Ecclesiastes 5:20

Modern

For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

Traditional

For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart.

Literal

For he shall not much remember the days of his life, because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

Latin

Non enim satis recordabitur dierum vitæ suæ, eo quod Deus occupet deliciis cor ejus.

Hebrew

English

For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.

The advice for enjoying life is clear: Enjoy your food, drink, and work. Appreciate them as gifts from God.

Theme notes and profiles

Isaiah 65:13–14
Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame.
Psalm 37:16
Better is the little of the righteous than the abundance of many who are wicked.
Isaiah 65:21–24
They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Psalm 4:6–7
Many ask, “Who can show us the good?” Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD.
Deuteronomy 28:47
Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart in all your abundance,
Deuteronomy 28:8–12
The LORD will decree a blessing on your barns and on everything to which you put your hand; the LORD your God will bless you in the land He is giving you.
Isaiah 64:5
You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways. Surely You were angry, for we sinned. How can we be saved if we remain in our sins?
Romans 5:5–11
And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.