Often I find that if I am overwhelmed with futility and discouragement, reading Ecclesiastes from beginning to end in one sitting it doesn t take long can be a cleansing tonic. When I am in such a mood, Ecclesiastes speaks my language and clarifies my vision. Since the very first time I read it, Ecclesiastes has been my favorite book of the Old Testament. Most of you will choose the party, because many people are there, the mood is upbeat, and the music is loud. People get silly and there is much laughter.
Some people get drunk and do foolish things that result in wrecked cars or wrecked marriages.
Others say foolish things or do foolish things. Most get a hangover, all lose sleep and have trouble making it through the following day. Everyone has a mess to clean up the morning after, especially the host. Once, fifteen years ago, I was lonely, so I threw a party and invited all my friends. They came, we partied, I laughed, and when they all left, I was even lonelier than before and had a messy apartment besides.