Ecclesiastes 9:7
Ecclesiastes 9:7 in Multiple Translations
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
¶ Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God hath already accepted thy works.
Come, take your bread with joy, and your wine with a glad heart. God has taken pleasure in your works.
So go ahead and eat your food, and enjoy it. Drink your wine with a happy heart. That's what God intends that you should do.
Goe, eate thy bread with ioy, and drinke thy wine with a cheerefull heart: for God nowe accepteth thy workes.
Go, eat with joy thy bread, and drink with a glad heart thy wine, for already hath God been pleased with thy works.
Go your way—eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.
Go then, and eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with gladness: because thy works please God.
So I say, be joyful [DOU] while you eat your food and drink your wine, because that is what God wants you to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ecclesiastes 9:7
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֵ֣ךְ
אֱכֹ֤ל
בְּ/שִׂמְחָה֙
לַחְמֶ֔/ךָ
וּֽ/שֲׁתֵ֥ה
בְ/לֶב
ט֖וֹב
יֵינֶ֑/ךָ
כִּ֣י
כְבָ֔ר
רָצָ֥ה
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
אֶֽת
מַעֲשֶֽׂי/ךָ
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
אֱכֹ֤ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בְּ/שִׂמְחָה֙
simchâh
H8057
joy
Prep | N-fs
לַחְמֶ֔/ךָ
lechem
H3899
food
N-cs | Suff
וּֽ/שֲׁתֵ֥ה
shâthâh
H8354
to drink
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
בְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
ט֖וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
יֵינֶ֑/ךָ
yayin
H3196
wine
N-ms | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
כְבָ֔ר
kᵉbâr
H3528
already
Adv
רָצָ֥ה
râtsâh
H7521
to accept
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
מַעֲשֶֽׂי/ךָ
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ecclesiastes 9:7
לֵ֣ךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
אֱכֹ֤ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בְּ/שִׂמְחָה֙
simchâh
H8057
"joy"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.
Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.
לַחְמֶ֔/ךָ
lechem
H3899
"food"
N-cs | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to food, especially bread or grain. It's used throughout the Bible to describe meals, sacrifices, and daily life, highlighting the importance of food in ancient Israelite culture.
Definition: : food(eating) 1) bread, food, grain 1a) bread 1a1) bread 1a2) bread-corn 1b) food (in general)
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: (shew-) bread, [idiom] eat, food, fruit, loaf, meat, victuals. See also: Genesis 3:19; 1 Samuel 20:34; Psalms 14:4.
וּֽ/שֲׁתֵ֥ה
shâthâh
H8354
"to drink"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to drink, and it's used in many ways, like drinking from a cup or feasting. It's also used to describe being drunk or taking part in a big celebration. We see it in stories like the Last Supper in Matthew 26:27.
Definition: 1) to drink 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to drink 1a1a) of drinking cup of God's wrath, of slaughter, of wicked deeds (fig) 1a2) to feast 1b) (Niphal) to be drunk Aramaic equivalent: she.tah (שְׁתָה "to drink" H8355)
Usage: Occurs in 193 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of H8248 (שָׁקָה).) See also: Genesis 9:21; 2 Kings 19:24; Psalms 50:13.
בְ/לֶב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
ט֖וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
יֵינֶ֑/ךָ
yayin
H3196
"wine"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for wine, 'yayin', refers to fermented wine and its effects, including intoxication. It is often mentioned in the Bible in the context of banquets and feasts, such as in the book of Esther.
Definition: wine
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: banqueting, wine, wine(-bibber). See also: Genesis 9:21; Proverbs 20:1; Psalms 60:5.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כְבָ֔ר
kᵉbâr
H3528
"already"
Adv
Already refers to something that has happened in the past or has been true for a long time, such as in Genesis where it says God had already created the world.
Definition: already, long ago, a great while
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: already, (seeing that which), now. See also: Ecclesiastes 1:10; Ecclesiastes 4:2; Ecclesiastes 9:7.
רָצָ֥ה
râtsâh
H7521
"to accept"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to accept or be pleased with something, like God accepting our prayers. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, showing God's favor towards us. This word is about being satisfied or delighted.
Definition: 1) to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourably 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be pleased with, be favourable to 1a2) to accept 1a3) to be pleased, be determined 1a4) to make acceptable, satisfy 1a5) to please 1b) (Niphal) to be accepted, be pleased with 1c) (Piel) to seek favour of 1d) (Hiphil) to please, pay off 1e) (Hithpael) to make oneself acceptable or pleasing
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (be) accept(-able), accomplish, set affection, approve, consent with, delight (self), enjoy, (be, have a) favour(-able), like, observe, pardon, (be, have, take) please(-ure), reconcile self. See also: Genesis 33:10; Psalms 50:18; Psalms 40:14.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
מַעֲשֶֽׂי/ךָ
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
Study Notes — Ecclesiastes 9:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ecclesiastes 9:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
- Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:7
Context — Enjoy Your Portion in This Life
5For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten.
6Their love, their hate, and their envy have already vanished, and they will never again have a share in all that is done under the sun.
7Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
8Let your garments always be white, and never spare the oil for your head. 9Enjoy life with your beloved wife all the days of the fleeting life that God has given you under the sun—all your fleeting days. For this is your portion in life and in your labor under the sun.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 3:12–13 | I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live, and also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 12:7 | There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your households shall eat and rejoice in all you do, because the LORD your God has blessed you. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 10:19 | A feast is prepared for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 8:15 | 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. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 2:24–26 | Nothing is better for a man than to eat and drink and enjoy his work. I have also seen that this is from the hand of God. For apart from Him, who can eat and who can find enjoyment? To the man who is pleasing in His sight, He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner He assigns the task of gathering and accumulating that which he will hand over to one who pleases God. This too is futile and a pursuit of the wind. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 8:10–12 | Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.” Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 5:18 | Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot. |
| 8 | 1 Chronicles 16:1–3 | So they brought the ark of God and placed it inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And they presented burnt offerings and peace offerings before God. When David had finished sacrificing the burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD. Then he distributed to every man and woman of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 16:14–15 | And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 29:21–23 | The next day they offered sacrifices and presented burnt offerings to the LORD: a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, along with their drink offerings, and other sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. That day they ate and drank with great joy in the presence of the LORD. Then, for a second time, they designated David’s son Solomon as king, anointing him before the LORD as ruler, and Zadok as the priest. So Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD as king in place of his father David. He prospered, and all Israel obeyed him. |
Ecclesiastes 9:7 Summary
This verse means that we should enjoy the simple things in life, like eating and drinking, with a happy heart because God is pleased with us. It's not about being selfish or reckless, but about trusting that God has accepted our efforts and is working in our lives, as seen in Romans 14:18. We can have joy in the everyday things, like a good meal or time with loved ones, and trust that God is with us, as stated in Matthew 28:20. By doing so, we can live a more balanced and fulfilling life, glorifying God in all we do, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to have already approved our works?
This means that God is pleased with our efforts and has accepted them, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:7, and is similar to the concept of being acceptable to God in Romans 14:18, where it is written that those who serve Christ are acceptable to God.
Is the Bible promoting hedonism or reckless living in this verse?
No, the Bible is actually encouraging believers to live a balanced life, enjoying the blessings God has given them, as stated in Ecclesiastes 9:7, while also remembering to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How can we eat our bread and drink our wine with a cheerful heart when there is so much suffering in the world?
We can still find joy in the simple things God has given us, even in difficult times, as Ecclesiastes 9:7 suggests, and trust that God is working all things together for good, as stated in Romans 8:28.
What is the relationship between enjoying life and serving God?
Enjoying life and serving God are not mutually exclusive; in fact, God wants us to enjoy the life He has given us, as seen in Ecclesiastes 9:7, and to use our lives to glorify Him, as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a cheerful heart in my daily life, and how can I trust that God has approved my works?
- How can I balance enjoying the blessings God has given me with the knowledge that this life is fleeting, as mentioned in Ecclesiastes 9:9?
- What are some things in my life that I can 'eat with joy' and 'drink with a cheerful heart', and how can I share these joys with others?
- In what ways can I trust that God is working in my life, even when things seem uncertain or difficult, and how can I apply the principle of Ecclesiastes 9:7 to these situations?
Gill's Exposition on Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go thy way,.... Thou righteous man, as Jarchi paraphrases it; and indeed epicures and voluptuous persons have no need of the following exhortation, and the reason annexed is not suitable to them; but
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. Eat thy bread with joy. Here the voice of the Spirit rebuts the voice of the flesh.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
Go thy way, make this use of what I have said, eat thy bread; thine own, the fruit of thy own labours, not what thou takest unjustly from others. Bread; necessary and convenient food; by which he excludes excess. With a merry heart; cheerfully and thankfully enjoy thy comforts, avoiding all distracting care and grief for the occurrences of this world. God now accepteth thy works; is gracious to thee, hath blessed thy labours with success, and alloweth thee a comfortable enjoyment of his blessings.
Trapp's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
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.Ver. 7. Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy.] Vade, iuste, go thy way, thou righteous man; live in cheerfulness of mind, proceeding from the testimony of a good conscience: so Lyra senseth the words. God’ s grace and favour turned brown bread and water into manchet and wine to the martyrs in prison. "Rejoice not thou, O Israel, for joy, as other people, for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God." Thou cutest thy bane, thou drinkest thy poison, because "to the impure all things are impure," and "without faith it is impossible to please God." "In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare (or a cord to strangle his joy with), but the righteous doth sing and rejoice." He may do so; he must do so. What should hinder him? He hath made his peace with God, and is rectus in curia. Let him be merry at his meals, lightsome and spruce in his clothes, cheerful with his wife and children, &c. "Is any man merry at heart?" saith St James; is he right set, and hath he a right frame of soul (ευθυμει)? is all well within? "Let him sing psalms"; yea, as a traveller rides on merrily, and wears out the tediousness of the way by singing sweet songs unto himself; so should the saints. "Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage."
Ellicott's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
(7) Accepteth.—The thought has been expressed before (Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ecclesiastes 8:15), that earthly enjoyment is to be received as given by God’s favour.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
Verse 7. Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy] Do not vex and perplex yourselves with the dispensations and mysteries of Providence; enjoy the blessings which God has given you, and live to his glory; and then God will accept your works.
Cambridge Bible on Ecclesiastes 9:7
7. Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy] The Debater falls back, as before, on the Epicurean rule of tranquil regulated enjoyment, as in chs. Ecclesiastes 2:24, Ecclesiastes 3:12; Ecclesiastes 3:22, Ecclesiastes 5:18. Life was after all liveable, if a man would but set himself to look at its brighter side. The specific mention of “wine” for the first time in this connexion does not imply anything more than the moderate use of it commended in Proverbs 31:6; Psalms 104:15. What is asserted, is that asceticism is not the right remedy for pessimism. Experience indeed seems to shew that too often it does but intensify it. Whatever else might be doubtful, if such a life were accepted as God’s gift (chs. Ecclesiastes 2:24, Ecclesiastes 8:15), He approved of the deeds of the man who so lived. The “other, and more cheerful, voice” utters a protest against the mere gloom of despair.
We have oscillations of thought, but not, as some have supposed, the maxims of a sensualist introduced only to be condemned.
Barnes' Notes on Ecclesiastes 9:7
Read these six verses connectedly, in order to arrive at the meaning of the writer; and compare Ecclesiastes 2:1-12.
Whedon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:7
7. Eat… drink — This verse is an inference. If death be such, then life is of the nature of a holiday. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Sermons on Ecclesiastes 9:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Time for Everything Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith explores the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically focusing on chapter 3, verse 12. He begins by acknowledging the fleeting nature of life and the e |
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Amusements by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of amusement in the Christian life, arguing against the notion that all forms of pleasure are sinful. He highlights that true Christian joy re |
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Vain Worship. 5:1-20 by W.J. Erdman | In the sermon 'The Seeker,' W.J. Erdman reflects on the emptiness of worldly pursuits and the superficiality of human worship, urging worshippers to approach God with reverence and |
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Making a Living and Making a Life by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the distinction between making a living and making a life, urging that while earning a living is essential, it should not overshadow the importance of buildi |
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Ark of the Covenant - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a radical transformation of character through the power of God. He uses the example of the Israelites in the wilderness, who we |
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Prepared Instrument by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the theme of being a prepared soul and instrument for God's message. He emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding the Word of God |
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Money by Andrew Murray | Andrew Murray emphasizes the dual nature of money in the Christian life, highlighting its potential for both blessing and danger. He explains that while money represents hard work |