Ecclesiastes, one of the most undervalued books of the Bible, provides the encapsulated truth from the entire scripture: all that we do, possess, see, hear and feel is meaningless apart from God.
Ecclesiastes is not a depressing book as some claim, but on the contrary is in many ways joyful, praising the simple things of life:
- A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. Ecc 2:24
- To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. Ecc 2:26
- He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men. Ecc 3:11
- That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. Ecc 3:13
- So I saw that there is nothing better for man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. Ecc 3:22
- 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. Ecc 5:19-20
- So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. Ecc 8:15
- Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for it is now that God favors what you do. Ecc 9:7
- Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love. Ecc 9:9a
- Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might. Ecc 9:10
- How many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all. Ecc 11:8
- Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God [have reverential respect and trust in God] and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Ecc 12:13
Let’s enjoy each day the Lord has given us by having passion for everything we do. When we obey him, serve him and please him, we will have abundant joy.