The case for joy in Ecclesiastes

Does the Book of Ecclesiastes have a message for us today in a world that seems to have gone totally mad? Does this ancient writing have a message for those in the midst of so much suffering and pain?

More than any other biblical book, Ecclesiastes is associated with skepticism, cynicism and pessimism, pointing to both the frailty and futility of life. Why are we here after all? To what purpose? And why bother trying to change things? It’s just the same old cycle over and over again. And all for what?

As expressed in the second verse of the book, “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.'” (Ecc 1:2, NIV).

Of course, the end of the book comes to a sober, orthodox conclusion. In short, having done it all, having had it all, the author of the book says that only one thing matters: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecc 12:13-14).

As expressed by Old Testament commentator Derek Kidner, throughout Ecclesiastes, “Path after path will be relentlessly explored to the very point at which it comes to nothing. In the end, only one way will be left.”

That is certainly the central message of the book, the message you are left with when you read all 12 chapters to the end. But is there another message that emerges from the book, a sub-message to the larger conclusion?

As the author takes you on his journey through life, he does give voice to cynicism and skepticism, with comments like this: “All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.” (1:8)

And this: “with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief” (1:18).

And this: “the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered; the days have already come when both have been forgotten. Like the fool, the wise too must die!” (2:16)

And this: “I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all” (9:11).

You can see why Ecclesiastes is a favorite book of skeptical readers of the Bible.

Yet embedded in these skeptical observations is a common refrain found several times in the book which basically says, “Enjoying life is a gift from God!”

This is not to be mistaken for the worldly philosophy which says, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die!” In context, “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die” is a godless response to a divine call to fasting and repentance (see Isa 22:12-14).

But the context of Ecclesiastes is different. This is the author’s reflection before God, not a word of rebellion against Him. It is a practical observation rather than a fleshly response.

To place these verses back to back:

“A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” (2:24-25)

“I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil – this is the gift of God.” (3:12-13)

“This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them – for this is their lot.” (5:18)

“So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.” (8:15)

“Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun – all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.” (9:7-9)

To be sure, this is not the ultimate conclusion of the book, as we have noted. And some scholars see these statements as concessions.

Yet the fact remains that this world is filled with pain and suffering. Every day there is a tragedy. Every moment there is agony. Every second there is injustice. It is absolutely maddening.

How can we be happy in a world with so much sorrow? How can we smile today when tomorrow might bring unspeakable heartache?

That’s why so many people are depressed and why others take their lives. The pain is just too great, the hopelessness too overwhelming.

And that’s why, with full acknowledgment of the suffering of the human race and the seeming meaninglessness of our lives, Ecclesiastes recognizes that to enjoy life is a gift from God. Don’t take it for granted!

We can do this while still caring about the needs of others. We can still do this and weep with those who weep. We can still do this and live in the light of final judgment.

But while we’re here in this world, even to enjoy life is a gift from God. Be grateful for it and give Him thanks, all while fearing Him and keeping His commandments.

It is a matter of both-and rather than either-or.