Ecclesiastes 5:20

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart.

For he shall not much {H7235} remember {H2142} the days {H3117} of his life {H2416}; because God {H430} answereth {H6031} him in the joy {H8057} of his heart {H3820}.

for he will not brood over the fact that his life is short, since God keeps him occupied with what will bring him joy.

For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

Ecclesiastes 5:20 offers a profound insight into the nature of true contentment and joy, contrasting it with the fleeting pursuits often discussed in this book of wisdom. The verse suggests that a life characterized by divine blessing and inner satisfaction is one where past troubles or the mundane aspects of daily existence fade into insignificance.

Context

This verse concludes a section (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19) where the Preacher, often identified as King Solomon, pivots from discussing the futility of wealth accumulation and the burdens it can bring, to affirming the genuine blessing of enjoying one's labor and the portion God provides. It serves as an antidote to the overarching theme of "vanity of vanities" found throughout Ecclesiastes. Instead of chasing after the wind, the wise person finds satisfaction in God's gifts.

Key Themes

  • Divine Contentment: The core message is that when God fills a person's heart with joy, the worries and memories of life's struggles become less prominent. This isn't forgetfulness due to old age, but a profound peace that transcends past difficulties.
  • God as the Source of Joy: The verse explicitly states that "God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart." This highlights that true, lasting joy is not self-generated or found primarily in external circumstances, but is a gift and a response from God. It speaks to God's active involvement in providing inner peace and happiness.
  • Freedom from Past Burdens: By not "much remembering the days of his life," the individual is freed from dwelling on past regrets, anxieties, or the weariness of daily toil. This liberation is a direct result of the present, God-given joy.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "answereth" is 'anah (עָנָה), which can mean "to answer," "to respond," or "to occupy oneself with." In this context, it implies that God actively engages with the person, filling their heart with joy, or perhaps, God's provision and blessing so thoroughly occupy the person's heart that other concerns diminish. It conveys a sense of divine engagement and provision that brings inner peace.

Related Scriptures

  • This concept of enjoying God's provision in one's labor is echoed throughout Ecclesiastes, such as in Ecclesiastes 3:13, which states that "every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."
  • The idea of God being the source of true joy resonates with passages like Psalm 16:11: "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
  • It stands in contrast to the anxiety over earthly possessions that can rob one of peace, as warned against in Matthew 6:25, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?"

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 5:20 encourages believers to cultivate a perspective of gratitude and contentment, recognizing that true joy is a divine gift. Instead of dwelling on past regrets, anxieties about the future, or the daily grind, we are called to appreciate God's present blessings. When our hearts are filled with the joy that comes from Him, the burdens of life become lighter, and the memory of hardship fades in comparison to the richness of divine peace. This verse reminds us to seek satisfaction not in what we accumulate, but in the joy God provides in our hearts.

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.

  • Isaiah 65:21

    And they shall build houses, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

  • Isaiah 65:24

    And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

  • Isaiah 65:13

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed:

  • Isaiah 65:14

    Behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.

  • Psalms 37:16

    A little that a righteous man hath [is] better than the riches of many wicked.

  • Romans 5:1

    ¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • Psalms 4:6

    ¶ [There be] many that say, Who will shew us [any] good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.

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