Ecclesiastes 2:24-25: Finding Joy in the Simple Things

Solomon says, “There’s nothing better for a man than to eat, drink, and tell himself that his work is good. I’ve seen that it’s from God. Who can eat and have fun without Him?”

We all want success, money, pleasure, or personal achievements. We think these will make us happy. But Ecclesiastes says, “Think again.” Solomon tells us the truth about life’s purpose. He says life is beautiful, but it’s also short.

In the next verses, Solomon tells us all about his search for meaning in things like money, smarts, and fun. He had everything, but he still felt empty. He said, “All is vanity or meaningless under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 2:11).

So, Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 is a big change. Solomon says, “Even simple things like eating, drinking, and finding satisfaction in work are not meaningless when we know they’re gifts from God. This means we should be grateful and happy in the present moment.”

Here are some things we can learn from Ecclesiastes 2:24-25:

1. Simple pleasures are important. In a world that always wants more, we often forget to enjoy the little things. Sharing a meal, talking to a friend, or finishing a task can be really satisfying if we’re grateful for them.

2. True joy comes from God. Solomon says that God gives us the things that make us happy. So, if we want to be truly happy, we should thank God for the gifts He gives us.

The phrase “from the hand of God” reminds us that our happiness comes from God. Solomon says that trying to find happiness on our own is like trying to catch smoke with our bare hands. Joy isn’t something we make; it’s a gift from God. When we understand this, we see that the things we enjoy in life are really gifts from God, not things we earn or deserve.

Ecclesiastes also says that finding satisfaction in work is not as crazy as it sounds. In our culture, we often think of work as just a way to make money, but Ecclesiastes says that work is actually part of God’s plan for us. When we do our work with care and attention, it can become a way to worship God and feel a sense of fulfillment.

Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25 that life’s pleasures may not last forever, but they’re still important if we recognize them as gifts from God. By being grateful for the things we have and trusting in God, we can find a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond the things we can achieve on our own.

So, take a moment to pause, breathe, and thank God for the simple blessings in your life. Without Him, who can truly find joy?