Ecclesiastes 8:15

So I gave praise to joy, because there is nothing better for a man to do under the sun than to take meat and drink and be happy; for that will be with him in his work all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun.

Bible in Basic English

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

14There is a thing which is to no purpose done on the earth: that there are good men to whom is given the same punishment as those who are evil, and there are evil men who get the reward of the good. I say that this again is to no purpose.

16When I gave my mind to the knowledge of wisdom and to seeing the business which is done on the earth (and there are those whose eyes see not sleep by day or by night),

Read all of Ecclesiastes 8

Cross References

Ecclesiastes 2:1I said in my heart, I will give you joy for a test; so take your pleasure--but it was to no purpose.

Ecclesiastes 2:24There is nothing better for a man than taking meat and drink, and having delight in his work. This again I saw was from the hand of God.

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.

1 Timothy 6:17Give orders to those who have money and goods in this life, not to be lifted up in their minds, or to put their hope in the uncertain chances of wealth, but in God who gives us in full measure all things for our use;

Matthew Henry on Ecclesiastes 8:15-17

The Mysteries of Providence. 14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity. 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. 16 When I… Read the whole commentary →

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