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Ecclesiastes 7:14

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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

This verse from Ecclesiastes offers practical wisdom on navigating the fluctuating experiences of life, emphasizing a balanced perspective under the sovereignty of God.

Context

Ecclesiastes Chapter 7 is part of the Preacher's reflections on wisdom, folly, and the search for meaning "under the sun." Having explored various aspects of life, death, and human endeavor, Solomon (traditionally considered the author) contrasts different situations and attitudes. Verse 14 specifically addresses how one should respond to the changing fortunes of life—prosperity and adversity—fitting within the broader theme of accepting God's appointed times and circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Acceptance of Life's Duality: The verse acknowledges that life includes both good times ("day of prosperity") and bad times ("day of adversity").
  • Appropriate Response: It prescribes a specific response for each season: joy in prosperity and thoughtful consideration in adversity.
  • God's Sovereignty: Central to the verse is the declaration that God orchestrates this balance, setting one experience against the other. This highlights God's control over human circumstances.
  • Human Limitations: The phrase "to the end that man should find nothing after him" suggests that this divine arrangement limits human ability to fully predict, control, or perhaps even comprehend the future or God's ultimate plan. Man cannot find a consistent pattern he can rely on independently of God, nor can he alter God's design.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "set the one over against the other" (Hebrew: he’elōhîm ‘āšâ zeh le’ummath-zeh) strongly implies a deliberate act of balancing or opposing by God. It's not random chance, but a divine arrangement where prosperity and adversity are placed in relationship to each other, serving a purpose known to God.

Commentary and Application

Solomon advises a realistic and God-centered approach to life's ups and downs. When things are going well, rejoice and be glad. Enjoy the blessings God has given. However, when facing hardship, do not despair but "consider." This consideration involves reflecting on the situation, perhaps seeking wisdom, and importantly, remembering that this difficult season is also part of God's plan and purpose. Just as God brings seasons of joy, He also allows times of trial, often for growth, testing, or redirection.

The concluding phrase, "to the end that man should find nothing after him," underscores the mystery of God's ways and the limits of human understanding and control. Because God sovereignly balances prosperity and adversity, humans cannot establish a predictable pattern or guarantee future outcomes based solely on past experiences or personal efforts. This prevents man from becoming arrogant in prosperity or utterly hopeless in adversity, reminding him that his times are in God's hands. It encourages a posture of humility and dependence on God.

Practically, this verse calls believers to:

  • Be grateful and joyful during good times, recognizing them as gifts from God.
  • Be thoughtful and reflective during difficult times, seeking God's purpose and strength. Trials can produce perseverance and maturity.
  • Trust in God's overarching plan, even when circumstances are challenging or unpredictable, acknowledging His control over all things (Proverbs 16:9).

Reflection

Ecclesiastes 7:14 teaches us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience with wisdom and faith. It's a call to live presently—enjoying today's good, learning from today's hard—while acknowledging that the balance of life is ultimately in God's hands, limiting our foresight and control, and thus directing our dependence back to Him.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Ecclesiastes 3:22 (10 votes)

    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 (10 votes)

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

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 26:11 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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.