Ecclesiastes 3:22

Wherefore I perceive that [there is] nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his own works; for that [is] his portion: for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?

Wherefore I perceive {H7200} that there is nothing better {H2896}, than that a man {H120} should rejoice {H8055} in his own works {H4639}; for that is his portion {H2506}: for who shall bring {H935} him to see {H7200} what shall be after {H310} him?

So I concluded that there is nothing better for a person to do than take joy in his activities, that that is his allotted portion; for who can enable him to see what will happen after him?

I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him?

Wherefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a man should rejoice in his works; for that is his portion: for who shall bring him back to see what shall be after him?

Commentary

Commentary on Ecclesiastes 3:22 (KJV)

Ecclesiastes 3:22 offers a pragmatic conclusion from the Preacher, often identified with King Solomon, regarding the best way to live in light of life's uncertainties and the limitations of human knowledge. It encourages finding contentment and joy in one's daily work and the fruits of that labor, acknowledging that the future is beyond human control or comprehension.

Context

This verse follows the famous passage in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which details the various seasons and paradoxes of life, emphasizing that there is "a time for every purpose under the heaven." The Preacher then reflects on the futility of human toil if one cannot see the ultimate outcome or truly understand God's grand design. In this context, verse 22 serves as a practical, albeit somewhat resigned, piece of wisdom: since we cannot know what lies ahead, particularly beyond our own lives, the wisest course is to embrace and enjoy the present moment and the results of our efforts.

Key Themes

  • Pragmatic Joy and Contentment: The verse suggests that true satisfaction is found not in understanding life's ultimate mysteries or controlling the future, but in the simple act of rejoicing in one's own works. This theme recurs throughout Ecclesiastes, advocating for gratitude and enjoyment of life's blessings as a gift from God.
  • Acceptance of Human Limitation: "Who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?" highlights humanity's inherent inability to know the future or comprehend what happens after death. This limitation underscores the Preacher's recurring message about the "vanity" or fleeting nature of life "under the sun" when viewed apart from God's eternal perspective.
  • Man's "Portion": The phrase "for that is his portion" signifies that the ability to enjoy one's labor and its benefits is a divinely appointed lot or inheritance for humanity. It implies that this simple enjoyment, rather than endless striving for unattainable knowledge or control, is the best and most appropriate way to experience life.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "portion" is cheleq (Χ—Φ΅ΧœΦΆΧ§), which means a share, lot, or inheritance. In Ecclesiastes, it often refers to the share of good that one receives from life, particularly in the context of one's labor. It suggests a God-given allotment, implying that finding joy in this "portion" is accepting God's provision and wisdom for human existence.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 3:22 encourages us to find satisfaction and meaning in our daily lives and vocations, rather than perpetually striving for future certainty or ultimate answers that are beyond our grasp. In a world often preoccupied with future planning and anxiety, this verse reminds us:

  • To Live in the Present: Focus on the tasks at hand and the blessings of today, rather than being consumed by what may or may not happen tomorrow. As James 4:14 similarly teaches, "ye know not what shall be on the morrow."
  • To Value Our Labor: Find joy and purpose in the work we do, recognizing it as a gift and a means of provision. Our work, no matter how mundane it might seem, is part of our "portion" from God.
  • To Trust God with the Unknown: Acknowledge that the future, especially beyond our earthly existence, is in God's hands. This acceptance can free us from undue worry and allow us to appreciate the present more fully.

The verse offers a profound call to contentment and humble acceptance, finding goodness in the here and now, even amidst life's inherent uncertainties.

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Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 2:24

    [There is] nothing better for a man, [than] that he should eat and drink, and [that] he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it [was] from the hand of God.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:11

    ΒΆ He hath made every [thing] beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

  • Ecclesiastes 3:12

    I know that [there is] no good in them, but for [a man] to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

  • Ecclesiastes 8:7

    For he knoweth not that which shall be: for who can tell him when it shall be?

  • Ecclesiastes 10:14

    A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

  • Ecclesiastes 6:12

    For who knoweth what [is] good for man in [this] life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9

    Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these [things] God will bring thee into judgment.
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