◄ Ecclesiastes 5:20 ►
For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart.
Study Bible
For a man seldom considers
The phrase "seldom considers" suggests a rarity in deep reflection or contemplation. In the Hebrew text, the word used here implies a lack of frequent or earnest consideration. This can be understood as a commentary on human nature, where individuals often become engrossed in the immediate and tangible aspects of life, neglecting deeper existential reflections. Historically, this reflects the human tendency to focus on daily tasks and concerns, often at the expense of spiritual or philosophical contemplation.

the days of his life
This phrase emphasizes the temporal nature of human existence. In the Hebrew context, "days" often signifies the entirety of one's life journey, encompassing both mundane and significant moments. The brevity and fleeting nature of life are recurring themes in Ecclesiastes, reminding readers of the importance of living with purpose and awareness. The historical context of this text, likely written during a time of reflection on the meaning of life, underscores the transient nature of human endeavors.

because God keeps him occupied
Here, the focus shifts to divine intervention in human affairs. The Hebrew root for "keeps occupied" suggests an active engagement or preoccupation. This implies that God, in His sovereignty, provides individuals with tasks, responsibilities, and joys that fill their lives. From a conservative Christian perspective, this can be seen as a testament to God's providence and His desire for humans to find fulfillment in their daily activities, which are ultimately orchestrated by Him.

with the joy of his heart
The "joy of his heart" signifies a deep, intrinsic happiness that transcends external circumstances. In Hebrew, "joy" often conveys a sense of inner contentment and satisfaction. This joy is portrayed as a gift from God, a divine blessing that allows individuals to find meaning and pleasure in their lives. Scripturally, this aligns with the broader biblical theme that true joy and contentment are found in a relationship with God and in fulfilling His purposes. Historically, this reflects the understanding that despite life's challenges, God provides moments of joy that sustain and enrich the human experience.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Solomon
- Traditionally considered the author of Ecclesiastes, Solomon was the king of Israel known for his wisdom, wealth, and writings. Ecclesiastes is part of the wisdom literature attributed to him.

2. Israel
- The nation over which Solomon reigned. The cultural and religious context of Israel during Solomon's time influences the themes of Ecclesiastes.

3. God
- The central figure in Ecclesiastes, God is portrayed as the giver of joy and the one who provides meaning in life.

4. The Preacher (Qoheleth)
- The voice in Ecclesiastes, often identified with Solomon, who explores the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness.

5. Joy of the Heart
- A key theme in this verse, representing the deep, God-given contentment that transcends life's fleeting nature.
Teaching Points
God as the Source of Joy
True joy is a gift from God, not dependent on external circumstances. Believers are encouraged to seek fulfillment in their relationship with Him.

Contentment in Life's Simplicity
The verse suggests that a life focused on God-given joy leads to contentment, reducing the preoccupation with life's temporal concerns.

The Transience of Life
Recognizing the brevity of life can lead to a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the joy God provides.

Trust in God's Provision
Trusting that God will occupy our hearts with joy allows us to live without constant worry about the future.

Reflecting on God's Blessings
Regular reflection on God's blessings can cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy, aligning with the verse's message.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God as the source of joy change your perspective on daily challenges?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a heart that is occupied with joy, as described in Ecclesiastes 5:20?

3. How does the concept of God-given joy in Ecclesiastes 5:20 relate to the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount?

4. Reflect on a time when you experienced joy that was not dependent on your circumstances. How did that experience align with the message of this verse?

5. How can you apply the principle of finding joy in God's provision to your current life situation?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Philippians 4:4-7
- This passage speaks about rejoicing in the Lord and finding peace through prayer, which aligns with the idea of God-given joy.

James 1:17
- Highlights that every good and perfect gift is from above, connecting to the concept of God providing joy.

Psalm 16:11
- Describes the fullness of joy in God's presence, reinforcing the source of true joy as divine.

Matthew 6:25-34
- Jesus teaches about not worrying and trusting God for provision, which parallels the idea of being occupied with joy rather than life's anxieties.
Sermons
The Drawbacks Upon WealthJ. Willcock Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
The Good Things Appointed for Man by GodD. Thomas Ecclesiastes 5:18-20
People
Solomon
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Answereth, Answering, Consider, Gladness, Heart, Joy, Keeps, Lets, Occupied, Occupies, Often, Reflect, Reflects, Remember
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ecclesiastes 5:20

     5014   heart, human

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

     5846   enjoyment

Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

     8287   joy, experience
     8811   riches, attitudes to

Library
Naked or Clothed?
'As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.'--ECCLES. v. 15. '... Their works do follow them.'--REV. xiv. 13. It is to be observed that these two sharply contrasted texts do not refer to the same persons. The former is spoken of a rich worldling, the latter of 'the dead who die in the Lord.' The unrelieved gloom of the one is as a dark background against which the triumphant assurance of …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Lessons for Worship and for Work
'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. 2. Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few. 3. For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4. When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Things to be Meditated on as Thou Goest to the Church.
1. That thou art going to the court of the Lord, and to speak with the great God by prayer; and to hear his majesty speak unto thee by his word; and to receive his blessing on thy soul, and thy honest labour, in the six days past. 2. Say with thyself by the way--"As the hart brayeth for the rivers of water, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, even for the living God: When shall I come and appear before the presence of God? For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Literature.
i. editions of chrysostom's works. S. Joannis Chrysostomi, archiepiscopi Constantinopolitani, Opera omnia quæ exstant vel quæ ejus nomine circumferuntur, ad mss. codices Gallicos, Vaticanos, Anglicos, Germanicosque castigata, etc. Opera et studio D.Bernardi de Montfaucon, monachi ordinis S. Benedicti e congregatione S. Mauri, opem ferentibus aliis ex codem sodalitio, monachis. Greek and Latin, Paris, 1718-'38, in 13 vols., fol. This is the best edition, and the result of about twenty …
St. Chrysostom—On the Priesthood

Ninth Day for God's Spirit on Our Mission Work
WHAT TO PRAY.--For God's Spirit on our Mission Work "The evangelisation of the world depends first of all upon a revival of prayer. Deeper than the need for men--ay, deep down at the bottom of our spiritless life, is the need for the forgotten secret of prevailing, world-wide prayer." "As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate Me Barnabas and Saul. Then when they had fasted and prayed, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed."--ACTS …
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Thoughts Upon Worldly-Riches. Sect. Ii.
TIMOTHY after his Conversion to the Christian Faith, being found to be a Man of great Parts, Learning, and Piety, and so every way qualified for the work of the Ministry, St. Paul who had planted a Church at Ephesus the Metropolis or chief City of all Asia, left him to dress and propagate it, after his departure from it, giving him Power to ordain Elders or Priests, and to visit and exercise Jurisdiction over them, to see they did not teach false Doctrines, 1 Tim. i. 3. That they be unblameable in …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

There is a Blessedness in Reversion
Blessed are the poor in spirit. Matthew 5:3 Having done with the occasion, I come now to the sermon itself. Blessed are the poor in spirit'. Christ does not begin his Sermon on the Mount as the Law was delivered on the mount, with commands and threatenings, the trumpet sounding, the fire flaming, the earth quaking, and the hearts of the Israelites too for fear; but our Saviour (whose lips dropped as the honeycomb') begins with promises and blessings. So sweet and ravishing was the doctrine of this …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
As it has been shown that all duty, and that alone, ought to be vowed to God in covenant, it is manifest that what is lawfully engaged to in swearing by the name of God is enjoined in the moral law, and, because of the authority of that law, ought to be performed as a duty. But it is now to be proved that what is promised to God by vow or oath, ought to be performed also because of the act of Covenanting. The performance of that exercise is commanded, and the same law which enjoins that the duties …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Ecclesiastes
It is not surprising that the book of Ecclesiastes had a struggle to maintain its place in the canon, and it was probably only its reputed Solomonic authorship and the last two verses of the book that permanently secured its position at the synod of Jamnia in 90 A.D. The Jewish scholars of the first century A.D. were struck by the manner in which it contradicted itself: e.g., "I praised the dead more than the living," iv. 2, "A living dog is better than a dead lion," ix. 4; but they were still more …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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