Ecclesiastes 3:12

Translations

Modern

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,

Traditional

I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.

Literal

I know that there is nothing good for them, but than to rejoice and to do good during their lives,

Latin

Et cognovi quod non esset melius nisi lætari, et facere bene in vita sua;

Original

Hebrew

English

I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and do good while they live,

Notes

Ecclesiastes 3:12–13

rejoice and do good while they live: Even though life and work can be hard, the Teacher's conclusion (repeated from Ecclesiastes 2:24) can still be true.

Ecclesiastes 3:9–14

Every activity has a right time (Ecclesiastes 3:1–8), but only God knows when that time is (Ecclesiastes 3:9–11). People should accept uncertainty and trust God, who rewards wise and righteous work with enjoyment.

Theme notes and profiles

Enjoying God’s Gifts

Related verses

Psalm 37:3
Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.
Ecclesiastes 3:22
I have seen that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will come after him?
1 Timothy 6:18
Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share,
1 Thessalonians 5:15–16
Make sure that no one repays evil for evil. Always pursue what is good for one another and for all people.
Philippians 4:4–9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Acts 20:35
In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
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?
Luke 11:41
But give as alms the things that are within you, and behold, everything will be clean for you.
Ecclesiastes 9:7–9
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a cheerful heart, for God has already approved your works:
Deuteronomy 28:63
Just as it pleased the LORD to make you prosper and multiply, so also it will please Him to annihilate you and destroy you. And you will be uprooted from the land you are entering to possess.

Glossary

Book of Ecclesiastes

Topics

Contentment: General Scriptures Concerning Enjoying Life Happiness Happiness of the Righteous Natural Life: should be Spent in Doing Good True Happiness

Ecclesiastes 3:12

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