What lessons can be drawn from Ecclesiastes 5:18-20?

Ecclesiastes, a profound book of wisdom literature, often grapples with the meaning of life, the pursuit of happiness, and the role of God in human existence. Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 is a passage that offers insight into the human condition and divine providence, and it is worth delving deeply into its lessons.

The verses read as follows:

"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. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." (Ecclesiastes 5:18-20, NIV)

Embracing Contentment and Gratitude

The first lesson we can draw from these verses is the importance of contentment and gratitude. The writer, traditionally believed to be Solomon, observes that it is "good" and "appropriate" for a person to enjoy the simple pleasures of life—eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in their work. This highlights a fundamental principle: contentment is a virtue. In a world that often pushes us towards relentless ambition and dissatisfaction, Ecclesiastes calls us to recognize and appreciate the blessings we have.

Paul echoes this sentiment in the New Testament when he writes, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11, NIV). Contentment is not about complacency but about recognizing the hand of God in our daily lives and being grateful for His provision.

The Gift of Enjoyment

The passage also emphasizes that the ability to enjoy wealth and possessions is a gift from God. It is not merely having resources that brings joy, but the divine enablement to enjoy them. This is a profound theological point: joy and satisfaction are not purely human achievements but are granted by God. This perspective shifts our focus from the pursuit of material wealth as an end in itself to seeking God's blessing in our enjoyment of life.

Consider James 1:17, which states, "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (NIV). Our capacity to enjoy life’s blessings is a divine gift, and recognizing this fosters a spirit of humility and thankfulness.

The Role of Work

Work is another central theme in these verses. The writer acknowledges the "toilsome labor under the sun" and suggests that finding satisfaction in this labor is part of our God-given lot. This does not mean that work is always easy or enjoyable, but that there is inherent value and dignity in our labor.

In Genesis, we see that work was part of God's original design for humanity before the Fall. Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden to "work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15, NIV). Therefore, work itself is not a curse but a divine mandate. Ecclesiastes reminds us that finding joy in our work is a way to fulfill our purpose and honor God.

The Transience of Life

Another lesson from this passage is the transient nature of life. The writer mentions "the few days of life God has given them," highlighting the brevity of our earthly existence. This echoes the broader theme of Ecclesiastes, which frequently reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the vanity of earthly pursuits.

Psalm 90:12 similarly advises, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (NIV). Recognizing the shortness of life encourages us to live wisely, making the most of the time we have and focusing on what truly matters.

Divine Providence and Human Happiness

Finally, the passage concludes with a profound statement about divine providence: "They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." This suggests that true happiness and contentment come from God’s active involvement in our lives. When we are "occupied with gladness of heart," we are less likely to be consumed by worries about the past or future.

This is reminiscent of Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, where He instructs His followers not to worry about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies, what they will wear. Instead, He emphasizes seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:25-34). Trusting in God's providence frees us from anxiety and allows us to live joyfully in the present.

Conclusion

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 offers a rich tapestry of lessons that are as relevant today as they were in ancient times. It calls us to embrace contentment and gratitude, recognizing that our ability to enjoy life’s blessings is a gift from God. It affirms the value of work and the dignity of labor, while also reminding us of the transient nature of life. Most importantly, it points us to the divine providence that undergirds human happiness, encouraging us to trust in God's provision and live joyfully in the present.

By internalizing these lessons, we can navigate the complexities of life with a heart of wisdom, finding satisfaction and joy in the simple, everyday blessings that God bestows upon us.