Eclesiastes 5
William MacDonald · Citado em PreceptAustin
Eclesiastes 5
William MacDonald - When a man’s possessions increase, it seems that there is a corresponding increase in the number of parasites who live off his wealth, whether management consultants, tax advisers, accountants, lawyers, household employees, or sponging relatives. A man can wear only one suit at a time, can only eat so much in a day. So the main benefit of his wealth is to be able to look at his bank books, stocks, and bonds, and to say with other rich fools, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry” (Luke 12:19+). (Borrow Believer's Bible Commentary) Charles Swindoll - Solomon concluded that with increased money and possessions comes an accelerated number of people and worries.Wealth is a people magnet (Ecclesiastes 5:11). As people grow richer, they find themselves surrounded by a sudden “fan club.” Everybody wants to be close to the one who can buy anything. They all want a piece of the pie, which, Solomon said, also brings more anxiety (Eccl 5:12). Worries linger over losing assets, attracting frivolous lawsuits, maintaining an upper-class lifestyle, or even catching the attention of thieves or greedy friends and relatives. (See Living on the Ragged Edge Workbook: Finding Joy in a World) Ray Stedman on Ecc 5:11 - That is, you will soon discover that a crowd of parasites gather around you to spend your money for you; you get nothing out of them but expense. A second disadvantage to having money is that you worry about how to take care of your property (Ecc 5:12). You stay awake nights, worrying about how to keep what you have. There is still a third disadvantage (Eccl 5:13-14): You can lose your riches too. They can disappear overnight. A turn of the wheel, a drop in the Dow Jones Averages and your fortune is gone. Finally, riches will not survive death, but you will (Ecc 5:15-17) You can take absolutely nothing away with you. Life is empty and meaningless for so many people. They suffer from "Destination Sickness"; having arrived at where they always wanted to be, and having everything they always wanted to have, they do not want anything they've got. Good things - The term טוֹבָה (tovah, “good”) connotes “prosperity” (Deut 23:7; Job 9:25; 21:25; Ps 106:5; Lam 3:17; Eccl 4:8; 5:10, 17; 6:3, 6; 7:14; 9:18; Neh 2:10; Sir 6:11; 41:13); cf. HALOT 372 s.v. טוֹבָה 2. The related term טוֹב (tov, “good”) connotes “prosperity” as well (Prov 11:10; Job 20:21; 21:16); cf. HALOT 372 s.v. טוֹבָה 1.b. Here, it refers to the possessions and wealth a person acquires as the fruit of his labors. This nuance is well reflected in several English versions: “The more a man gains, the more there are to spend it” (Moffatt); “When riches multiply, so do those who live off them” (NEB); “As his substance increase, so do those who consume it” (NJPS); and “Where there are great riches, there are also many to devour them” (NAB). The line does not describe the economic law of “supply and demand,” as some versions seem to imply, e.g., “As goods increase, so do those who consume them” (NIV); “When goods increase, those who eat them increase” (NRSV); cf. also KJV, ASV, RSV, MLB, NASB. Peace and contentment Eduard von Grützner (1897) Best Deal Ever! As goods increase, so do those who consume them. And what benefit are they to the owners? Ecclesiastes 5:11 Read - Ecclesiastes 5:10–19 How much is enough? We might ask this simple question on a day that many developed countries increasingly devote to shopping. I speak of Black Friday, the day after the US Thanksgiving holiday, in which many stores open early and offer cut-price deals; a day that has spread from the States to other nations. Some shoppers have limited resources and are trying to purchase something at a price they can afford. But sadly, for others greed is the motivation, and violence erupts as they fight for bargains. The wisdom of the Old Testament writer known as “the Teacher” (Eccl. 1:1) provides an antidote to the frenzy of consumerism we may face in the shops—and in our hearts. He points out that those who love money never will have enough and will be ruled by their possessions. And yet, they will die with nothing: “As everyone comes, so they depart” (5:15). The apostle Paul echoes the Teacher in his letter to Timothy, when he says that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and that we should strive for “godliness with contentment” (1 Tim. 6:6–10). “You have formed us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in You.” Augustine, The Confessions True contentment does not depend on anything in this world. Today's Insights Without the living God being brought into the picture, Ecclesiastes is one of the most paradoxical books in the Old Testament. For much of this short reflective work, we see life portrayed without God as an active Person in our lives. As a result, much of the text, though inspired by the Spirit, describes secular beliefs. Nonetheless, today’s reading showcases wisdom in various aspects of life. Ecclesiastes 5:12 The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much; but the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep. Related Passages: Psalm 4:8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For Thou alone, O LORD, dost make me to dwell in safety. Psalm 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep. Proverbs 3:24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Jeremiah 31:26 At this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was pleasant to me. THE LABORING MAN vs THE LUCRATIVE MAN The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much - I like this but as a physician I would advise not eating "much" shortly before you go to bed or you increase your chances of reflux. This verse contrasts the contentment of a hardworking individual with the restlessness of the wealthy. The laborer, regardless of his meal's size, enjoys restful sleep due to physical exertion and lack of anxiety. In contrast, the rich, burdened by the responsibilities and worries of wealth, often find sleep elusive. See in depth discussion of Christian Contentment. William Barrick - Two biographical samples highlight the contrast between having riches and not having riches (Eccl 5:12). The poor working class individual sleeps soundly even on beans and rice, but insomnia afflicts the wealthy even on a full stomach. The word used for “the full stomach” in Eccl 5:12 comes from the same root as the word for “satisfied” in Eccl 5:10. One would think that the banquet of the rich would bring some degree of satisfaction. The irony of it is that it does not bring satisfaction—instead, his full stomach will keep him awake, disturbing his rest. True rest comes from a content heart, not abundant possessions. but (term of contrast) the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep - A rich man is not satisfied with enough money and so even when satisfied by a full stomach, he is not satisfied in his heart and mind. The more you have, the more you have to worry about! In short, riches rob rest! This passage shows that when one works hard for what he has, then he is doing what is right. His sleep should be pleasant. Other reasons to work hard according to the New Testament passages are to share with those who have need and to help the weak. Believers are to work in order to take care of one another, to support those believers who are not able to provide for themselves. But if one is able to work, then he is not to be supported by the church, by other believers. Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can. Warren
Eclesiastes 5
William MacDonald - Cecil Rhodes spent years exploiting the natural resources of South Africa. When he was about to die, he cried out in remorse: I’ve found much in Africa. Diamonds, gold and land are mine, but now I must leave them all behind. Not a thing I’ve gained can be taken with me. I have not sought eternal treasures, therefore I actually have nothing at all. (Borrow Believer's Bible Commentary) Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun DEATH: NOT THE FINAL WORD Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand. This too is a grievous evil: As a man comes, so he departs, and what does he gain, since he toils for the wind? All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger. Ecclesiastes 5:15-17 Death is never far from Solomon's mind. Some people might say he is obsessed with it. I think he would say that most of us desperately try to avoid it. We swiftly change the subject to something more pleasant. But we would be better off if we thought about our own death more often. A sixteen-year-old girl lay dying in a hospital room. A close friend came by for a final visit, not knowing what to say. As he tells it, he must have looked dreadfully upset, for "She looked upon my worried and harried face and said, 'Don't be afraid.'" That is the heart of the Christian theology of death. It is most profound when it is the dying who can say to the living, "Don't be afraid." As a pastor I spend a fair amount of my time dealing with death. Hardly a day goes by without someone asking me to pray for a loved one who is dying. As I write these words, I can think of a half dozen people who languish in nursing homes and hospital beds. Several have heart problems, others do daily battle with cancer. Any of them may die before the week is out. Meanwhile Solomon points out that we go as we come—naked. We've even coined a term that reminds us of how we came into this world. If a person has no clothes on, we might say he's wearing his "birthday suit." To add insult to injury, Solomon points out that you can't take anything with you when you die. The rich man dies like the pauper. Oh, the surroundings may be different, but the one is just as dead as the other. The rich man can't take his riches with him, nor will the poor man take his poverty. Both leave it all behind. Death plays no favorites. Most of us, if we thought about it, would like to live a long time. Maybe not forever, but at least for many more years. It's only natural to feel that way. If given the choice, we would keep our families together so that death would not intrude. In recent years Easter has become my favorite Christian holiday. When I was young, it was mostly a day to dress up and hunt for Easter eggs. With each passing year, it has become more meaningful. Open the paper and death stares out from every page. Death is everywhere. Where is the resurrection? Easter reminds us that death is not the worst. "Fear not," said the angel. "For he is risen." (Matthew 28:5, 6 KJV). And those who sleep in Jesus shall also see resurrection. Lord Jesus, hasten the day when death shall die and I shall rise from the grave, never to die again. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT Do you believe in the resurrection of the dead? If so, how does this truth affect the way you view your own death? What will you "leave behind" when you die? MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Isaiah 26:19; Daniel 12:1-3; and Philippians 3:20-21. Ecclesiastes 5:16 This also is a grievous evil--exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind? a grievous evil: Ec 5:13 2:22,23 what: 1Sa 12:21 Jer 2:8 Mk 8:36 for: Ec 1:3 Pr 11:29 Isa 26:18 Ho 8:7 Joh 6:27 This also is a grievous evil--exactly as a man is born, thus will he die. So what is the advantage to him who toils for the wind? William Barrick - Since a person enters this world without any material wealth and leaves this world in the same condition, of what use is laboring for and gathering material possessions and money (Eccl 5:16)? Ecclesiastes 5:10-17 Working For The Wind What profit has he who has labored for the wind? —Ecclesiastes 5:16 Howard Levitt lost his $200,000 Ferrari on a flooded Toronto highway. He had driven into what seemed like a puddle before realizing that the water was much deeper and rising quickly. When the water reached the Ferrari’s fenders, its 450-horsepower engine seized. Thankfully he was able to escape the car and get to high ground. Howard’s soggy sports car reminds me of Solomon’s observation that “riches perish through misfortune” (Eccl. 5:14). Natural disasters, theft, and accidents may claim our dearest belongings. Even if we manage to protect them, we certainly can’t haul them with us to heaven (v.15). Solomon asked, “What profit has he who has labored for the wind?” (v.16). There is futility in working only to acquire belongings that will ultimately disappear. There is something that doesn’t spoil and we can “take with us.” It is possible to store up eternal heavenly treasure. Pursuing virtues such as generosity (Matt. 19:21), humility (5:3), and spiritual endurance (Luke 6:22-23) will yield lasting rewards that can’t be destroyed. Will the kind of treasure you seek expire on earth? Or, are you seeking “those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God”? (Col. 3:1). Dear God, please give me a passion for the unseen, eternal rewards that You offer. Make me indifferent to the temporary pleasures of this world. Treasures on earth can’t compare with the treasures in heaven. Ecclesiastes 5:17 Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger. KJV Ecclesiastes 5:17 All his days also he eateth in darkness, and he hath much sorrow and wrath with his sickness. NKJ Ecclesiastes 5:17 All his days he also eats in darkness, And he has much sorrow and sickness and anger. BGT Ecclesiastes 5:16 καί γε πᾶσαι αἱ ἡμέραι αὐτοῦ ἐν σκότει καὶ πένθει καὶ θυμῷ πολλῷ καὶ ἀρρωστίᾳ καὶ χόλῳ LXE Ecclesiastes 5:17 Yea, all his days are in darkness, and in mourning, and much sorrow, and infirmity, and wrath. NET Ecclesiastes 5:17 Surely, he ate in darkness every day of his life, and he suffered greatly with sickness and anger. CSB Ecclesiastes 5:17 What is more, he eats in darkness all his days, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger. ESV Ecclesiastes 5:17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. NIV Ecclesiastes 5:17 All his days he eats in darkness, with great frustration, affliction and anger. NLT Ecclesiastes 5:17 Throughout their lives, they live under a cloud-- frustrated, discouraged, and angry. YLT Ecclesiastes 5:17 Also all his days in darkness he consumeth, and sadness, and wrath, and sickness abound. NJB Ecclesiastes 5:16 as he spends the rest of his days in darkness, mourning, many sorrows, sickness and exasperation. NRS Ecclesiastes 5:17 Besides, all their days they eat in darkness, in much vexation and sickness and resentment. NAB Ecclesiastes 5:16 All the days of his life are passed in gloom and sorrow, under great vexation, sickness and wrath. GWN Ecclesiastes 5:17 They spend their entire lives in darkness, in constant frustration, sickness, and resentment. BBE Ecclesiastes 5:17 All his days are in the dark, and he has much sorrow, pain, disease, and trouble. RSV Ecclesiastes 5:17 and spent all his days in darkness and grief, in much vexation and sickness and resentment? he eats: Ge 3:17 1Ki 17:12 Job 21:25 Ps 78:33 102:9 127:2 Eze 4:16,17 much: 2Ki 1:2,6 5:27 2Ch 16:10-12 24:24,25 Ps 90:7-11 Pr 1:27-29 Ac 12:23 1Co 11:30-32 THE MISER'S MEAL Throughout his life he also eats in darkness with great vexation, sickness and anger - This verse describes the tragic emotional and spiritual state of a person enslaved to materialism especially the wealthy man who hoards (Ec 5:13–16). Though he may have wealth, his existence is joyless. He eats in darkness is a metaphor for loneliness, gloom, or hopelessness. Eating is normally associated with fellowship and celebration but here is done in solitary gloom. With great vexation, sickness, and anger describe his this man's inner condition as emotionally agitated (vexation), physically unwell (sickness), and spiritually bitter (anger). His wealth did not shield him from pain, but in fact contributed to it. Riches without relationship become a prison of darkness. William Barrick - “Vexation, sickness and anger” accompany the wealthy as they eat in darkness (Eccl 5:17). Vexation refers to the burdensome cares of this life. Sickness indicates the physical toll on the laborer. Anger identifies the emotional outcome of the frustration of ambitions, becoming the target of other ambitious people, and the failure of one’s plans to come to fruition due to economic downturns, governmental interference, cruel competitors, and industrial spies. Ecclesiastes 5:8-17 Stockpiling Or Storing? Just exactly as he came, so shall he go. —Ecclesiastes 5:16 Rugs, lamps, a washer and dryer, even the food in the cupboards—everything was for sale! My husband and I stopped at an estate sale one day and wandered through the house, overwhelmed by the volume of belongings. Dish sets littered the dining room table. Christmas decorations filled the front hallway. Tools, toy cars, board games, and vintage dolls crowded the garage. When we left, I wondered if the homeowners were moving, if they desperately needed money, or if they had passed away. This reminded me of these words from Ecclesiastes: “Just exactly as he came, so shall he go” (5:16). We’re born empty-handed and we leave the world the same way. The stuff we buy, organize, and store is ours only for a while—and it’s all in a state of decay. Moths munch through our clothes; even gold and silver may not hold their value (James 5:2-3). Sometimes “riches perish through misfortune” (Eccl. 5:14), and our kids don’t get to enjoy our possessions after we’re gone. Whatever we possess on earth We have to leave behind; But everything we give to God In heaven we will find. —Sper Letting go of earthly possessions enables us to take hold of heavenly treasure. Ecclesiastes 5:18 Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him; for this is his reward. KJV Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion. NKJ Ecclesiastes 5:18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. BGT Ecclesiastes 5:17 ἰδοὺ ὃ εἶδον ἐγὼ ἀγαθόν ὅ ἐστιν καλόν τοῦ φαγεῖν καὶ τοῦ πιεῖν καὶ τοῦ ἰδεῖν ἀγαθωσύνην ἐν παντὶ μόχθῳ αὐτοῦ ᾧ ἐὰν μοχθῇ ὑπὸ τὸν ἥλιον ἀριθμὸν ἡμερῶν ζωῆς αὐτοῦ ὧν ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ θεός ὅτι αὐτὸ μερὶς αὐτοῦ LXE Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold, I have seen good, that it is a fine thing for a man to eat and to drink, and to see good in all his labour in which he may labour under the sun, all the number of the days of his life which God has given to him: for it is his portion. NET Ecclesiastes 5:18 I have seen personally what is the only beneficial and appropriate course of action for people: to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all their hard work on earth during the few days of their life which God has given them, for this is their reward. CSB Ecclesiastes 5:18 Here is what I have seen to be good: it is appropriate to eat, drink, and experience good in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of his life God has given him, because that is his reward. ESV Ecclesiastes 5:18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. NIV Ecclesiastes 5:18 Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him--for this is his lot. NLT Ecclesiastes 5:18 Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. YLT Ecclesiastes 5:18 Lo, that which I have seen: It is good, because beautiful, to eat, and to drink, and to see good in all one's labour that he laboureth at under the sun, the number of the days of his life that God hath given to him, for it is his portion. NJB Ecclesiastes 5:17 So my conclusion is this: true happiness lies in eating and drinking and enjoying whatever has been achieved under the sun, throughout the life given by God: for this is the lot of humanity. NRS Ecclesiastes 5:18 This is what I have seen to be good: it is fitting to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of the life God gives us; for this is our lot. good and fitting. Ec 2:24 3:12,13,22 8:15 9:7 11:9 1Ti 6:17 it is his: Ec 2:10 3:22 Jer 52:34 GOD'S DAILY REWARD NAS leaves out Behold (hinneh) which is used to call our attention to what follows. It is as if Solomon knows he has been a bit depressing and pessimistic regarding riches and so he seeks to shift our attention. Here [Behold (hinneh)] is what I have seen to be good and fitting (yapheh): to eat, to drink and enjoy oneself in all one's labor in which he toils under the sun during the few years of his life which God has given him - Eat and to drink is a common idiom in Ecclesiastes for a person enjoying the fruit of his labor (e.g., Ec 2:24; 3:13). Notice how eating here contrasts with eating in darkness in Ec 5:17. Solomon now offers a positive perspective on enjoying life. Good and fitting means not extravagant or indulgent, but appropriate, wise, and God-approved. To eat, to drink, and enjoy oneself is a repeated refrain in Ecclesiastes (cf. Ec 2:24; 3:13; 8:15), meaning to receive life’s daily blessings with gratitude. In all one's labor refers to enjoyment is not in escape from work, but in God’s grace amid work—finding satisfaction in what one does. The few years of his life which God has given him describes life as short regardless of how long you live and it also emphasizes each of our days is a gift which is sovereignly assigned by the Lord. As David said "in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." (Ps 139:16+). William Barrick - Concluding Thoughts Regarding Money (Eccl 5:18–20) Though the experiences Solomon describes in verses 8–12 produce a sense of hopelessness and frustration, a remedy exists. The key word in this section is “God.” All of those experiences take place “under the sun” apart from God. Solomon had observed those who included God in their worldview and how that impacted their enjoyment of life, despite its ups and downs, its times of want and times of abundance. God desires that people enjoy His gifts, whether as a poor individual (Eccl 5:18) or as a wealthy individual (Eccl 5:19). “To eat, to drink” involves sharing the enjoyment of fellowship and being satisfied with that which God has given, regardless of the amount. The historian identifies the same aspects of life in his description of the glory days of Solomon’s reign (1 Kgs 4:20). During those early years of Solomonic splendor, power, affluence, and influence, the nation prospered. Its citizens were contented and happy. Things were good because Solomon was still serving the Lord and honoring Him in all that he did. Perhaps Solomon remembers those years with nostalgia and writes of them in Ecclesiastes 5:18–20. For this is his reward (cheleq - lot, portion, heritage) Throughout Ecclesiastes, the term (cheleq) is used in reference to man’s temporal profit from his labor and his reward from God (e.g., Eccl 3:22; 9:9). This is the divinely assigned piece of life, what God gives us to enjoy. Enjoyment of simple, daily blessings is a gift from God, not a meaningless accident. The upshot is that true enjoyment is found not in hoarded wealth but in gratefully receiving the simple gifts of daily life from the hand of God. Ray Stedman (Ecc 5:18, 19) - Enjoyment does not come from possessions, or from riches. Nor does it come from companionship, from popularity and fame, from the approval and the admiration of others. Enjoyment comes by knowing the Living God and taking everything from his hand with thanksgiving, whether it be pain or pleasure. That is the gift of God, and that is the lesson of this great book. 🙏 THOUGHT - The Beauty of Enough - Ecclesiastes 5:18 is countercultural wisdom. While the world races after more, God’s Word says: receive, rest, rejoice. You don’t need abundance to have joy—you need gratitude, contentment, and perspective. God gives you this moment, this job, this meal, this day. Life is short. And that’s not tragic—it’s clarifying. When you live each day as a gift from God, the ordinary becomes sacred. Am I waiting for life to get better before I enjoy it? Am I missing today’s portion because I’m craving tomorrow’s abundance? Ask God for the grace to see the good and fitting gifts He’s already given you. A few applications... Practice daily gratitude (1Th 5:18). List the small gifts of each day—meals, moments, labor, people. These are not small. They are your portion. Enjoy what God gives without guilt. God is not glorified by misery. Right enjoyment honors Him (1Ti 6:17 – “God… richly supplies us with all things to enjoy”). Avoid both greed and asceticism. Ecclesiastes steers between materialism and denial. It teaches contentment—not hoarding, and not rejecting joy. Rest in God's timing (cf Mt 11:28-30). The “few years” are from His hand. Don’t strive to control what you can’t. Receive the days with reverent joy. Enjoy ordinary life. God is present not just in miracles, but in meals. To enjoy daily work and food is a quiet act of faith. A grateful heart that finds joy in the labor, food, and days God gives is one that walks in wisdom under the sun. Reward (cheleq) - The term חֵלֶק (kheleq, “lot”) has a wide range of meanings: (1) “share of spoils” (Gen 14:24; Num 31:36; 1 Sam 30:24), (2) “portion of food” (Lev 6:10; Deut 18:8; Hab 1:16), (3) “portion [or tract] of land” (Deut 10:9; 12:12; Josh 19:9), (4) “portion” or “possession” (Num 18:20; Deut 32:9), (5) “inheritance” (2 Kgs 9:10; Amos 7:4), (6) “portion” or “award” (Job 20:29; 27:13; 31:2; Isa 17:14) or “profit; reward” (Eccl 2:10, 21; 3:22; 5:17–18; 9:6, 9); see HALOT 323 s.v. II חֵלֶק; BDB 324 s.v. חֵלֶק. Ray Pritchard - Something New Under the Sun WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him— for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 Several months ago my wife and I ate lunch with some friends who were visiting from another state. When we started our meal I noticed that the husband looked more relaxed than I had seen him in a long time. I soon learned the reason for his calm demeanor. He heard a minister suggest a simple prayer for the beginning of each new day. The minister challenged his listeners to pray this prayer for twenty-one days straight. My friend, who I'll call Sam, said that he had tried it and that the prayer had made a profound difference in his life. At that point his wife chimed in to say that she had noticed a drastic difference in him as well. Before he began the day with the prayer, Sam often returned home tense over things that had happened to him during the day. Now, she noted, Sam would come home relaxed and in a good mood. As I listened, I wondered to myself what kind of prayer could make that kind of difference. Later Sam explained that for him the key was to pray the prayer the moment he woke up—even before he got out of bed. He even said that he had awakened that morning at 4:30, so he prayed the prayer and then went back to sleep. The prayer itself is the essence of simplicity. It goes like this: "Heavenly Father, You are in charge of everything that is going to happen to me today—whether it be good or bad, positive or negative. Please make me thankful for everything that happens to me today. Amen." I think Solomon would heartily approve of those sentiments. When my friend told me the story, he emphasized how this prayer works. "It doesn't change anything outside of me, but it does change everything inside of me. My circumstances don't change, but my attitude does." And that's why he looked so relaxed when we ate lunch. In our final verses of Ecclesiastes 5, the key word in the passage is God. Bible commentator Derek Kidner notes that Solomon mentioned God four times in three verses—each time to remind us that the secret of happiness is to receive whatever comes to us as sent from heaven. That is the essence of Sam's prayer, to remember that all that comes our way arrives via heaven, from the loving God who is in charge. May I challenge you to pray Sam's "secret" prayer for the next twenty-one days? See if the Lord doesn't work miracles inside your heart. Heavenly Father, You are in charge of everything that is going to happen to me today—whether it be good or bad, positive or negative. Please make me thankful for everything that happens to me today. Amen. SHINING THE LIGHT Are you a thankful person? How have you experienced joy from God even during hard times? Name the joy-thieves in your own life. MORE LIGHT FROM GOD'S WORD Read Habakkuk 3:17-18; John 7:37-39; and 2 Timothy 2:20-21. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 Too Strict Read: Genesis 3:1-6 God . . . gives us richly all things to enjoy. —1 Timothy 6:17 The tempter knows his craft. After all, he has been practicing it since the world began. He tries to get us to forfeit God’s blessing by urging us to ignore God’s laws or by slyly getting us to add to them. He knows we can fall into a ditch on either side of the road. In his chat with Eve, he first suggested that God didn’t want her to enjoy any of the trees in the garden (Gen. 3:1). Eve jumped to God’s defense, explaining that it was only the fruit of the middle tree that was off limits (vv.2-3). But then she added that even touching the tree would bring death (v.3). God, though, hadn’t said anything about touching it. Some of us try to defend God by being more strict than He is. We believe we are holier if we go beyond His commands. As a result, we miss out on the orchard because we are denied a single piece of poisoned fruit. Not only will we not touch that tree, but we also will not touch the tree next to it or a tree that looks like it. By doing so we dishonor God. For Further Study What do these verses say about enjoying life? Genesis 1:28-31; Psalm 36:7-9; Ecclesiastes 2; Acts 14:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 2:20-23 The joy of living comes from a heart of thanksgiving. Ecclesiastes 5:9-20 Work And Its Rewards It is good and fitting for one . . . to enjoy the good of all his labor. —Ecclesiastes 5:18 In a conference for Christians who were 50 and older, we were talking about work. After we studied the last few verses of Ecclesiastes 5, one person said, “I wish that someone had explained these verses to me when I was younger. Perhaps I wouldn’t have been so driven in my work. Maybe I would have relaxed more and let myself enjoy life.” There is virtue in honest, hard work—no one would argue with that. But some Christians have the idea that work is all there is to life. To relax, to enjoy life, to spend a little of their hard-earned money somehow makes them feel guilty and lazy. So they keep driving themselves till they are stopped—often for health reasons. The author of Ecclesiastes learned that it is “good and fitting” for us to enjoy the benefits of our work (5:18). When he spoke of eating and drinking, he was talking about a joyous feast—a banquet with plenty of good food available and all the family gathered around to enjoy the festivities. If you're working hard to make a living, Never taking time to smell the roses, Now's the time to heed the Bible's wisdom: Find some joy before your life's day closes. —Hess Work to live—don't merely live to work. Ecclesiastes 5:19 Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward and rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God. NKJ Ecclesiastes 5:19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor-- this is the gift of God. BGT Ecclesiastes 5:18 καί γε πᾶς ὁ ἄνθρωπος ᾧ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ ὁ θεὸς πλοῦτον καὶ ὑπάρχοντα καὶ ἐξουσίασεν αὐτὸν τοῦ φαγεῖν ἀπ᾽ αὐτοῦ καὶ τοῦ λαβεῖν τὸ μέρος αὐτοῦ καὶ τοῦ εὐφρανθῆναι ἐν μόχθῳ αὐτοῦ τοῦτο δόμα θεοῦ ἐστιν LXE Ecclesiastes 5:19 Yea, and as for every man to whom God has given wealth and possessions, and has given him power to eat thereof, and to receive his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. NET Ecclesiastes 5:19 To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions, he has also given him the ability to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil; these things are the gift of God. CSB Ecclesiastes 5:19 God has also given riches and wealth to every man, and He has allowed him to enjoy them, take his reward, and rejoice in his labor. This is a gift of God, ESV Ecclesiastes 5:19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil-- this is the gift of God. NIV Ecclesiastes 5:19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work--this is a gift of God. NLT Ecclesiastes 5:19 And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-- this is indeed a gift from God. YLT Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given wealth and riches, and hath given him power to eat of it, and to accept his portion, and to rejoice in his labour, this is a gift of God. NJB Ecclesiastes 5:18 And whenever God gives someone riches and property, with the ability to enjoy them and to find contentment in work, this is a gift from God. NRS Ecclesiastes 5:19 Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil-- this is the gift of God. NAB Ecclesiastes 5:18 Any man to whom God gives riches and property, and grants power to partake of them, so that he receives his lot and finds joy in the fruits of his toil, has a gift from God. GWN Ecclesiastes 5:19 It is a gift from God when God gives some people wealth and possessions, the power to enjoy them, the ability to accept their lot in life, and the ability to rejoice in their own hard work. BBE Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man to whom God has given money and wealth and the power to have pleasure in it and to do his part and have joy in his work: this is given by God. RSV Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and find enjoyment in his toil -- this is the gift of God. to whom: Ec 2:24 3:13 6:2 De 8:18 1Ki 3:13 this is the gift of God: Ec 2:24-26 BLESSED TO RECEIVE EMPOWERED TO REJOICE Furthermore, as for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, He has also empowered him to eat from them and to receive his reward (cheleq; Lxx - meris) and rejoice (samah; Lxx - euphraino) in his labor (amal;Lxx - mochthos); this is the gift of God. - NET = "To every man whom God has given wealth, and possessions, he has also given him the ability to eat from them, to receive his reward and to find enjoyment in his toil; these things are the gift of God." Wealth itself is not condemned. It is recognized as something granted by God’s providence, not earned solely by human effort. He has also empowered (shalat - domineer, be master of) emphasizes that the key is not just having wealth, but being given the capacity ("power or permission"; Lxx - exousiazo - having and exercising authority) to enjoy it without guilt, worry, or striving. Not just the wealth, but the ability to enjoy it in contentment is a divine gift. It means God gives the person control and freedom to enjoy his wealth. This verse reminds us that the ability to enjoy what we have is not a matter of strategy or success but is a gift from God. God not only gives wealth He gives the ability to enjoy it. 🙏 THOUGHT- Some people have much, but enjoy nothing—because they lack peace, contentment, or gratitude. Others have little, but rejoice deeply. Why? Because God gave them the greater gift: the freedom to receive and enjoy. As Paul affirmed it is "God, Who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." (1Ti 6:17+) Have I thanked God not just for what I have, but for the ability to enjoy it? William Barrick - Ec 5:19 makes it clear that wealth itself is not the problem. As Paul writes, “the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil” (1 Tim 6:10). Elsewhere, the apostle also addresses the matter of living with a contented attitude whether in want or in prosperity (Phil 4:12; see also Matt 6:19–24). In his book Business for the Glory of God, (borrow book, page 46) Wayne Grudem states that "In fact, money is fundamentally good because it is a human invention that sets us apart from the animal kingdom and enables us to subdue the earth by producing from the earth goods and services that bring benefit to others. Money enables all of mankind to be productive and enjoy the fruits of that productivity thousands of times more extensively than we could if no human being had money, and we just had to barter with each other." Consider the following factors that describe money: • It is more widely accepted than bartered goods of any kind (including food). • It lasts longer than most goods. • It is more transportable than other goods. • Everyone is willing to exchange goods for money. • It stores value until exchanged or spent. • It “makes voluntary exchanges more fair, less wasteful, and far more extensive.” (Borrow Business for the Glory of God) As good stewards of our finances, we can employ money to glorify God. Whenever we give to the Lord’s work or to those who are in need, we exercise a rulership over the things of this world (cp. Gen 1:28). In giving to others we imitate God’s mercy and love. By our wealth we can expand and strengthen Gospel ministries worldwide in order to bring others to salvation in Christ. What Solomon teaches in Ecclesiastes 5 matches what the apostle Paul teaches in his epistles. Both Old and New Testaments agree that contentment and joy accompany those who think and live with a perspective beyond the sun, rather than limiting themselves to what is “under the sun.” As Eaton so aptly states, “Secular man may live a life of drudgery, but for the God-centred man it will be otherwise.” (Borrow Eaton page 104) Ecclesiastes does not exude skepticism and pessimism. Instead, it proclaims a need for godly satisfaction with that which God has given. The apostle Paul makes the same observations and proclaims the same teachings—confirming the accuracy of Solomon’s observations and the integrity of his conclusions. William Barrick - Questions related to Ecclesiastes 5: • How can we prepare ourselves for worship on Sunday mornings? • What causes us to sometimes speak or act too hastily? • What kinds of vows would be legitimate for New Testament believers? • In what ways is Solomon qualified in writing a critique of a monarchy? • Why is the love of money the root of all sorts of evil? • What good qualities does money possess? • What produces godly contentment? • What can you do this week to enhance the gladness of your heart? Ecclesiastes 5:13-20 How To Enjoy Things As for every man . . . to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. —Ecclesiastes 5:19 In his book Daring To Draw Near, Dr. John White writes that several years earlier God had made it possible for him to acquire a lovely home with many luxuries. His feelings about the house fluctuated dramatically. When he reminded himself that it was a gracious gift from God, he felt joy and thanksgiving. But when he would begin to compare it with those of his friends, he would feel proud because he had such a fine house and his joy would evaporate. His home would actually become a burden. All he could see were the many hedges and trees to care for and the endless odd jobs to do. White said, “While vanity clouds my eyes and burdens my heart, gratitude clears my vision and lightens my load.” The writer of Ecclesiastes saw God at every turn in the enjoyment of material things. The power to eat the fruits of our labors and even the strength to receive and rejoice in them is from Him (5:18-19). Ten thousand thousand precious gifts My daily thanks employ; Nor is the least a cheerful heart, That tastes those gifts with joy. —Addison God, Who has given so much to us, gives one more thing—a grateful heart. —Herbert Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he will not often consider the years of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the gladness of his heart. KJV Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. NKJ Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. BGT Ecclesiastes 5:19 ὅτι οὐ πολλὰ μνησθήσεται τὰς ἡμέρας τῆς ζωῆς αὐτοῦ ὅτι ὁ θεὸς περισπᾷ αὐτὸν ἐν εὐφροσύνῃ καρδίας αὐτοῦ LXE Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life; for God troubles him in the mirth of his heart. NET Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity. CSB Ecclesiastes 5:20 for he does not often consider the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart. ESV Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. NIV Ecclesiastes 5:20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart. NLT Ecclesiastes 5:20 God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past. YLT Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he doth not much remember the days of his life, for God is answering through the joy of his heart. NJB Ecclesiastes 5:19 For such a person will hardly notice the passing of time, so long as God keeps his heart occupied with joy. NRS Ecclesiastes 5:20 For they will scarcely brood over the days of their lives, because God keeps them occupied with the joy of their hearts. NAB Ecclesiastes 5:19 For he will hardly dwell on the shortness of his life, because God lets him busy himself with the joy of his heart. GWN Ecclesiastes 5:20 These people won't give much thought to their brief lives because God keeps them occupied with the joy in their hearts. BBE Ecclesiastes 5:20 He will not give much thought to the days of his life; because God lets him be taken up with the joy of his heart. RSV Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. For he shall not much remember: or, Though he give not much, yet he rembemereth, etc. Ps 37:16 because: De 28:8-12,47 Ps 4:6,7 Isa 64:5 65:13,14,21-24 Ro 5:1,5-11 THE GLADNESS GOD GIVES For he will not often consider the years (literally "days") of his life - NET = "For he does not think much about the fleeting days of his life." The one who walks in God's joy isn't anxiously reflecting on how long or short life is. He does not dwell on the passing of time or brood over life’s limits. He isn't burdened with regret or consumed with mortality, but lives peacefully in the present. Because (term of explanation) God keeps him occupied with the gladness (simchah - a deep, inner sense of delight; Lxx - euphrosune) of his heart (leb; Lxx - kardia) NET = "because God keeps him preoccupied with the joy he derives from his activity." This is the key: God actively engages the person, not with trivial distractions, but with inner joy and meaningful contentment. Keeps him occupied speaks of God filling the person’s heart and time with gladness so he is not troubled with existential dread. With the gladness of his heart (ESV - "with joy in his heart") signifies a deep, abiding heart-level joy that God gives to those who trust Him, recalling that the heart (leb; Lxx - kardia) is the control center of our life! This divinely ordained joy crowds out earthly fear, regret, and obsession with time. When God is your focus and your source of joy, you can live with peaceful satisfaction, not fretting over the brevity of life, but gratefully enjoying each moment as a divine gift. David spoke of this gladness of heart in Psalm 16:11+ (using same Hebrew and Greek words) - You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy (simchah; Lxx - euphrosune); In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Ray