is it does profit the flesh but disrupts the spirit.
Vexation of Spirit is where Solomon’s heart turned Him away after other gods and did evil in the sight of the living God. The wealth and riches he received did not keep him close to God spiritually but further away. These assets Solomon gained made him make decisions from a carnal perspective instead of spiritual. Vanity affects the spirit of man because it is of the world and not of God. The things of this world create a gap between man and God. The distance is determined by how passionate we are toward whatever items consume our hearts and minds. Our spirit inside us is not free to build a foundation with God because the external (our flesh) making the choices. The more the flesh dictates our daily life, the less chance of having a close relationship with God.