Ecclesiastes 2:26

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Ecclesiastes 2:26 concludes the Preacher's (Qoheleth's) extensive personal experimentations with various pursuits—including pleasure, wisdom, folly, and immense wealth—to find lasting meaning in life "under the sun." Having found all these endeavors to be ultimately "vanity," he now shifts his focus to God's sovereign hand in the distribution of blessings and burdens. This verse serves as a profound theological statement, asserting that true wisdom, knowledge, and joy are divine gifts, and even the toil of the wicked serves God's ultimate purpose for the righteous.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Distribution: The verse highlights God's active role in human affairs, demonstrating that He is the ultimate dispenser of wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please Him. Conversely, He permits the sinner to accumulate wealth only for it to be transferred to the righteous. This underscores God's justice and control over all earthly outcomes, challenging the human perception of success.
  • The Futility of Ungodly Acquisition: For the sinner, the act of gathering and heaping up wealth is described as "travail." Their intense labor and accumulation are ultimately meaningless for them personally, as their gains are destined for someone else. This reinforces the recurring theme of "vanity and vexation of spirit" when efforts are not aligned with God's will.
  • True Blessings: Wisdom, Knowledge, and Joy: In stark contrast to material wealth, God grants profound and enduring blessings—wisdom, knowledge, and joy—to those who are "good in His sight." These are not fleeting external possessions but internal, spiritual gifts that bring true contentment and understanding, far surpassing any earthly riches.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Good in his sight" / "Good before God": The Hebrew phrase `tov liphnei ha'Elohim` (טוב לפני האלהים) implies more than mere human goodness. It signifies being morally upright, pleasing to God, and living in a way that aligns with His divine will and commandments. This is a state of spiritual favor and righteousness.
  • "Travail": The Hebrew word `inyan` (ענין) can refer to a task or business, but in this context, especially when linked to the sinner's efforts, it carries a strong connotation of burdensome toil, affliction, or trouble. It suggests a laborious and ultimately unrewarding effort.
  • "Vanity and vexation of spirit": This iconic phrase from Ecclesiastes, `hebel u're'ut ruach` (הבל ורעות רוח), describes the fleeting, meaningless, and frustrating nature of life's pursuits apart from God. `Hebel` means "breath" or "vapor," emphasizing transience, while `re'ut ruach` suggests a "striving after wind," signifying an elusive and unsatisfying chase.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 2:26 offers vital lessons for contemporary life:

  • Seek God's Favor Above All: Instead of striving solely for material wealth or worldly success, prioritize living a life that is "good in God's sight." True and lasting blessings like wisdom, knowledge, and joy are divine gifts, not earned through human effort alone.
  • Don't Envy the Ungodly: The verse serves as a caution against envying the prosperity of the wicked. Their gains, however impressive, are often built on "travail" and are ultimately temporary, serving a purpose beyond their own enjoyment. This principle is echoed in Proverbs 13:22, which states that the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.
  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: Recognize that God is in control of all things, including the distribution of resources and opportunities. Even when circumstances seem unfair, God's ultimate justice prevails, and His plan unfolds for the benefit of those who are faithful to Him. This perspective brings peace amidst life's uncertainties.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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