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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Ecclesiastes 5:18–20.
Solomon, from the vanity of riches hoarded up, here infers that the best course we can take is to use well what we have, to serve God with it, to do good with it, and take the comfort of it to ourselves and our families; this he had pressed before, Ecc 2:24; Ecc 3:22. Observe, 1. What it is that is here recommended to us, not to indulge the appetites of the flesh, or to take up with present pleasures or profits for our portion, but soberly and moderately to make use of what Providence has allotted for our comfortable passage through this world. We must not starve ourselves through covetousness, because we cannot afford ourselves food convenient, nor through eagerness in our worldly pursuits, nor through excessive care and grief, but eat and drink what is fit for us to keep our bodies in good plight for the serving of our souls in God's service. We must not kill ourselves with labour, and then leave others to enjoy the good of it, but take the comfort of that which our hands have laboured for, and that not now and then, but all the days of our life which God gives us. Life is God's gift, and he has appointed us the number of the days of our life (Job 14:5); let us therefore spend those days in serving the Lord our God with joyfulness and gladness of heart. We must not do the business of our calling as a drudgery, and make ourselves slaves to it, but we must rejoice in our labour, not grasp at more business than we can go through without perplexity and disquiet, but take a pleasure in the calling wherein God has put us, and go on in the business of it with cheerfulness. This it to rejoice in our labour, whatever it is, as Zebulun in his going out and Issachar in his tents. 2. What is urged to recommend it to us. (1.) That it is good and comely to do this. It is well, and it looks well. Those that cheerfully use what God has given them thereby honour the giver, answer the intention of the gift, act rationally and generously, do good in the world, and make what they have turn to the best account, and this is both their credit and their comfort; it is good and comely; there is duty and decency in it. (2.) That it is all the good we can have out of the things of this world: It is our portion, and in doing thus we take our portion, and make the best of bad. This is our part of our worldly possession. God must have his part, the poor theirs, and our families theirs, but this is ours; it is all that falls to our lot out of them. (3.) That a heart to do thus is such a gift of God's grace as crowns all the gifts of his providence. If God has given a man riches and wealth, he completes the favour, and makes that a blessing indeed, if withal he gives him power to eat thereof, wisdom and grace to take the good of it and to do good with it. If this is God's gift, we must covet it earnestly as the best gift relating to our enjoyments in this world. (4.) That this is the way to make our own lives easy and to relieve ourselves against the many toils and troubles which our lives on earth are incident to (Ecc 5:20): He shall not much remember the days of his life, the days of his sorrow and sore travail, his working days, his weeping days. He shall either forget them or remember them as waters that pass away; he shall not much lay to heart his crosses, nor long retain the bitter relish of them, because God answers him in the joy of his heart, balances all the grievances of his labour with the joy of it and recompenses him for it by giving him to eat the labour of his hands. If he does not answer all his desires and expectations, in the letter of them, yet he answers them with that which is more than equivalent, in the joy of his heart. A cheerful spirit is a great blessing; it makes the yoke of our employments easy and the burden of our afflictions light.
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Summary
Ecclesiastes 5:20 presents a profound theological truth, offering a divine counterpoint to the Preacher's often somber observations on life's futility. It asserts that for the individual whom God blesses with inner joy, the burdens, anxieties, and even the mundane aspects of their past life fade into insignificance. This verse highlights divine contentment as the ultimate antidote to the weariness and vexation of earthly existence, portraying a state where God's active provision of joy so profoundly satisfies the heart that it eclipses all other concerns and memories of hardship.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the powerful culmination of a significant shift in the Preacher's perspective, which begins in Ecclesiastes 5:18. Following a detailed exploration of the vanity inherent in insatiable wealth accumulation and the anxieties it imposes upon the rich (e.g., Ecclesiastes 5:10-17), the text pivots to affirm the true blessing of enjoying one's labor and the portion God provides. Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 establish that eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in one's toil are not merely human endeavors but are, in fact, direct gifts from God. Verse 20 then provides the profound theological explanation for why this enjoyment is so transformative: it is because God Himself fills the heart with joy, rendering past troubles and the daily grind largely forgotten or significantly diminished in their impact. This offers a hopeful and practical conclusion to the section, presenting a pathway to genuine contentment amidst life's inherent difficulties and uncertainties.
Historical & Cultural Context
The book of Ecclesiastes is deeply embedded within the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, often attributed to King Solomon, a figure who would have possessed unparalleled insight into the societal structures, economic realities, and human condition of his era. In an agrarian society, physical labor was demanding, and the accumulation of wealth, while desired, often brought significant anxieties, including the fear of loss, oppressive taxation, or the inability to truly enjoy one's riches (as vividly described in Ecclesiastes 5:13-14). The cultural understanding of "life" (chay) encompassed not merely existence but also the quality and experience of that existence, often intrinsically linked to prosperity and overall well-being. The concept of God "answering" (ʻânâh) was a deeply ingrained aspect of the Israelite worldview, signifying divine intervention, provision, or a direct response to human circumstances, whether in judgment or blessing. This verse, therefore, speaks powerfully to a culture where material pursuits were common, but spiritual contentment, divinely bestowed, was recognized as a superior and more enduring form of flourishing.
Key Themes
The primary theme is Divine Contentment, emphasizing that true satisfaction, inner peace, and liberation from life's anxieties are not self-generated or found in external circumstances, but are a direct, sovereign gift from God. This divinely given joy is so profound that it overshadows the memory of past hardships and the mundane aspects of daily life, offering a liberation from the pervasive "vanity" (hebel) that permeates much of the book (e.g., Ecclesiastes 1:2). Another crucial theme is God as the Ultimate Source of True Joy, explicitly stating that "God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart." This highlights God's active, benevolent involvement in providing inner peace and happiness, contrasting sharply with the fleeting and often disappointing pleasures derived from earthly pursuits. Finally, the verse touches on Freedom from Past Burdens, where the individual is described as not "much remembering the days of his life." This is not a literal loss of memory but a spiritual state where the oppressive weight of past regrets, anxieties, or the weariness of daily toil is diminished and rendered insignificant by the overwhelming and transformative presence of God-given joy, enabling one to live fully and gratefully in the present blessing.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
A primitive root; properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention. In this context, the phrase "shall not much remember" (reinforced by H7235 râbâh for "much" or "increase") does not imply a cognitive inability to recall, but rather that the individual's memory of life's troubles, sorrows, or monotonous aspects is not prominent, burdensome, or frequently dwelled upon. It signifies a state where past difficulties are profoundly overshadowed and rendered insignificant by a greater, present joy, rather than being actively forgotten.
A primitive root; to depress literally or figuratively; also to answer. While the root can imply affliction or humility, in this specific context, as translated and understood, it strongly conveys God's active engagement and benevolent provision. It signifies God's direct, positive response to the individual's life circumstances, filling their heart with joy. This "answering" is not necessarily a response to a specific prayer for joy, but rather God's sovereign act of bestowing profound contentment, perhaps in response to a life lived in humble reception of His gifts and will.
From שָׂמֵחַ; blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival). This word denotes a deep, inner gladness, often associated with celebration, divine blessing, or a festive occasion. The phrase "the joy of his heart" indicates that this is an internal, profound, and holistic experience, not merely superficial happiness or fleeting pleasure. It is a state of being that God Himself imparts, fundamentally transforming the individual's perspective on their life, circumstances, and memories.
Verse Breakdown
"For he shall not much remember the days of his life"
This opening clause describes the profound and liberating effect of God's blessing. It communicates that the individual is not oppressed by, nor constantly dwelling on, the difficulties, sorrows, disappointments, or even the monotonous routine of their past existence. The "days of his life" encompass the totality of their experiences, both positive and negative, but the emphasis here is on the diminishing impact of the negative or burdensome aspects. The "not much" (derived from râbâh, meaning "to increase" or "multiply") suggests that these memories do not accumulate, weigh heavily, or dominate the person's mental and emotional landscape.
"because God answereth [him] in the joy of his heart"
This clause provides the divine rationale and active cause for the preceding statement. The individual's liberation from the burden of memory and past anxieties is a direct result of God's active, benevolent intervention. God "answers" or responds by filling the person's "heart" (lêb, which in Hebrew thought encompasses not only emotions but also will, intellect, and the very core of one's being) with "joy" (simchâh). This divinely bestowed joy is so comprehensive, satisfying, and transformative that it reorients the person's entire focus, rendering past troubles less significant and present blessings paramount. It unequivocally underscores that true, lasting contentment is a gift from God, not an achievement of human effort or material acquisition.
Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 5:20 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and counter-intuitive message. The most prominent is Contrast, setting the potential for human beings to dwell heavily on life's hardships, anxieties, and mundane routines against the liberating reality of divinely bestowed joy. While the Preacher often highlights the futility and vexation of human striving, here he presents a stark contrast by showing a life where God's direct intervention fundamentally transforms the human experience. There is also a clear demonstration of Divine Agency, as God (ʼĕlôhîym) is explicitly named as the one who "answereth" and provides the joy. This emphasizes that true contentment and liberation from life's burdens are not self-generated or found in earthly pursuits, but originate from a transcendent, sovereign source. Furthermore, the phrase "shall not much remember" functions as a form of Understatement or Hyperbole, implying that the God-given joy is so overwhelming and satisfying that it effectively diminishes the impact and prominence of negative memories, rather than causing literal amnesia. This rhetorical flourish powerfully highlights the transformative and all-encompassing power of God's gift of joy.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Ecclesiastes 5:20 offers a powerful theological statement about the ultimate source and nature of true human flourishing. It asserts that genuine contentment, inner peace, and freedom from life's anxieties are not found in material accumulation, human wisdom, or even perfect circumstances alone, but in a direct, active, and benevolent relationship with God. When God "answers" with joy, it signifies His intimate and benevolent engagement with His people, providing an inner peace that transcends external circumstances and the inherent "vanity" of life under the sun. This divine joy reorients one's perspective, diminishing the weight of past regrets, the weariness of daily toil, and the anxieties of the future, allowing the individual to fully embrace and appreciate God's present blessings. This understanding aligns seamlessly with the broader biblical narrative of God as the ultimate provider of all good things, including spiritual well-being, and positions Him as the sole source of lasting satisfaction that human striving cannot achieve.
Reflection and Application
Ecclesiastes 5:20 offers a profound and liberating invitation to re-evaluate our sources of contentment and joy in a world that constantly pushes us to accumulate more, achieve more, and often dwell on past failures or future anxieties. This verse powerfully redirects our gaze to the divine, challenging us to recognize that true peace and satisfaction are not found in the absence of problems, nor in the perfect alignment of external circumstances, but in the active, indwelling presence of God's joy within our hearts. When we allow God to fill us with this profound inner gladness, the weight of our past struggles, the sting of our regrets, and the weariness of our daily routines become significantly lighter and less oppressive. This perspective encourages us to cultivate a posture of profound gratitude and unwavering trust, focusing our attention on the abundant blessings God provides rather than being consumed by what is lacking or what has gone wrong. It reminds us that a life lived in conscious reception of God's joy is a life liberated from the oppressive grip of memory and worry, enabling us to truly live and enjoy the "days of our life" as a precious and divinely appointed gift.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "he shall not much remember the days of his life" truly mean? Is it about forgetting?
This phrase does not imply literal amnesia or a cognitive inability to recall past events. Instead, it speaks to a profound shift in perspective and emotional impact. When God fills a person's heart with joy, the burdens, worries, disappointments, and even the mundane aspects of their past life lose their power to oppress, dominate their thoughts, or dictate their present emotional state. It means that the individual is not consumed by, dwelling on, or burdened by past troubles, regrets, or the weariness of daily toil. The overwhelming presence of divine joy makes those memories less significant and less burdensome, allowing the person to live fully and freely in the present blessing. It is a spiritual liberation from the heavy weight of the past, rather than a cognitive erasure. This concept aligns with the idea of God granting a "peace that transcends all understanding" as described in Philippians 4:7.
How does God "answer" someone in the joy of their heart? Is this a direct response to prayer?
The Hebrew word for "answereth" (ʻânâh) in this context carries the sense of God actively engaging with and providing for the individual. While it can mean to respond to a specific request, here it refers more broadly to God's sovereign act of bestowing a deep, inner gladness as a divine gift. This "answering" can be understood as God's benevolent provision and active presence in the life of one who honors Him and receives His gifts. It's a divine filling that transcends external circumstances, allowing one to experience profound contentment even amidst difficulties. This joy is a testament to God's active involvement in the well-being of His people, a spiritual response that brings inner peace and satisfaction regardless of outward conditions. It is a manifestation of God's grace, echoing sentiments found in Psalm 4:7.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Ecclesiastes 5:20, while rooted in Old Testament wisdom, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "joy of his heart" that God bestows, hinted at by the Preacher, is perfectly embodied and made eternally accessible through Christ. Where the Old Testament wisdom writer points to a divine gift that alleviates life's burdens, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the very source of an enduring, complete joy that overcomes the world's sorrow, sin, and futility. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ provides the ultimate "answer" to humanity's deepest need, reconciling us to God and pouring out the Holy Spirit, who is the very Spirit of joy. As believers, we are invited into a transformative relationship with Christ where the "peace of God, which passeth all understanding," truly "keeps our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). The "days of his life" that are no longer "much remembered" are transformed by the new life found in Christ, where "if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). The joy that God gives is not merely an emotional state but a spiritual reality rooted in our union with Christ, who promises His disciples, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11). Thus, the contentment and freedom from life's burdens described in Ecclesiastes are fully realized in the believer's experience of Christ's indwelling presence and the certain hope of eternal life, making the troubles and sufferings of this present age seem "not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).