Ecclesiastes 3:12

I am certain that there is nothing better for a man than to be glad, and to do good while life is in him.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

In Context

11He has made everything right in its time; but he has made their hearts without knowledge, so that man is unable to see the works of God, from the first to the last.

13And for every man to take food and drink, and have joy in all his work, is a reward from God.

Read all of Ecclesiastes 3

Cross References

Psalms 37:3Have faith in the Lord, and do good; be at rest in the land, and go after righteousness.

Ecclesiastes 3:22So I saw that there is nothing better than for a man to have joy in his work--because that is his reward. Who will make him see what will come after him?

Ecclesiastes 9:7Come, take your bread with joy, and your wine with a glad heart. God has taken pleasure in your works.

Acts 20:35In all things I was an example to you of how, in your lives, you are to give help to the feeble, and keep in memory the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, There is a greater blessing in giving than in getting.

1 Thessalonians 5:15Let no one give evil for evil; but ever go after what is good, for one another and for all.

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 3:12-16

Mutability of Human Affairs. 11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. 13 And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. 14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study Ecclesiastes 3:12