Ecclesiastes 7:14

KJV

In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the day {H3117} of prosperity {H2896} be joyful {H2896}, but in the day {H3117} of adversity {H7451} consider {H7200}: God {H430} also hath set {H6213} the one over against {H5980} the other, to the end {H1700} that man {H120} should find {H4672} nothing {H3972} after {H310} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

When things are going well, enjoy yourself; but when things are going badly, consider that God made the one alongside the other, so that people would learn nothing of their futures.

Berean Standard Bible

In the day of prosperity, be joyful, but in the day of adversity, consider this: God has made one of these along with the other, so that a man cannot discover anything that will come after him.

American Standard Version

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yea, God hath made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything that shall be after him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ecclesiastes 7:14 offers profound wisdom on navigating the inherent dualities of life, instructing the reader to embrace joy during times of prosperity and to engage in thoughtful reflection during adversity. This counsel is grounded in the sovereign truth that God Himself has orchestrated these contrasting experiences, purposefully setting one against the other. The ultimate aim of this divine arrangement is to humble humanity, preventing individuals from fully comprehending or controlling their future and thereby fostering a posture of dependence on the Almighty rather than on human foresight or effort.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ecclesiastes 7 is a pivotal chapter within the Preacher's (Koheleth's) search for meaning "under the sun." Following reflections on the futility of human toil and the inevitability of death, Koheleth shifts focus to practical wisdom for living in a world marked by paradox and divine mystery. This chapter presents a series of paradoxical proverbs, contrasting wisdom with folly, good reputation with precious ointment, and the house of mourning with the house of feasting. Verse 14, therefore, directly addresses the fluctuating nature of human experience—prosperity and adversity—and provides a theological framework for understanding and responding to these shifts. It flows from the preceding verses that emphasize the value of wisdom in difficult times and anticipates the later calls to enjoy life as a gift from God, while always remembering His ultimate control, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 11:9](/ecclesiastes/11-9 "Ecclesiastes 11:9 - Rejoice in Your Youth") and [Ecclesiastes 12:1](/ecclesiastes/12-1 "Ecclesiastes 12:1 - Remember Your Creator").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ecclesiastes reflects the wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, which sought to understand life's complexities through observation and divine revelation. In a pre-scientific age, the unpredictable nature of harvests, natural disasters, and political upheavals meant that prosperity and adversity were tangible, often sudden, realities. The concept of divine providence, where God actively governs all aspects of creation and human affairs, was a cornerstone of Israelite theology. Unlike pagan cultures that might attribute such fluctuations to capricious gods or fate, the Preacher firmly anchors these experiences in the deliberate, purposeful action of the one true God. This understanding fostered a culture of humility and dependence on God, rather than a reliance on human ingenuity or a belief in absolute control over one's destiny.

* **Key Themes:** Ecclesiastes 7:14 encapsulates several recurring themes in the book. Firstly, it highlights the **duality of human experience**, acknowledging that life is not uniformly good or bad but a tapestry woven with both threads. Secondly, it underscores the **sovereignty of God**, asserting that the alternation between prosperity and adversity is not random but a deliberate act of divine orchestration. This theme is central to Koheleth's argument that human plans and efforts are ultimately limited, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 3:1-8](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - A Time for Everything"). Thirdly, the verse promotes **appropriate responses to life's seasons**, advocating for joy in good times and thoughtful consideration in difficult ones, which aligns with the Preacher's repeated exhortations to enjoy the simple gifts of God, as in [Ecclesiastes 5:18-20](/ecclesiastes/5-18 "Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 - Enjoying God's Gifts"). Finally, the concluding phrase, "to the end that man should find nothing after him," speaks to the **limits of human understanding and control**, a pervasive theme that challenges human pride and self-sufficiency throughout the book, reinforcing the idea that true wisdom lies in fearing God and keeping His commandments ([Ecclesiastes 12:13](/ecclesiastes/12-13 "Ecclesiastes 12:13 - The Whole Duty of Man")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prosperity (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "good," encompasses a wide range of positive attributes, including physical well-being, material abundance, pleasantness, and even moral goodness. In the context of "day of prosperity," it signifies a time when circumstances are favorable, life is pleasant, and blessings are evident. The command to "be joyful" in such a time is a natural and appropriate response to this goodness.
* **Adversity (Hebrew, _raʻ'_):** Directly contrasting with _ṭôwb_, _raʻ_ denotes that which is "bad" or "evil." It refers to calamity, affliction, distress, and anything that causes harm or discomfort. In "day of adversity," it points to periods of hardship, suffering, or misfortune. The prescribed response is not despair, but "consider," implying a thoughtful, reflective engagement with the difficult circumstances.
* **Consider (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** This verb means "to see," but in a deeper sense, "to perceive," "to discern," or "to reflect upon." It implies more than just acknowledging the adversity; it calls for an active mental and spiritual engagement—to look beyond the immediate pain, to seek understanding, and perhaps to discern God's hand or purpose within the trial. It is a call to wisdom and spiritual insight rather than a passive endurance.
* **Set (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root is broad in meaning, signifying "to do," "to make," or "to accomplish." Here, in the phrase "God also hath set," it emphasizes a deliberate, purposeful act of divine arrangement. It is not by chance or random occurrence that prosperity and adversity exist, but by God's intentional design, implying His active involvement and sovereign control over the ebb and flow of human life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the day of prosperity be joyful,"**: This clause offers a direct command for how to respond to favorable circumstances. "Day" (H3117, _yôwm_) here refers not just to a 24-hour period but to a season or period of time. When life is good, when blessings abound, the appropriate response is to experience and express joy. This is not a superficial happiness but a deep appreciation and celebration of God's goodness and provision.
* **"but in the day of adversity consider:"**: In stark contrast, when facing hardship or misfortune (H7451, _raʻ_), the instruction is to "consider" (H7200, _râʼâh_). This implies a thoughtful, reflective, and discerning posture. It's an invitation to look deeper into the situation, perhaps to understand its purpose, to learn from it, or to seek God's hand in it, rather than to react with despair or unthinking complaint.
* **"God also hath set the one over against the other,"**: This is the theological foundation for the preceding commands. The Hebrew "set" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_) and "over against" (H5980, _ʻummâh_) powerfully convey a deliberate and balanced arrangement. It is God (H430, _ʼĕlôhîym_), the sovereign Creator, who has intentionally placed prosperity and adversity in opposition, creating a dynamic tension in human experience. This emphasizes divine control over all circumstances.
* **"to the end that man should find nothing after him."**: This concluding phrase explains the divine purpose behind God's arrangement. "Man" (H120, _ʼâdâm_) refers to humanity. "Find nothing" (H3972, _mᵉʼûwmâh_ with H4672, _mâtsâʼ_) implies that humanity cannot discover, predict, or control what lies ahead. "After him" (H310, _ʼachar_) refers to the future or what follows. Because God sovereignly orchestrates life's fluctuations, humans cannot establish a predictable pattern, guarantee future outcomes, or secure their own destiny independent of God. This prevents human arrogance in prosperity and utter despair in adversity, directing dependence back to God.

#### Literary Devices
Ecclesiastes 7:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, clearly seen in the pairing of "day of prosperity" and "day of adversity." This contrasting structure highlights the inherent duality of human experience and the different responses required for each. The verse also functions as a piece of **Didacticism**, offering direct instruction and moral guidance on how to live wisely. Furthermore, the statement "God also hath set the one over against the other" serves as a powerful **Theological Statement**, underpinning the entire instruction with the doctrine of divine sovereignty and providence. The phrase "to the end that man should find nothing after him" introduces a subtle **Paradox** or **Irony**, as the very act of God's ordering leads to humanity's inability to order its own future, thereby emphasizing human limitation and the mystery of divine ways. The use of "day" as a representation of a period or season of life is a form of **Metonymy**, where a part (day) stands for the whole (a season of life).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ecclesiastes 7:14 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of divine providence and human existence. It asserts that God is not merely a distant observer but an active orchestrator of life's circumstances, intentionally weaving together seasons of joy and sorrow. This divine design serves to humble humanity, preventing self-sufficiency and fostering a perpetual dependence on God. The verse challenges the human inclination to seek ultimate control or predictable patterns in life, reminding us that true wisdom lies in acknowledging God's sovereignty over all things, including the future. It calls for a balanced spiritual posture: gratitude and celebration in blessing, and thoughtful, seeking reflection in hardship, recognizing both as part of God's purposeful plan for our growth and His glory. This perspective cultivates resilience and trust, knowing that even in the unpredictable, God remains constant and purposeful.

* [Job 2:10](/job/2-10 "Job 2:10 - Accepting Good and Evil from God")
* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2 "James 1:2-4 - Joy in Trials")
* [Philippians 4:11-13](/philippians/4-11 "Philippians 4:11-13 - Contentment in All Circumstances")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ecclesiastes 7:14 provides timeless wisdom for navigating the unpredictable journey of life. It teaches us to cultivate a dynamic spiritual posture that embraces the full spectrum of human experience without succumbing to either pride in prosperity or despair in adversity. In times of blessing, we are called to genuine joy, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from above. This joy is not merely fleeting happiness but a deep-seated gratitude that acknowledges God as the source of all good things. Conversely, when trials and difficulties arise, the instruction is to "consider"—to pause, reflect, and seek God's hand and purpose within the challenge. This thoughtful engagement prevents us from becoming bitter or hopeless, instead inviting us to learn, grow, and deepen our reliance on Him. The verse ultimately fosters a profound humility, reminding us that our control over life is limited and that our future is securely held in the hands of a sovereign God. This understanding liberates us from the anxiety of trying to predict or manipulate outcomes, allowing us to live more fully in the present moment, trusting God with what lies "after him."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond to unexpected prosperity or blessing in my life? Is my joy rooted in gratitude to God, or does it lead to self-reliance or forgetfulness of Him?**
* **When facing adversity, do I tend to "consider" and seek God's perspective, or do I default to worry, complaint, or attempts to regain control through my own efforts?**
* **In what ways does my desire to predict or control the future prevent me from fully trusting God's sovereign plan for my life?**
* **How can I cultivate a more balanced spiritual and emotional response to life's ups and downs, aligning my heart with the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 7:14?**

### FAQ

**What does "to the end that man should find nothing after him" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase, "to the end that man should find nothing after him," speaks to the limits of human foresight, control, and understanding regarding the future. Because God sovereignly orchestrates the balance between prosperity and adversity, humanity cannot establish a predictable pattern, guarantee future outcomes, or secure its own destiny independent of God. It means that humans cannot fully grasp or predict the divine plan, nor can they alter God's appointed times and seasons. This serves to humble humanity, preventing self-sufficiency and fostering a posture of perpetual dependence on God. It's a reminder that our times are in His hands, and we cannot "find" (discover, ascertain, or control) what lies ahead by our own wisdom or effort.

**Does this verse imply fatalism or discourage planning for the future?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for fatalism or discourage responsible planning. Instead, it places human planning within the larger framework of divine sovereignty. While we are called to be diligent and wise stewards, as seen in [Proverbs 6:6-8](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-8 - The Ant's Diligence"), the verse reminds us that ultimate control rests with God. It's a call to humility, acknowledging that even the best human plans are subject to God's overarching will and purpose. As [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps") states, "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps." The point is not to cease planning, but to plan with an open hand, trusting God with the outcomes and recognizing that He may bring unexpected turns, both good and challenging, for His purposes.

**How can one "be joyful" in prosperity and yet "consider" in adversity simultaneously?**

Answer: The verse does not suggest a simultaneous emotional state, but rather an appropriate response for distinct seasons. "In the day of prosperity be joyful" means to fully embrace and appreciate the blessings and favorable circumstances when they are present, giving thanks to God. This joy is a recognition of God's goodness. Conversely, "in the day of adversity consider" means that when difficulties arise, one should not react impulsively or despairingly, but rather thoughtfully and reflectively. This "considering" involves seeking wisdom, learning from the experience, and discerning God's hand or purpose in the trial. It's about having a balanced and God-centered perspective that allows for full engagement with each season of life, acknowledging that both are part of God's sovereign design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ecclesiastes 7:14, with its emphasis on God's sovereign orchestration of prosperity and adversity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Preacher grapples with the mystery of God's ways and humanity's inability to "find nothing after him," Christ reveals the purpose behind this divine arrangement. Jesus Himself experienced the full spectrum of human existence: moments of divine affirmation and miraculous power (a form of "prosperity"), as well as profound suffering, rejection, and the ultimate "adversity" of the cross. Yet, in all these, He perfectly demonstrated both joy in His Father's will and profound "consideration" of His mission, even praying, "Nevertheless not my will, but Yours, be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). Through Christ, the "nothing after him" of human unpredictability is replaced by the certainty of God's redemptive plan. We no longer face an unknown future in isolation, but one secured by the resurrection and the promise that "all things work together for good to those who love God" ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")). In Christ, God's wisdom, which seemed mysterious to Koheleth, is fully revealed, enabling believers to face both prosperity and adversity with a hope that transcends earthly circumstances, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Him ([Colossians 1:27](/colossians/1-27 "Colossians 1:27 - Christ in You, the Hope of Glory")).

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

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?

Ecclesiastes 3:4

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

Ecclesiastes 12:13

¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

Deuteronomy 8:3

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every [word] that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Deuteronomy 28:47

Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all [things];

Isaiah 26:11

LORD, [when] thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: [but] they shall see, and be ashamed for [their] envy at the people; yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them.

1 Kings 17:17

¶ And it came to pass after these things, [that] the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him.