Reading Ecclesiastes the Week I Turn 50

I am reading the Book of Ecclesiastes this week before I turn 50 years old. I am reading it in multiple versions: NIV, NLT, The Message. I have to chuckle at The Message paraphrase sometimes, although it does hit close to home as I consider turning 50. Here's what I mean:
"Life’s a corkscrew that can’t be straightened,A minus that won’t add up."

~ Eccl. 1:15

"Much learning earns you much trouble.The more you know, the more you hurt."

~ Eccl. 1:18

"Then I took a good look at everything I’d done, looked at all the sweat and hard work. But when I looked, I saw nothing but smoke. Smoke and spitting into the wind. There was nothing to any of it. Nothing."

~ Eccl. 2:11

"The best you can do with your life is have a good time and get by the best you can. The way I see it, that’s it—divine fate. Whether we feast or fast, it’s up to God. God may give wisdom and knowledge and joy to his favorites, but sinners are assigned a life of hard labor, and end up turning their wages over to God’s favorites. Nothing but smoke—and spitting into the wind."

~ Eccl. 2:24-26

Now don't get depressed by this blog! There is more to Ecclesiastes than chapters 1 and 2. I will post more in the coming days before my birthday.