Ecclesiastes 2:26

KJV

For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

KJV (with Strong's)

For God giveth {H5414} to a man {H120} that is good {H2896} in his sight {H6440} wisdom {H2451}, and knowledge {H1847}, and joy {H8057}: but to the sinner {H2398} he giveth {H5414} travail {H6045}, to gather {H622} and to heap up {H3664}, that he may give {H5414} to him that is good {H2896} before {H6440} God {H430}. This also is vanity {H1892} and vexation {H7469} of spirit {H7307}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For to the man who is good from [God's] viewpoint he gives wisdom, knowledge and joy; but to the sinner he gives the task of collecting and accumulating things to leave to him who is good from God's viewpoint. This too is pointless and feeding on wind.

Berean Standard Bible

To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind.

American Standard Version

For to the man that pleaseth him God giveth wisdom, and knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that pleaseth God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 2:26 presents Qoheleth's profound theological insight into the divine distribution of blessings and the ultimate futility of human striving apart from God. It declares that genuine wisdom, knowledge, and joy are sovereign gifts from the Almighty to those who are pleasing in His sight, while the ungodly are permitted to labor and accumulate wealth only for it to be divinely transferred to the righteous. This stark contrast powerfully underscores God's absolute control over all human endeavors and highlights the inherent emptiness of earthly pursuits when disconnected from His divine purpose, culminating in the Preacher's recurring lament of "vanity and vexation of spirit."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 2:26 serves as the climactic theological conclusion to Qoheleth's extensive personal experiments and observations detailed throughout Ecclesiastes 2. Having meticulously explored the pursuit of pleasure, wealth, grand architectural projects, and even the relative merits of wisdom versus folly (as seen in passages like [Ecclesiastes 2:1-11](/ecclesiastes/2-1-11 "Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 - Qoheleth's Experiments with Pleasure and Accomplishment")), he consistently arrived at the same disheartening conclusion: all is "vanity" or "a chasing after wind." This verse marks a pivotal shift from his personal narrative of experiential futility to a profound theological declaration, revealing God's hand as the ultimate arbiter of success, failure, joy, and toil. By asserting divine sovereignty over the distribution of life's blessings and burdens, it provides a crucial divine perspective on the pervasive futility observed "under the sun," setting the stage for further reflections on the often-perplexing realities of life while always pointing back to God's ultimate control.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes is traditionally attributed to King Solomon, who reigned over Israel during a period of unparalleled wealth, peace, and wisdom (c. 970-931 BC). This historical backdrop is vital for appreciating Qoheleth's "experiments"; he possessed virtually limitless resources and opportunities to test every conceivable avenue for meaning and satisfaction. The cultural milieu of ancient Israel, and the broader ancient Near East, highly valued wisdom, prosperity, and the establishment of a lasting legacy. However, the Preacher's observations challenge the conventional wisdom that these things automatically bring lasting satisfaction. The concept of divine providence and the belief that God rewards the righteous and judges the wicked were foundational to Israelite thought, even if immediate earthly outcomes often appeared to contradict this ideal. This verse subtly critiques the common human tendency to equate material accumulation with true blessing, redirecting the focus to divine favor and God's ultimate purpose.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ecclesiastes. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is the ultimate dispenser of all good things—wisdom, knowledge, and joy—and even orchestrates the transfer of wealth from the wicked to the righteous. This challenges human autonomy and highlights God's active involvement in human affairs, a theme seen throughout the book, such as in the recognition that life's simple pleasures are gifts from God, to be received with gratitude (as noted in [Ecclesiastes 3:13](/ecclesiastes/3-13 "Ecclesiastes 3:13 - Enjoying God's Gifts")). Secondly, it reinforces the pervasive theme of **Vanity (Hebel)**, particularly the futility of human effort when detached from divine purpose. The "travail" of the sinner to "gather and to heap up" is ultimately meaningless for them, echoing the broader message that all human striving "under the sun" without God is like "chasing after wind" (a concept introduced in [Ecclesiastes 1:14](/ecclesiastes/1-14 "Ecclesiastes 1:14 - All is Vanity")). Lastly, it introduces the theme of **True Blessing vs. Earthly Acquisition**, positioning internal, spiritual gifts like wisdom, knowledge, and joy as inherently superior to external, material possessions, especially when those possessions are accumulated without God's favor. This sets up a profound contrast between temporary worldly gains and enduring divine blessings, which is a core tension explored throughout wisdom literature.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **giveth (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root is highly versatile, meaning "to give," but also encompassing "to put," "to make," "to appoint," or "to bestow." In Ecclesiastes 2:26, its repeated use emphasizes God's active and intentional role as the ultimate source and dispenser of all things. It is not merely that things happen, but that God sovereignly bestows or permits them, whether it is wisdom and joy to the good or burdensome toil to the sinner. This highlights divine agency in the distribution of both blessings and burdens, underscoring God's absolute control.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This adjective is used in its widest sense, encompassing moral goodness, beauty, favor, and prosperity. When applied to "a man that is good in his sight" or "good before God," it signifies someone who is morally upright, pleasing to God, and lives in alignment with His will. It speaks to a state of spiritual favor and righteousness, indicating a heart and life that God approves. This "goodness" is presented as the condition for receiving wisdom, knowledge, and joy, contrasting sharply with the "sinner."
* **vanity (Hebrew, _hebel'_):** This term, central to the book of Ecclesiastes, literally means "breath," "vapor," or "futility." Figuratively, it denotes something transitory, empty, meaningless, or unsatisfactory. In this verse, "This also is vanity" refers to the entire scenario described: the sinner's toil, the accumulation of wealth, and its eventual transfer. It underscores the ultimate emptiness and lack of lasting satisfaction in worldly pursuits, especially when not aligned with God's purpose. It's an ephemeral "chasing after wind" that leaves one unfulfilled.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy:"** This foundational clause establishes God as the sovereign giver of true, internal, and lasting blessings. The phrase "good in his sight" signifies divine favor, indicating a life lived in alignment with God's will and an attitude that pleases Him. The blessings enumerated—wisdom (practical insight and discernment), knowledge (understanding and comprehension), and joy (inner contentment and spiritual delight)—are presented as divine endowments, not human achievements. They stand in stark contrast to the futility and dissatisfaction experienced "under the sun" when God is not acknowledged or honored.
* **"but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up,"** In stark contrast to the divinely favored, the "sinner" (one who lives apart from God's will) receives "travail." This term implies burdensome toil, affliction, and ultimately unrewarding effort. Their labor is characterized by a relentless, often anxious, drive to "gather and to heap up" material possessions. This highlights the inherent futility of accumulating wealth for its own sake, particularly when it is done without regard for God or through unrighteous means. The emphasis here is on the arduous and unsatisfying nature of this pursuit, which yields no lasting personal benefit for the one engaging in it.
* **"that he may give to him that is good before God."** This crucial sub-clause reveals God's ultimate, sovereign purpose behind the sinner's seemingly productive toil. The wealth accumulated through the sinner's "travail" is not for their lasting benefit or enjoyment but is divinely destined to be transferred to those who are "good before God." This demonstrates divine justice and sovereignty, ensuring that even the efforts of the unrighteous ultimately serve the purposes of the righteous. It underscores God's absolute control over all earthly outcomes, demonstrating that even apparent injustices are woven into His greater plan.
* **"This also is vanity and vexation of spirit."** This concluding phrase applies Qoheleth's signature lament to the entire scenario just described. The "this" refers to the entire cycle: the sinner's burdensome toil, their accumulation of wealth, and its eventual transfer. It is declared "vanity" (empty, fleeting, meaningless) because the sinner's efforts yield no lasting personal benefit or satisfaction. It is also "vexation of spirit" (a striving after wind, frustrating, elusive) because the relentless pursuit of material gain apart from God is an ultimately unsatisfying, burdensome, and unfulfilling endeavor that leaves the soul restless.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 2:26 employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. Most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, which establishes a clear and striking opposition between "a man that is good in his sight" and "the sinner." This fundamental contrast extends to what each receives from God: wisdom, knowledge, and joy for the divinely favored, versus "travail" and ultimately the loss of accumulated wealth for the ungodly. This stark juxtaposition powerfully highlights the different outcomes of living in alignment with God versus living apart from Him. The verse also utilizes **Irony**, as the sinner's intense and laborious effort to "gather and to heap up" wealth ultimately serves not their own lasting benefit or enjoyment, but the benefit of the righteous. This ironic twist underscores the profound futility and ultimate meaninglessness of ungodly accumulation. Finally, the recurring phrase "vanity and vexation of spirit" (or "striving after wind") functions as a powerful **Refrain** or **Motif** throughout Ecclesiastes, serving as a summary judgment on all human endeavors that lack a divine foundation. In this verse, it acts as a concluding rhetorical flourish, reinforcing the Preacher's central message of earthly futility and dissatisfaction when disconnected from God's purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 2:26 offers profound theological insight into God's sovereign governance over human affairs and the true nature of blessing. It asserts that genuine wisdom, knowledge, and joy are not earned through human striving, intellectual prowess, or material accumulation alone, but are divine endowments granted by a gracious God to those who seek to please Him. Conversely, the accumulation of wealth by the ungodly is shown to be a "travail" that, by divine design, ultimately serves the purposes of the righteous. This perspective profoundly challenges the common human tendency to measure success by material gain, redirecting focus to the spiritual state of one's heart before God. It underscores the principle that God's justice ultimately prevails, even when earthly circumstances appear unfair or chaotic, and that true contentment and lasting satisfaction are found in divine favor and purpose, not in worldly possessions.

* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - A Good Man Leaves an Inheritance to His Children's Children")
* [Psalm 37:16](/psalms/37-16 "Psalm 37:16 - Better is a Little with Righteousness")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 2:26 provides a sobering yet profoundly liberating perspective on life's pursuits. In a world that relentlessly measures success by wealth, status, and accumulated possessions, this verse reminds us that true and lasting blessings—genuine wisdom, profound knowledge, and abiding joy—are not achievements of human effort or relentless striving, but rather gracious gifts from God. It calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities, shifting our focus from the anxious "gathering and heaping up" of fleeting earthly treasures to cultivating a heart that is truly "good in God's sight." This means living with integrity, seeking God's will above all else, and trusting in His sovereign provision and timing. When we align our lives with His purposes, the "travail" of striving for temporary gains is replaced by the enduring satisfaction and peace that come from divine favor. Moreover, this verse offers comfort and encouragement, reminding us not to envy the apparent prosperity of the wicked, for their gains are temporary and ultimately serve a higher, divine purpose beyond their own understanding. Our ultimate peace and security are found in trusting that God is just and that His ultimate plan will unfold for the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it truly mean for your life to be "good in God's sight," and how does this differ from being "good" in the eyes of the world or your peers?**
* **How might the pursuit of wisdom, knowledge, and joy as divine gifts reshape your daily activities, financial decisions, and long-term goals?**
* **In what ways do you observe the "travail" of gathering and heaping up wealth apart from God's purpose playing out in contemporary society, or perhaps even in your own life?**
* **How can the truth of God's sovereignty, even in the transfer of wealth and the ultimate futility of ungodly gain, bring you peace or challenge your current perspective on financial security and worldly success?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that all wealthy people are sinners, and all poor people are righteous?**

Answer: Not necessarily. Ecclesiastes 2:26 is making a profound theological statement about the *source* and *ultimate purpose* of wealth and true blessing, rather than a blanket judgment on individuals' economic status. The term "sinner" here refers to one who lives apart from God's will, whose pursuits are self-centered, driven by worldly ambition, and ultimately futile in God's eyes. Conversely, "good in his sight" refers to one who lives in alignment with God, seeking His favor and living according to His righteous standards. While the verse highlights a divine principle where the ungodly's gains can be transferred to the righteous, it is not a rigid, prescriptive rule for every individual's financial situation. God's ways are complex, and the book of Ecclesiastes itself acknowledges the often-perplexing realities of life "under the sun" where the righteous may suffer and the wicked prosper in the short term (as seen in [Ecclesiastes 7:15](/ecclesiastes/7-15 "Ecclesiastes 7:15 - Righteous Who Perish, Wicked Who Live Long")). The core message is about the *spiritual value* and *ultimate destiny* of one's pursuits and the *source* of true, lasting contentment and joy, which is always from God and His divine purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 2:26, with its profound declaration of God's sovereign distribution of wisdom, knowledge, and joy to the "good," and the ultimate futility of the sinner's toil, finds its most complete and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "man that is good in his sight" is perfectly embodied in Christ, who alone lived a life of perfect obedience and was always "good before God," doing only what pleased His Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Through Him, the true wisdom of God, hidden from the world's understanding, is revealed and made accessible to believers ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")). The knowledge that leads to eternal life is found in knowing Him, the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God and Jesus Christ")). And the "joy" that surpasses all earthly understanding is the joy of salvation, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life, a joy that no one can take away from those who believe ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Joy No One Will Take From You")). The "travail" of the sinner, striving to gather and heap up apart from God, is starkly contrasted with the abundant life offered in Christ, where true riches are spiritual and eternal, not temporal and fleeting ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). Moreover, the ultimate transfer of all things to "him that is good before God" points to Christ, who, as the heir of all things and the one through whom the universe was created, receives all glory and honor ([Hebrews 1:2](/hebrews/1-2 "Hebrews 1:2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Through Him, believers, declared righteous by faith, are made co-heirs and inherit the true and lasting kingdom, free from the "vanity and vexation of spirit" that plagues life "under the sun" apart from Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 13:22

¶ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

Job 27:16

Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;

Job 27:17

He may prepare [it], but the just shall put [it] on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

Proverbs 28:8

¶ He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.

Isaiah 3:10

Say ye to the righteous, that [it shall be] well [with him]: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

Isaiah 3:11

Woe unto the wicked! [it shall be] ill [with him]: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.

John 16:24

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.