Ecclesiastes 8:15

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.

Then I commended {H7623} mirth {H8057}, because a man {H120} hath no better thing {H2896} under the sun {H8121}, than to eat {H398}, and to drink {H8354}, and to be merry {H8055}: for that shall abide {H3867} with him of his labour {H5999} the days {H3117} of his life {H2416}, which God {H430} giveth {H5414} him under the sun {H8121}.

So I recommend enjoyment - a person can do nothing better under the sun than eat, drink and enjoy himself; this is what should accompany him as he does his work for as long as God gives him to live under the sun.

So I commended the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be merry. For this joy will accompany him in his labor during the days of his life that God gives him under the sun.

Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that shall abide with him in his labor all the days of his life which God hath given him under the sun.

Ecclesiastes 8:15 presents a profound conclusion drawn by "the Preacher" (Koheleth) regarding the best way to live in a world often perceived as complex and unjust. After contemplating the inscrutability of divine works and the apparent disparities in human experience, the author arrives at a pragmatic yet divinely-sanctioned perspective on life's simple pleasures.

Context

This verse follows a series of reflections on wisdom, foolishness, justice, and the limitations of human understanding in the face of God's sovereignty. The Preacher observes that while humanity strives to understand God's work, it remains largely beyond our grasp (Ecclesiastes 8:17). In a world where righteousness doesn't always guarantee prosperity and wickedness isn't always punished immediately, the author often grapples with a sense of futility, expressed by the recurring phrase "vanity of vanities." Amidst this existential pondering, Ecclesiastes 8:15 offers a practical, God-given antidote to despair: the commendation of joy found in daily life.

Key Themes

  • Enjoyment of Life's Simple Pleasures: The verse advocates for finding joy in basic human experiences like eating, drinking, and being merry. This isn't a call to hedonism but a recognition that these are legitimate, God-given gifts amidst life's uncertainties.
  • God's Provision and Gift: The phrase "which God giveth him under the sun" is crucial. It underscores that these moments of joy are not accidental or purely self-generated, but are direct blessings from the Creator. They are a portion of one's labor, a tangible reward.
  • "Under the Sun" Perspective: This characteristic phrase of Ecclesiastes signifies a focus on earthly life and human experience. From this perspective, where ultimate answers are often elusive, the immediate, tangible blessings become highly valuable and are presented as the "better thing" available. This perspective encourages making the most of the present reality.
  • A Balanced View of Life: Rather than succumbing to cynicism or striving endlessly for what cannot be fully grasped, the Preacher finds wisdom in appreciating what is attainable and divinely provided. It’s a call to embrace life with gratitude.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mirth" is simchah (שִׂמְחָה), which encompasses joy, gladness, and rejoicing. It's a broad term for positive emotional states, often associated with celebrations or blessings. The phrase "under the sun" (תַּחַת הַשָּׁמֶשׁ, tachat ha-shemesh) is a hallmark of Ecclesiastes, appearing 29 times. It frames the Preacher's observations from a human, earthly vantage point, often highlighting the limitations and mysteries of life experienced without direct revelation of the afterlife.

Related Scriptures

This sentiment is a recurring refrain in Ecclesiastes, indicating a consistent conclusion reached by the Preacher:

  • 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 3:12-13: "I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."
  • Ecclesiastes 5:18-20: Emphasizes enjoying one's portion as a good and fitting thing, a gift from God.
  • Ecclesiastes 9:7-9: Further encourages living joyfully with one's spouse in the present life, knowing it is God's gift.

Practical Application

Ecclesiastes 8:15 offers timeless wisdom for modern life. In a world often preoccupied with future anxieties, grand achievements, or unresolved problems, this verse encourages us to:

  • Cultivate Gratitude: Recognize that simple pleasures—a good meal, fellowship, laughter—are not trivial but divine blessings to be received with thanksgiving.
  • Embrace the Present: Do not postpone joy. Find contentment and delight in the here and now, in the midst of daily labor and life's complexities.
  • Balance Work and Enjoyment: Our labor is given by God, and the fruit of that labor, including the ability to enjoy it, is also a gift. This provides a biblical basis for healthy work-life balance.
  • Trust God's Provision: Even when we don't understand all of God's ways or the injustices of the world, we can still trust in His goodness as manifested in the simple, tangible joys He provides daily.
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.

  • 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 5:18

    ¶ Behold [that] which I have seen: [it is] good and comely [for one] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it [is] his portion.

  • 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 3:13

    And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it [is] the gift of God.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:9

    Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity, which he hath given thee under the sun, all the days of thy vanity: for that [is] thy portion in [this] life, and in thy labour which thou takest under the sun.

  • 1 Timothy 4:3

    Forbidding to marry, [and commanding] to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

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