For a man seldom considers the days of his lifeThis phrase reflects the transient nature of human life and the tendency to focus on immediate experiences rather than the passage of time. In the context of Ecclesiastes, it underscores the theme of life's fleeting nature and the futility of human endeavors without divine perspective. The Hebrew word for "considers" can also imply deep reflection or contemplation, suggesting that people often live without fully appreciating the brevity of life. This echoes
Psalm 90:12, which urges believers to "number our days" to gain wisdom. The cultural context of ancient Israel, where life was often uncertain due to factors like war, famine, and disease, would make this reflection particularly poignant.
because God keeps him occupied
This part of the verse highlights God's active role in human life, providing a sense of purpose and engagement. The word "occupied" suggests a divine intervention that fills a person's life with meaningful activity. This aligns with the biblical view that God is sovereign and intimately involved in the lives of His people, as seen in passages likeProverbs 16:9, which states that "the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Theologically, this can be seen as a form of divine grace, where God provides contentment and purpose amidst life's vanities.
with the joy of his heart
The joy mentioned here is a gift from God, contrasting with the often pessimistic tone of Ecclesiastes. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep-seated contentment that God imparts. In the broader biblical narrative, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often associated with salvation and God's presence (Psalm 16:11). This joy can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate source of joy for believers, as He promises fullness of joy in Him (John 15:11). The historical context of Ecclesiastes, likely written during Solomon's reign, a time of prosperity and peace, would make this divine joy particularly relevant as a counterbalance to the material wealth and achievements that might otherwise distract from spiritual fulfillment.
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 JoyTrue 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 SimplicityThe verse suggests that a life focused on God-given joy leads to contentment, reducing the preoccupation with life's temporal concerns.
The Transience of LifeRecognizing the brevity of life can lead to a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the joy God provides.
Trust in God's ProvisionTrusting that God will occupy our hearts with joy allows us to live without constant worry about the future.
Reflecting on God's BlessingsRegular reflection on God's blessings can cultivate a heart of gratitude and joy, aligning with the verse's message.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ecclesiastes 5:20?
2.How can we find joy in our daily work as Ecclesiastes 5:20 suggests?
3.What does Ecclesiastes 5:20 teach about God's role in our happiness?
4.How does Ecclesiastes 5:20 connect with Philippians 4:11 on contentment?
5.How can we apply Ecclesiastes 5:20 to overcome life's daily struggles?
6.In what ways does Ecclesiastes 5:20 encourage gratitude for God's blessings?
7.How does Ecclesiastes 5:20 relate to finding joy in daily life despite life's uncertainties?
8.What does Ecclesiastes 5:20 suggest about God's role in human contentment?
9.How does Ecclesiastes 5:20 challenge the pursuit of material wealth?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ecclesiastes 5?
11.What does the Bible say about unhappy marriages?
12.What defines a man of God?
13.If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?
14.Do all men sin? Yes, as per I Kings 8:46 and others. No, true Christians, as children of God, cannot sin (I John 3:9). Yet, claiming sinlessness is self-deception (I John 1:8).What Does Ecclesiastes 5:20 Mean
For a man seldom considers the days of his lifeEcclesiastes 5:20 opens by noting, “For a man seldom considers the days of his life”.
• Life rushes by; few pause long enough to weigh every passing day (Psalm 90:12;James 4:14).
• Solomon has already observed the brevity of our years (Ecclesiastes 1:4; 6:12).
• The phrase is not an indictment of negligence but an observation: when God blesses, a person is spared the burden of obsessive introspection (Ecclesiastes 7:14).
because God keeps him occupiedThe verse continues, “because God keeps him occupied.”
• The Hebrew sage insists that the ability to stay engaged with meaningful tasks is a divine gift (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26; 3:13).
• God’s sovereignty is on display: He actively “keeps” or holds the believer in a purposeful rhythm—work, family, worship—so that life is neither empty nor aimless (Acts 17:24-28;Psalm 37:23-24).
• This occupation is grace, not drudgery; it protects from despair (Ecclesiastes 4:8-9; 5:18-19).
with the joy of his heartThe verse concludes, “with the joy of his heart.”
• Joy, not mere pleasure, flows from knowing every good thing is from God (Psalm 4:7;John 16:22).
• This inward gladness is rooted in fellowship with the Lord and manifests in daily contentment (Galatians 5:22;Romans 14:17).
• Instead of being weighed down by the fleeting nature of life, the believer is buoyed by a divinely sourced joy that saturates ordinary moments (Nehemiah 8:10;Philippians 4:4-7).
summaryEcclesiastes 5:20 teaches that when God graciously fills a person’s heart with joy and meaningful occupation, the burdensome awareness of life’s brevity fades. Rather than living under the shadow of passing days, the believer lives in the light of God’s daily gifts—busy, content, and joy-filled, all to the glory of the One who gives every good thing.
(20) "In the enjoyment of God's gifts he does not think much of the sorrows or brevity of life." This is the usual explanation; and though not satisfied with it, we cannot suggest a better.
Verse 20. -
For he shall not much remember the days of his life. The man who has learned the lesson of calm enjoyment does not much concern himself with the shortness, uncertainty, or possible trouble of life. He carries out the counsel of Christ, "
Be not anxious for the morrow, for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof" (
Matthew 6:34). Ginsburg gives an entirely opposite rendering to the clause, "
He should remember that the days of his life are not many;"
i.
e. the thought of the shortness of life should urge us to enjoy it while it lasts. But the Authorized Version is supported by the Septuagint and Vulgate and most modern commentators, and seems most appropriate to the context. The marginal rendering, "
Though he give
not much, yet
he remembereth," etc., which Ginsburg calls a literary curiosity, must have been derived from the version of Junius, which gives, "Quod si non multum (
supple, est illud quod dederit Deus,
ex versu praec.)," etc.
Because God answereth him in the joy of his heart. The man passes a calm and contented life, because God shows that he is pleased with him by the tranquil joy shed over his heart. The verb
מַעֲנֶה (the hiph. participle of
עָנָה) is variously rendered. The Septuagint gives,
Ὁ Θεὸς περισπᾷ αὐτὸν ἐνεὐφροσύνῃ καρδίας αὐτοῦ, "God distracts him in the mirth of his heart;" Vulgate,
Eo quod Deus occupet deliciis cot ejus; Ginsburg, "God causeth him to work for the enjoyment of his heart,"
i.
e. God assigns him work that he may thence derive enjoyment; Koster," God makes him sing in the joy of his heart;" Delitzsch, Wright, and Plumptre, "God answers (corresponds with) the joy of his heart," which the latter explains to mean "is felt to approve it as harmonizing, in its calm evenness, with his own blessedness, the tranquility of the wise man mirroring the tranquility of God." But this modified Epicureanism is alien from the teaching of Koheleth. Rather the idea is that God answers him with, imparts to him, joy of heart, makes him sensible of his favorable regard by this inward feeling of satisfaction and content.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּ֚י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction[a man] seldomלֹ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noconsidersיִזְכֹּ֖ר(yiz·kōr)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2142:To mark, to remember, to mention, to be malethe daysיְמֵ֣י(yə·mê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117:A dayof his life,חַיָּ֑יו(ḥay·yāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2416:Alive, raw, fresh, strong, lifebecauseכִּ֧י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionGodהָאֱלֹהִ֛ים(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativekeeps him occupiedמַעֲנֶ֖ה(ma·‘ă·neh)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6031:To be bowed down or afflictedwith the joyבְּשִׂמְחַ֥ת(bə·śim·ḥaṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8057:Blithesomeness, gleeof his heart.לִבּֽוֹ׃(lib·bōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820:The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre
Links
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OT Poetry: Ecclesiastes 5:20 For he shall not often reflect (Ecclesiast. Ec Ecc Eccles.) 
