Old Testament wisdom literature (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon) focuses on how life works from a theological foundation. It answers the question: How does the world work when God is in charge? Philosophy is like wisdom literature with one very big difference. Philosophy (love of wisdom) focuses on how life works from a humanistic foundation. It answers the question: How does the world work when man is in charge? 

In Ecclesiastes, Solomon writes about life under the sun—life in a fallen world. And often, he gets philosophical. In chapter two of his journal, he chased after pleasure to see if it would fill his searching heart. 

Ecclesiastes 2:10
And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil.

Hedonism is a philosophy of life motivated by the desire for pleasure and avoidance of pain. Hedonism believes that satisfying one’s desires is the highest good and aim of humanity—examples of hedonism range from drunkenness to sexual immorality. One person told me that when he started his career, it was an unstated expectation in his firm that all the partners would have an affair. Hedonism includes drugs, materialism, and fanaticism (ever watched an NFL football game?). Hedonism is a life that leaves God out. Paul writes that if God isn’t who he says he is, and this life is all there is, then by all means, “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die” (1 Cor. 15:32). But Solomon found that hedonism was like chasing after the wind. The target of satisfaction was never hit because God is who he says he is, and this life is not all there is. 

Jesus told a parable about a man who lived to fill his barns; when they were filled, he simply built more barns. The man said to himself, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, and be merry.” But hedonism ends sadly. “God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you…’” (Luke 12:19-21). 

At the end of life’s journey stands the Judge (Eccl. 12:14). What will you have to show for your life under the sun? 

Father, guide me so I don’t fall into practical hedonism. Help me enjoy this great life as a gift from you and guard me from worshiping pleasure. Keep my focus on loving, honoring, respecting, and obeying you. Help me look forward to the day I stand without condemnation (Romans 8:1) before the Judge. In Jesus’ name. Amen.